We take a look at apps we suggest to spark curiosity and keep people moving along their digital skills learning journey.

As the world becomes more digital, the importance of skills and support needed has become even more essential. However, for seniors from CALD backgrounds, navigating the digital landscape can be even more challenging. We’re thrilled to be working with SydWest Aged Care Services, a leading organisation in Western Sydney that supports the Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community.

Partnering is crucial if we are to meet the aged care challenges now and in the future. By working together, we can overcome resource constraints and harness the potential of technology to achieve better outcomes for seniors and their families as well as the care workers.

Sita’s experience for building digital skills for aged care workers reminds us that we don’t need everyone to be digital experts immediately. We are taking some people from 0 to 1 in terms of their digital knowledge. Giving them enough to be comfortable, curious and to not have to rely on someone else for the basics.

We get there is no silver bullet for the aged care workforce challenge - so let’s at least focus on what will make a difference. Digital training is a logical place to get started.

Shirley’s reminded us of the value of the social learning that happens as part of the YourLink programs. Getting groups together who may be at different levels of digital confidence, but may have similar living circumstances and so can connect with each other on a number of levels and support each other.

A timely refresh on some useful tips and links that can help seniors, carers and care workers to stay safe online. The Be Connected website also has a range of great, simple and free lessons around security and safety.

Find out more about the impact of the Community Options Australia Wellbeing in Aged Care - Digital Skills program. The Wellbeing in Aged Care program provides person-centred mental health support to eligible residents in Western Sydney. YourLink is the digital inclusion partner for the program.

YourLink is excited to see projects with Australian Red Cross and Catholic Healthcare recognised across three categories as finalists at the innovAGEING National Awards 2022.

Kate’s story of leading a team of care workers overwhelmed with the pace of technology change and expectations of their roles. With the right support, Kate’s confidence grows significantly to help her team with their digital needs.

Tom’s story of transformation from hating technology to being curious about what’s possible. Tom found the courage to join the digital skills program and found a safe environment to learn. He was a changed person and inspired to keep learning.

Jane’s story of intergenerational knowledge sharing. Jane was telling her story beaming, proud of her own digital skills and also that she was able to help someone else.

Paving a better path forward for the aged care sector and those it serves has never been more vital. But for organisations looking to transform the way they operate not just to compete but truly innovate, there’s no silver bullet… or is there?

Investing in building digital capability in your staff & volunteers fosters an environment where people feel supported not just to meet the demands of their role but to thrive.

Let’s talk about why YourLink chose digital confidence to describe the impact we have with those we train with digital skills. We share a couple of examples of what digital confidence looks like for seniors, carers and care workers across Australia.

By meeting people where they are with their digital skills, you embed digital confidence that enables them to adapt and embrace technology. This will unlock the benefits for your customers and organisation and allow care staff to focus on high-value activities.

We take a look at six free health and wellbeing apps that can be useful for seniors, carers and aged care. These apps can help you to keep your mind healthy and active or if you are feeling anxious and need to calm the mind.

The ITAC conference 2022 took place amidst a backdrop of continued workforce challenges. Partnering and collaboration were key themes over the 2 days across the presentations and the exhibition floor.

YourLink has been working with Common Equity NSW to deliver a digital literacy program for seniors across Co-operative housing in Western Sydney. The project is funded through a grant from Multicultural NSW and supported by Auburn Small Community Organisation Network (ASCON).

A recent article about whether video calls should remain in aged care when lockdowns are over made us stop and think. In the general community we haven’t removed video calls, so why should they be removed from the lives of aged care residents?