Mary Kinsella has always been someone who likes to stay involved. Before retiring, the Perth resident built a long career across the airline industry and Western Australian Government, including roles in management and industrial relations.
These days, she is still finding ways to contribute – whether that’s supporting people in her retirement community or sharing her experiences to help shape better services for older Australians.
When Mary was invited to take part in Silverchain’s EMBED (Enhanced Management of home-Based Elders with Depression) program, she saw it as an opportunity to reflect on her own wellbeing and contribute to something she believes is often overlooked.
EMBED is a digitally enabled program designed to support older Australian’s mental health in the comfort of their homes. It provides telehealth consultations with trained clinicians and a range of resources to help older people meet their wellbeing goals, designed specifically for those receiving in home aged care.
Living with emphysema, Mary receives support from Silverchain’s respiratory nursing team and is also receiving in home aged care under the Federal Government’s Support at Home program. Through EMBED, she had the opportunity to explore the mental and emotional side of ageing, alongside managing her physical health.
“I think it helped me refocus on some areas that I felt I needed to keep strong in terms of my total wellbeing as well as my mental wellbeing,” Mary said.
While Mary has always been independent and self-reliant, Mary said the conversations with her EMBED clinician gave her a valuable opportunity to reflect.
“It was really good being able to explore some of these areas with someone who wasn’t family or a friend,” Mary said.
“I felt that my input was valued, and I think that’s really important for anyone that they reach out for in these sorts of programs.”
For Mary, mental wellbeing deserves just as much attention as physical health when supporting older people.
“It just seems it all gets concentrated on whether they need toileting or what they eat,” Mary said.
“But people’s mental wellbeing is important too.”
Mary believes ageing can bring its own challenges, from adjusting to changes in health to navigating major life transitions, but she says those experiences should not define how people see themselves.
“There’s no one who can really put a positive spin enough on ageing,” Mary said. “But we don’t have to say that every day to ourselves.”
As part of her involvement in EMBED, Mary also shared feedback about how programs and resources can be made accessible for people from different backgrounds and levels of experience.
Having helped other residents navigate aged care supports, she knows firsthand that information can sometimes feel overwhelming.
“If you make it too complex, or too much information, it’s too much for people,” Mary said.
Mary believes support programs need to meet people where they are and recognise the different experiences people bring to ageing. She hopes EMBED can continue to grow and help more older Australians focus not only on managing illness, but on maintaining confidence, connection and wellbeing.
“I just think it’s filling a gap,” Mary said. “I think it’s a really useful thing to be involved in.”
The EMBED program has been highly successful, with pilot participants reporting significant improvements in their overall wellbeing, including fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and more motivation to engage in daily activities.
Older Australians receiving home care from Silverchain can access this free program if referred by a Silverchain care worker or via self-referral. Referrals must be received before 28 August. For more information, visit the EMBED clinical trials webpage or email the team at embed@silverchain.org.au.
