Lucio Naccarella
Social isolation poses a significant challenge for older adults in residential aged care (RAC) facilities. To help staff support the social connections of these residents, Uniting Care, the Salvation Army, and Swinburne University's Social Innovation Research Institute collaborated to create the Social Connection Enablement & Assessment Toolkit. This Toolkit includes workshops, guides, e-learning modules, and a digital data collection interface to enhance social engagement.
This report evaluates how effectively the Toolkit has been implemented in four RAC facilities and examines the factors influencing its success. By conducting interviews, observations, and meetings with staff, we gathered insights into the challenges and strengths of using the Toolkit. The findings emphasise the importance of strong organisational support and readiness for change, essential for fostering social connections among residents. This report provides recommendations for improving social connection initiatives in aged care settings.
Please access and read the report here ⬇️