International Conference 2024 | Social Work with Older Persons: Social Frailty, Psychotherapy and Aged Care Pathways

The 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health (ICSWHMH) was held in November 2024 in Melbourne. This significant event in successfully brought together social work professionals, researchers, educators, and students from around the world to discuss and share the latest developments in the field of social work in health and mental health.

Recording 1

Social Frailty in Older People: A Scoping Review of Assessment Tools

Presenters: Prof Martin Webber (UK) & Prof Lynette Joubert (Australia, VIC)

This session will report the findings of a scoping review on social frailty in older adults. In particular, it will present findings on the conceptualisation and measurement of social frailty, with some recommendations for future research. It will help attendees gain a better understanding about what social frailty is and how it can be measured across health and social care settings.

Recording 2

Pathway to Residential Aged Care: A Royal Melbourne Hospital Initiative

Presenters: Ms Lorri Chandler (Australia, VIC) & Ms Lucy Thompson (Australia, VIC)

In July 2022 The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), implemented a social work led pilot program in a bid to expediate discharge for patients who were medically stable and transitioning to residential aged care. The program sought to reduce unnecessary hospital bed days (for eligible patients aged over 65years) and provided patients with additional time to make decisions about Residential Aged Care. The program focused on patients being offered 63 days of respite care at an RMH Aged Care facility.

This session explores the design of the ‘Pathway to Residential Aged Care’ program and lessons learnt throughout the two-year running of the program. Specifically, discussion will centre around the pertinence of the program being social work led, stakeholders to the program, gains made in regard to consumer satisfaction, hospital bed days saved and financial revenue.

The session would be of benefit to all Allied Health professionals working within the Acute/Sub Acute hospital setting. Primarily involved in working with patients and families to navigate timely safe discharge from the hospital environment.

Recording 3

The Happy Kakis (THK): A Blended Early Intervention Approach To Social Isolation Among Older Adults

Presenters: Mr Christopher Pang (Singapore) & Mr Ignatius Pereira (Singapore)

The Happy Kakis (THK) groupwork started in 2021 as a response to a needs assessment survey that was completed by about 2000 households living in the Jalan Bukit Merah neighbourhood of Singapore, which is home to numerous rental flat occupants who belongs to the lower socioeconomic segment.

A program evaluation employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative analysis of transcripts, session notes, journal entries, and facilitator assessments – of participants during sessions and post-groupwork sessions – with quantitative data from pre and post-tests was carried out. The purpose was to prove the helpfulness of the groupwork to alleviate the symptoms of social isolation among individuals aged 50 and above.

Now, we know that the groupwork is effective. The evaluation has also yielded some interesting findings which we would like to share.

• The 11 values (acceptance, personal beliefs, positive thoughts, to be happy, helpful, kindness, love, principles of living, nothing is impossible, respect and trust) that are helpful to alleviate the symptoms of social isolation.
• The how. And its possible applications to other domain of concerns.
• Some characteristics of these values including the “mirror” values.
• The suggestive origin of these values on how it was created.
• The effects of parallel groupwork effect.

Recording 4

They Need Us to Think Differently: Senior Friendly Psychotherapy

Presenter: Ms Felicity Chapman (Australia, SA)

Understanding and engaging with older adults in therapy is crucial. Dignity, choice, and respect are emphasised, especially for seniors uncomfortable with traditional models. Personal stories illustrate the importance of trust and addressing unique needs. The content critiques formal therapy, advocating for a flexible approach that values seniors' experiences. It also addresses ageism and promotes self-compassion for clients and caregivers, aiming to redefine effective therapy for seniors.

AASW Credentials: Older Persons