The Health Connector program is now back up and running following a short pause due to COVID-19.
The program is part of the Social Connectedness Project and involves a dedicated Health Connector (a specially trained practice nurse) being situated within one of seven participating general practices across the Hawkesbury.
The Health Connector, funded by Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is trained to help older people find local services, activities or support strategies to help them feel more connected and less isolated.
"Older people and carers are groups that can be more at risk from social isolation and loneliness for a range of reasons related to their practical circumstances and stage of life," said Wentworth Healthcare Project Officer, Liz Murphy.
"COVID-19 has also impacted their ability to attend their usual activities, and either due to restrictions or precautionary measures, they may not be seeing their friends and family as much as they are used to."
GPs and nurses within participating practices can identify and highlight patients who may be in need of some additional support and then refer them to the Health Connector.
Referrals can also be made from community organisations, family or the older person themselves.
Once the patient has had their initial meeting, the Health Connector will check in to see how the person is going. If the service, activity or strategy isn't suitable, together they can look at other options.
Another way people can find support is through the My Health Connector website www.myhealthconnector.com.au which was developed as part of the program.
The website lists local health and lifestyle services including social groups, wellbeing activities and community services. These may range from knitting groups, fitness classes or more formal support.
The website has started out in the Hawkesbury but over time, services from the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Penrith will be added.
"Listing your service on the My Health Connector website is free for all community organisations and a great way to let people know what's going on in your area," said Ms Murphy.
"The website started last year and we now have over 480 services listed, but the more services we have listed the more connected our community will be."
If you would like to make an appointment to see a Health Connector, visit or contact any of the following practices:
- Bligh Park Family Practice - Shop 10-6 Colonial Drive, Bligh Park 4572 7222
- Hawkesbury Family Practice - 86 Lennox St, Richmond 4578 9399
- McGraths Hill Medical Practice - 92 Pitt Town Rd, McGraths Hill 4577 5367
- MyHealth Kable Street - 2 Kable St, Windsor 4577 5622
- MyHealth - North Richmond - Lvl 1, North Richmond Village, 6-16 Riverview St, North Richmond 9161 8086
- North Richmond Family Medical Practice - 12 Grose Vale Rd, North Richmond 4571 3399
- Dr. Warwick Mackay - 491 George St, South Windsor 4577 2422
To list your service for free, or find a suitable service for yourself or someone you know, visit www.myhealthconnector.com.au