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Enhancing mental health and social care services for older adults during periods of long-term social isolation

Following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to social care services for older adults. A research project was developed involving in a two-pronged approach older adults and social care services were investigated.

Regarding older adults: The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of older adults to isolation and poor emotional wellbeing. We explored older adults’ experiences accessing social and emotional support during the pandemic. We found that older adults are resilient to the changes posed by Covid-19, relied on informal support networks and digital technologies to maintain their social and emotional wellbeing. Nevertheless, some older adults were anxious about reconnecting with their social networks once restrictions have eased, and those who were unable or reluctant to use technology were at risk of social isolation. Local government and community groups may benefit from increased funding to deliver services that promote social connectedness during times of crisis.

Regarding service providers: We investigated how small, local organisations were impacted by and responded to COVID-19 in their delivery of social care services to older adults (70 years and older).

Six representatives from four social care services (five females and one male) participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Responses were analysed thematically.

The key themes identified were service providers' experience, perceived needs of older adults and adapting services. Service providers positioned themselves as front-line essential workers for their older adult clients, resulting in some emotional toll and distress for the service providers. They provided information, wellness checks and at-home assistance to keep their older adult clients connected.

Service providers feel more prepared for future restrictions but flag the potential of training and supporting older adults to use technology to stay connected, as well as the need for more readily available funding to allow services to adapt quickly during times of crisis.

Funding agency

Department of Health Western Australia $65,000

Project duration

2020 – 2021

Publications

  • Budrikis, A., Parry, C., Adams, C., Gringart, E., Sim, M., McAullay, D., & Strobel, N. (2023).  Enabling social care services for older adults during periods of long-term social isolation: service provider perspectives. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 42(2), 429-435. ERA (Q1)
  • Scarfe, B., Adams, C., Gringart, E., McAullay, D., Sim, M., & Strobel, N. (2022). Maintaining social and emotional wellbeing among older adults during periods of increased social isolation: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian Journal of Psychology 74: 1. ERA (Q2) DOI: 10.1080/00049530.2022.2141584

Researchers

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