Working within communities

Community concepts

Values and acknowledges the significant contributions older people have made to their communities. 

Understands the impact issues such as isolation, loneliness, loss of independence, and boredom have on older people’s wellbeing. 

Understands being alone and loneliness are different concepts, and the need to explore these with people rather than assume. 

Understands factors that contribute to older people’s feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection from their community. For example, language barriers, hearing, vision and mobility loss.

Community connection

Recognises the value of community connection for older people and supports strengthening connections, especially for those living alone. 

Understands community resources and supports available for older people like community groups, communities of belonging, cultural and ethnic organisations. For example, Age Concern, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, libraries, and community hubs. 

Facilitates opportunities for older people and whānau to access local community-based and age relevant resources and services. For example, where they can both give and receive support from their communities. 

Supports older people and whānau in understanding and navigating various support services, funding pathways, and processes where appropriate. For example, Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) services.

Peer support 

Understands the value and importance of formal and informal peer support networks for older people. 

Supports older people to access formal or informal peer support where appropriate and available.

Promotion and prevention

As appropriate to role, develops and shares accessible materials and resources informing older people and whānau of available mental health and addiction services. 

Contributes to development of strategies that promote the importance and accessibility of mental health and addiction services for older people. 

As appropriate to role, raises community awareness of specific addiction and/or mental health challenges faced by older people. 

As appropriate to role, provides education on the unique mental health and/or addiction needs of older people, including where possible the perspectives of older people. For example, providing education for healthcare professionals, whānau, support people, and community organisations. 

Shares evidence-based practices and success stories of effective approaches in mental health and addiction services for older people. 

Understands late-life suicide prevention and postvention principles.