There are many things that Australians over 60 would like to see return to “normal” post-COVID, but according to new research undertaken by the Global Centre for Modern Ageing (GCMA), telehealth is something many are keen to keep.

Whether accessed by phone or online, telehealth has worked well for older Australians, with more than 60 per cent of people aged over 60 surveyed nationally saying they were willing to use telehealth in the future.

“Older Australians like telehealth for its convenience, reduced travel and ability to be conducted at home,” said GCMA chief executive Julianne Parkinson.

Over two in three people who used telehealth during the pandemic said they would feel confident using telehealth in the future and 49% said they were likely to use telehealth after the pandemic.

“The experience of those who took part in digital consultations was positive,” said Julianne.

While many had a largely positive experience, some had difficulties using telehealth. Challenges included a less personal experience, less perceived warmth and less perceived care, difficulties for people with hearing impairment and tech glitches and a lack of tech confidence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to finding new ways of working to ensure new parents stay connected.

Child and Family Health Nurses in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) are running a Virtual New Parent Group.

“New Parents Groups are normally provided face to face in centres across the district,” said Consultant Child and Family Health Clinical Nurse, Anne Roth.

“We’ve had a great response to the first group with 52 first time parents registering.” “The groups provide new parents with access to other new parents, with Child and Family Health Nurses acting as facilitators.” “This forum gives parents the opportunity to network and have access to professional advice and information.”

“This is particularly important for new parents who can feel vulnerable at this time. It may be hard right now for them to know how to balance the joy and excitement of having a new baby with the fear caused by this unprecedented global pandemic,” Anne said.

The Group is led by Meagan Evans a clinical nurse specialist in child and family health. The groups are held weekly over four weeks with each session running for 90 minutes.

If you would like to join contact Anne Roth Monday to Friday on 6369 8082 or 0429 320 328; or Meagan Evans, Clinical Nurse Specialist Child and Family Health WNSW LHD on Wednesdays on 0436 810 617.

The new Lachlan Maternity Service should be up and running by the end of August at both Parkes and Forbes Hospitals.

Work on establishing the Midwifery Led Group Practice Model has been progressing on track, despite the challenges of COVID-19, according to Lachlan Health Services Manager, Liz Mitchell.

“We are about to start filling several jobs in the midwifery led group practice, including the role of team leader.”

“This is very exciting and we hope to receive a lot of interest from midwives locally and outside of the area for these positions.”

Liz said a number of virtual communication sessions with women across the region were also planned over the next month or two.

In the Midwifery Led Group Practice (MGP) model midwives and doctors work with women to determine whether a birth under the care of a midwife is likely to be a clinically safe option, and one which is preferred by the parents. In those circumstances, parents will be able to choose to birth at either Parkes or Forbes.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Parkes hospital on 6861 2400.

COVID-19 has challenged our lives in many different ways and in response the Federal Government has bolstered mental health and wellbeing services.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging residents to access mental health support if they need it. “There is no doubt times are tough for many at the moment. It is important to get help – regional Australians are a resilient bunch but too often they shirk their own health and wellbeing. This message is also for our health professionals who are doing a magnificent job under great pressure. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out for help.”

Patients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group allied mental health services per year with an appropriately qualified GP, psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist.

The Australian Government funds a range of organisations where people can raise concerns, whether they relate to COVID-19, the ongoing drought or the impact of the recent bushfires.

Further telephone and online support is available from:
• eheadspace call 1800 650 890 or chat online
• Beyond Blue call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
• Black Dog Institute online help
• SANE Australia call 1800 18 7263 or chat online
• This Way Up Clinic online courses
• MindSpot call 1800 61 44 34 or online screening.
• Pregnancy Birth Baby telephone, video call and online counselling for parents, call 1800 882 436
• My Aged Care call 1800 200 422
• Head to Health Government’s digital mental health gateway for information, advice, online counselling, treatment and crisis support.

Meals on Wheels have become a vital service to many senior residents in our Shire as people have been urged to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and stay at home.

“I cannot stress how important it is for our older residents to stay home as this crisis continues to unfold,” said the Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormick earlier on.

Although faced with challenges, Meals on Wheels in Parkes have continued to not only deliver hot meals to their 90 clients, but to also offer support and social contact.

“It is business as usual for us,” said the Manager Gill Kinsela.

As with other organisations, many volunteers have had to step down during this time, and the office staff at Meals on Wheels have stepped up to help out with the daily deliveries of meals, and checking in on clients to make sure they have what they need. The Parkes Services Club has continued making the hot meals.

The Meals on Wheels service has been at the heart of the community for 56 years delivering hot and nutritious meals, as well as frozen meals to clients in Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.

Learner drivers and their supervisors are allowed to continue driving lessons under the current COVID-19 restrictions.

The advice comes following a highly publicised incident in Victoria last week when a 17-year-old learner driver was fined for non-essential travel – a decision that was later reversed.

NSW Police Chief Inspector David Cooper reminded Parkes residents that the Government’s advice was to stay home and only undertake essential travel.

“Under the Public Health Orders a person cannot leave their place of residence without a reasonable excuse.”

“A reasonable excuse includes travelling for the purposes of work where you cannot work from home, so driving instructors can leave their house for their work – to teach people how to drive.”

“We consider that it would be a reasonable excuse for a person to leave their house to receive driving lessons (either from a driving instructor or a member of their family), given that this is a learning activity that cannot be done from home and is akin to the listed reasonable excuse of travelling to attend an educational institution where you cannot learn from home.”

“Learner drivers could also continue to drive with a supervising family member for any of the listed reasonable excuses for leaving the house – for example driving to the supermarket,” Chief Inspector Cooper said.