A handbook designed to help home and community care workers address emotional wellbeing issues among Gippsland seniors will be launched next week.
Titled ‘Planned Activity Groups Emotional Wellbeing Pathways’, the book was the second phase of a project initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services, targeting planned activity groups involving the elderly.
The first involved physical activity within PAG groups.
Gippsland Multicultural Services director Lisa Sinha said the book contained information to help health and community care workers recognise mental and emotional ill health and provided strategies on how to assist clients.
“Emotional wellbeing is of concern for our older community members and as PAGs are aimed at reducing social isolation, it was important to have an evidence-based tool to use when planning activities that would enhance emotional wellbeing,” Ms Sinha said.
The book was the first of its kind in the region and identifies common types of emotional wellbeing issues affecting Gippsland seniors such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
“Some miss friends and relatives and some may feel isolated and may feel they lack a sense of purpose,” Ms Sinha said.
She said the guidebook will enable HACC funded agencies to plan their PAG activities better and make “informed decisions” on the types of programs resulting in the best outcomes for participants.
It also provided strategies for HACC workers to promote seniors’ emotional health and refer them to available services so they could receive proper assistance.
She said PAG activities have helped seniors, as participants experience a “sense of meaning to their lives” and enjoyed learning new skills and reviving old ones.
The book will be launched on Wednesday, 15 July at 10am at Lifeline Gippsland, Fleming Street, Morwell.
While it is a free event, attendees are encouraged to RSVP and book through www.trybooking.com/138700
