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Experts seek scalable solutions for loneliness in aged care clients

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Federation University Australia has joined forces with Silverchain on a groundbreaking project designed to tackle the growing issue of loneliness among older Australians receiving in-home aged care.

Under an industry co-funded PhD scholarship, the chosen PhD candidate will operate at the intersection of academia and frontline care. The student will be co-supervised by expert researchers from Federation University and practitioners within Silverchain. Embedded in Silverchain’s Research and Innovation team, the successful candidate will generate new insights into loneliness and develop practical, scalable interventions tailored to vulnerable older adults.

A 2021 study published in PLOS ONE, Prevalence of loneliness amongst older people in high-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis, indicates that 28% of older people in countries similar to Australia experience loneliness. Silverchain’s Director of Research Discovery, Adjunct Professor Tanya Davison, says this highlights a major public health concern:

“While this analysis from PLOS ONE focuses on older adults in general, risk factors for loneliness – such as partner loss, a limited social network or social activity, poor perceived health and depressed mood – are often heightened among people accessing in home aged care. This emphasises the need for targeted research and intervention for this vulnerable group.”

She adds that Silverchain has already invested in a unique support program, Enhanced Management of Home-Based Elders with Depression, aiming to reduce symptoms of depression in older Australians. According to Adj Prof Davison:

“This PhD, made possible by Silverchain Foundation, represents an exciting opportunity to combine academic excellence with practical innovation, and make a real difference in the lives of older Australians.”

Federation University’s Distinguished Professor, Colette Browning, explains that while there is growing awareness of loneliness in the general population, the specific challenges confronting those receiving in-home care have received little policy attention:

“It is therefore crucial to explore innovative strategies to mitigate loneliness and enhance mental health. This partnership allows us to develop evidence-based interventions that can be widely implemented across the aged care system.”

Over the next three and a half years, the PhD candidate will conduct a series of studies to investigate loneliness in in-home aged care clients. The ultimate goal is to devise solutions that can be adopted broadly within the sector. In addition to a $35,000 annual allowance and a $10,000 top-up, the scholarship also offers further project and conference support. The candidate will be based at Federation University’s Mt Helen and/or Berwick campuses in Victoria.

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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