Silverchain launches video series on SaH changes
The videos are use an ‘edutainment’ approach, answering questions in a clear, entertaining and reassuring way.
To help older people better understand the new Support at Home model, which was implemented last Saturday, home care provider Silverchain has launched a new series of short video resources.
The videos are inspired by conversations Silverchain general manager of care service delivery in Western Australia Lesley Balkwill has had with clients and people in her community.
Ms Balkwill’s 86-year-old neighbour often stops her for chats about the SaH changes and although he is not a client of hers, she said he is representative of many older people who “just want reassurance” that their care will not be interrupted and that they will still have choice and control.
“What matters most to people is feeling confident and cared for in the place they are most comfortable in – their homes,” Ms Balkwill said. “That’s always been the heart of what we do at Silverchain.”
The ‘What’s that about?’ videos use an ‘edutainment’ approach, with Ms Balkwill responding to commonly asked questions through storytelling and with humour to make the information easier to understand.
“People want simple, trustworthy information,” Ms Balkwill said. “If I can make it a bit easier for someone to understand what’s changing, and to feel confident about their care, that’s what matters.”
The topics addressed in the series include:
- what SaH is
- what the biggest changes are
- the different SaH categories
- the new pathways
- changes to costs
- how to access SaH
- what the benefits of SaH are.
Links to more information are also available on the video series page, as are ‘quick answers’ in written form.
But it is equally important the workforce feels confident during the reform transition, Ms Balkwill said, and last month, the provider launched the free and online Foundations in Mental Health program as a way of helping workers prepare for the increasing mental health needs of older Australians and the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
“Mental health is a vital part of wellbeing as we get older. This Silverchain training program helps build confidence and capability across the workforce, so other providers can deliver Support at Home,” Ms Balkwill said. “Support at Home is about more than just navigating a system – it’s about creating care that truly meets people’s needs, wherever they call home.”
“At Silverchain, we’re committed to leading the way, setting the standard for quality, compassionate, person-centred care, and supporting our workforce so every older Australian can live with confidence, independence and dignity,” she said.
Follow Community Care Review on Facebook and LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter.
