Summary
Background
Macedon Ranges Shire Council (Council) provides services and support to older people through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, including a service called Social Support Individual, which is primarily delivered by volunteers. Through this service, Council offers the Digital Connect Program.
There has been an increased need and interest from older people and clients to broaden their skills and knowledge in using technology. There have also been reports of older people experiencing increased loneliness and isolation. Council’s Healthy Ageing Engagement Team is committed to supporting and addressing the needs of older people to be socially connected.
The COVID-19 pandemic first affected the Macedon Ranges community in March 2020, further increasing older people’s loneliness and social isolation. As a result, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme approved the expansion of the Social Support Individual service to allow eligible clients to access financial support to purchase a digital device and/or internet connection.
Project Brief
To respond to the growing social isolation of older people, Social Support Individual funding from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme was used to implement the Digital Connect program. This program funds eligible clients to access an IT device such as a tablet, laptop or phone. The Digital Connect program also provides the option of one-on-one support with a Council volunteer or Community Connection Worker (in-home support worker) who acts as a digital mentor. These one-on-one sessions provide clients with support on how to use their devices and encourage them to develop new skills and confidence, as well as increasing their social connections during a time of isolation.
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Sector(s): Information and communication
Desired outcome for older people:
Learn, grow and make decisions
- Accessibility
- Ageing in place
- Participation
- Technologies