Burgess, Lois Dr.

<p>Five years ago, the collaborators began research into the ways older people used computers and what benefits they would get from this. We used an action research approach where we ran interventions which took the form of weekly computer classes in aged care facilities. We observed and recorded what older people chose to do, how they progressed and what difference this made to their wellbeing.  We received support from the Faculty of Commerce and access to residents of aged-care facilities belonging to  IRT and the RFBI. </p><p>At the conclusion of the research, many of the participants wanted to continue these weekly sessions and so, with the help of volunteers, these continued as drop-in help sessions in 2 facilities.  A third formed their own computer club. The manager of their services also spoke to us of the need to help older people still resident in their homes.  This was seen as an area of great need, as older people, living at home, were often not able to get out much and were becoming isolated from community and services.</p><p>To meet these needs, Living Connected was created as a social enterprise aiming to improve the wellbeing through digital literacy of older people who live in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of NSW.  Based on the core findings of the research we support clients to improve their wellbeing by maintaining independence, staying connected and being able to engage in meaningful activities.  Using other findings from the research, we designed the service to focus on the particular needs of clients and not on the technology.  We assist seniors individually by helping them to identify what is becoming difficult to do with age and then to understand what sort of computer and ancillaries would best help them overcome those difficulties. They are then guided to setup and use a suitable device whereby they remain connected and engaged in doing whatever it is that they want to do. They are not left to fend for themselves but ongoing support is available through a group of local volunteers.</p><p>Although our service was greatly appreciated, it was a challenge to transform from a small group of volunteers to a viable and sustainable not-for-profit business.  In August 2016, Living Connected was accepted as a resident start-up at iAccelerate business incubator.  We learnt there how to pitch our message so that in early 2017 we received $35K seed funding from NBN Co and the Vita Foundation.</p><p>The Living Connected team now has a mix of contract helpers and volunteers who are all passionate about what we do.  <em>Our</em><em> services include</em></p><ul><li>a Home Service tailored to individual needs and with ongoing support</li><li>Drop-In 1-on-1 help sessions on the Innovation Campus and at local community centres</li><li>training for volunteer helpers and carers delivering our services</li><li>setting up computer clubs in aged care facility and running classes on popular topics</li></ul><p>Living Connected provides its services to all who need it as a not-for-profit, community business operating across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Living Connected works as the hub of a growing network as we  establish partnerships with aged-care providers, local government and libraries, local IT businesses, service organisations and others.  What Living Connected does is not always easy. We meet many people who are frustrated trying to get older members of their family to use a computer. However it can be very rewarding to make just a bit of progress. There is great joy to be gained by helping someone, who has never used a computer, to skype to family, surf the internet, do their own online banking and shopping and much more. </p>

<p>Five years ago, the collaborators began research into the ways older people used computers and what benefits they would get from this. We used an action research approach where we ran interventions which took the form of weekly computer classes in aged care facilities. We observed and recorded what older people chose to do, how they progressed and what difference this made to their wellbeing.  We received support from the Faculty of Commerce and access to residents of aged-care facilities belonging to  IRT and the RFBI. </p><p>At the conclusion of the research, many of the participants wanted to continue these weekly sessions and so, with the help of volunteers, these continued as drop-in help sessions in 2 facilities.  A third formed their own computer club. The manager of their services also spoke to us of the need to help older people still resident in their homes.  This was seen as an area of great need, as older people, living at home, were often not able to get out much and were becoming isolated from community and services.</p><p>To meet these needs, Living Connected was created as a social enterprise aiming to improve the wellbeing through digital literacy of older people who live in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of NSW.  Based on the core findings of the research we support clients to improve their wellbeing by maintaining independence, staying connected and being able to engage in meaningful activities.  Using other findings from the research, we designed the service to focus on the particular needs of clients and not on the technology.  We assist seniors individually by helping them to identify what is becoming difficult to do with age and then to understand what sort of computer and ancillaries would best help them overcome those difficulties. They are then guided to setup and use a suitable device whereby they remain connected and engaged in doing whatever it is that they want to do. They are not left to fend for themselves but ongoing support is available through a group of local volunteers.</p><p>Although our service was greatly appreciated, it was a challenge to transform from a small group of volunteers to a viable and sustainable not-for-profit business.  In August 2016, Living Connected was accepted as a resident start-up at iAccelerate business incubator.  We learnt there how to pitch our message so that in early 2017 we received $35K seed funding from NBN Co and the Vita Foundation.</p><p>The Living Connected team now has a mix of contract helpers and volunteers who are all passionate about what we do.  <em>Our</em><em> services include</em></p><ul><li>a Home Service tailored to individual needs and with ongoing support</li><li>Drop-In 1-on-1 help sessions on the Innovation Campus and at local community centres</li><li>training for volunteer helpers and carers delivering our services</li><li>setting up computer clubs in aged care facility and running classes on popular topics</li></ul><p>Living Connected provides its services to all who need it as a not-for-profit, community business operating across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Living Connected works as the hub of a growing network as we  establish partnerships with aged-care providers, local government and libraries, local IT businesses, service organisations and others.  What Living Connected does is not always easy. We meet many people who are frustrated trying to get older members of their family to use a computer. However it can be very rewarding to make just a bit of progress. There is great joy to be gained by helping someone, who has never used a computer, to skype to family, surf the internet, do their own online banking and shopping and much more. </p>