Resources

This 2022 report from the Centre for Health Service Development draws on findings and lessons learned through the Australian Government funded evaluation of the Improving Social Connectedness of Older Australians pilot. 

This report from Councils on the Ageing discusses the findings of an online survey describing the state of older people in Australia.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of social isolation, the number of older people affected by it, who is at risk, how to get out of it, its relationship with mental health and current role and scope of Council on the Ageing activities relating to it.

This report from Dementia Australia discusses the impact of social isolation and loneliness among people living with dementia, their families and caregivers, factors related to it and recommendations to address the issue.

This document discusses the challenges and impacts of the social isolation directive for older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

One in 4 older people aged 65 and over lives alone. This can affect health and wellbeing. This chapter of Australia's welfare from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare discusses two of the key issues facing older Australians: ageing and dementia.

The submission by the National Mental Health Commission to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. 

A submission to the Royal Commission from Mental Health Australia that highlights current structural arrangements which impede the provision of timely and appropriate identification and treatment of mental health conditions in older Australians.

A position statement on care of older people with mental illness from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

This report prepared by the Health Services Union and United Voice explores quality from the perspectives of older people, their family members and care workers. This provides an outline of the factors known to build social and emotional wellbeing in aged care settings.