Staff Contribute to Shaping Older Persons' Care

Adelaide PHN staff recently came together for a group discussion to help inform our upcoming Older Persons and Aged Care Needs Assessment. 

The session provided an opportunity for staff across the organisation to reflect on ageing, aged care and health, and to share their personal experiences and insights for improving wellbeing and access to care for older people in our region.

Through a series of reflective questions, participants considered what good health and wellbeing looks like in older age, what supports are currently working well in communities, and what barriers and opportunities exist across the system.

Key takeaways:

• Wellbeing is more than just health care: Staff highlighted that ageing well is about staying connected, independent, and active, with access to meaningful roles or purpose in later life.
• Community-based services make a difference: Local libraries, community centres, and GP clinics were identified as trusted and accessible supports that help people remain engaged and care for.
• Navigating the system remains complex: A recurring theme was the difficulty older people face navigating aged care and health services. Staff emphasised the importance of more user-friendly pathways and supports to guide people through available options.
• Barriers persist for many older people: Key challenges identified included digital exclusion, limited transport options, social isolation, and financial stress, all contributing to poorer health outcomes.
• Openness to alternative models of care: There was broad support for older people accessing mental health or alcohol and other drug (AOD) services through community-based organisations, as long as these are safe, person-centred, and well-integrated with other care.
• Mixed confidence in digital tools: While some staff reported feeling comfortable with telehealth and online booking systems, others noted that many older people would benefit from additional literacy support and more accessible technology options.

The insights gathered from this session will be used to help shape Adelaide PHN's 2025 Aged Care Needs Assessment and ensure our planning reflects the lived experiences of our community, including our own staff.