MercyCare have been looking into several avenues to increase resident wellbeing during their lockdown period and to address the unique challenges facing residential and at home care.

Maintaining vital social connections across the generations in times of physical distancing and investigating the impact of loneliness and depression during COVID 19.

This session will highlight the success and lessons learned from MercyCare’s journey to-date, including:

• The impact of digital technology on depression and loneliness with a focus on home care: an Australian first study in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology and Checked in Care
• Not re-inventing the wheel: utilising every day solutions such as phone calls, direct delivery of presents to residents, “conversations through glass” and platforms such as Skype, zoom and face-time to improve resident experience
• Intergenerational learning pilot: Developing innovative ways to connect older residents at Mercy Village and primary school students at Rehoboth Christian College - co designing purposeful structured activities using video conferencing in partnership with Griffith University.