• Research on the NSW Mid North Coast has informed a clinic model for people aged 65+ who seek connection, purpose and practical support to help them stay independent
• Australians aged 65+ are approximately 17 per cent of the population, with a greater proportion living in regional areas

Two years of research with older people on the NSW Mid North Coast has helped a research team at Charles Sturt University to devise a model for aged care wellbeing and social program delivery.

The research indicates that for regional older Australians, staying healthy isn’t just about seeing a doctor ─ it’s about having somewhere to connect, learn, feel safe and continue contributing to their community.

Dr Patricia Mackey is the research team leader and Senior Lecturer in Social Work in the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts.

She said with the ageing Australian population and greater proportions of over-60s living in regional NSW, health and wellbeing clinical services need to keep pace with increasing demand.

“It’s a national issue that Australia’s ageing population is outgrowing traditional health services at the same time governments are trying to reduce hospital admissions and keep people living independently longer,” Dr Mackey said.

“Our recent research on the Mid North Coast provides direct community-led solutions rather than academics making assumptions.”

The ‘Wellbeing Connect 4 Seniors Interprofessional Wellbeing Clinic’ research project asked, ‘What university-based health and wellbeing clinic models of care best meet the needs and priorities of older adults in a regional area?’.

The researchers engaged with 79 older people, industry representatives and carers who participated in the research.

“Older Australians aren’t just looking for more healthcare, they’re looking for connection, purpose and practical support to help them stay independent," Dr Mackey said.

“Given the ageing population, growing concerns around loneliness and social isolation, and issues like digital scams affecting older Australians, the proposed community wellbeing clinic is a positive solution.

“The added benefit is that it would also help build the future allied health workforce through workplace learning and field education placements for students from health disciplines such as social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, paramedicine and nursing.”

Dr Mackey said the community indicated their support to develop collaborative partnerships for a wellbeing clinic that meets the needs of older people in the region and assists to build the allied health workforce.

She said participants understood wellbeing to be multifaceted, inclusive of good physical and mental health, psychological and emotional health, and spiritual wellbeing.

They emphasised importance of a clinic model that fosters social and community connections and preventative health services, along with the provision of interprofessional therapeutic and counselling services.

Safety emerged as a concern for older people, including personal, home, cyber and digital safety.

“We will shortly commence Wellbeing Connect 4 Seniors via a staged implementation and are exploring funding opportunities,” Dr Mackey said.

“Social work students will initially provide programs such as digital life storytelling, wellbeing and reminiscence groups, organising public safety and legal workshops, and a carer support group.”