From the Minister for Senior Victorians

Media release

From the Minister for Senior Victorians

Wednesday, 1 May 2002

NEW GENERATION OF CYBER SURFERS IN NURSING HOMES

A new generation of cyber surfers have emerged in Victorian nursing homes as a result of a new Bracks Government project.

Nursing home residents in Bacchus Marsh have forged new links with local Grade 2 students in the pilot program trading their first-hand knowledge of local history for the company and friendship of local children.

Senior Victorians Minister Christine Campbell today announced that the huge success of the pilot program had meant that internet access would be expanded to 10 more nursing homes across Victoria.

“This project has opened a new virtual window on the world for nursing home residents,” Ms Campbell said.

“The pilot programs have forged new links between older residents and local children – providing a benefit to the whole community.

“Young people can ensure that local history and knowledge is not lost and older people can benefit from the fresh insights of their young penpals.”

“The Bacchus Marsh project is an excellent example of the potential of this program, with new links being forged between Grant Lodge residents and Grade 2 pupils from Bacchus Marsh Primary School.”

The Aged Care Residential Information Technology Project, which provides internet-ready computers for residents in State-run nursing homes, was piloted at 10 sites across Victoria, including Bacchus Marsh. The success of the program means that the program will be extended to a total of 20 sites across the State.

Under the scheme, each nursing home receives $10,000 for computer equipment and software while an agency, Skills.net, receives funds to administer the program and provide training.

Community volunteers have helped drive the program by visiting facilities to help teach residents how to use the computers.

“The Bracks Government has invested $240,000 to bring the internet to 20 nursing homes across Victoria,” Ms Campbell said.

“This fantastic scheme has opened up a whole new world of communication to older people.

“They can use the internet to email friends and family in Australia and overseas, to do online banking and enrol in courses.

“The project will now provide a computer network that stretches form Orbost to Swan Hill, Warrnambool and Bright.

“The Bracks Government is committed to providing better care and support for older people in nursing homes and more educational opportunities for older Victorians.”

Pilot sites where the program has already been established are:

·  Grant Lodge, Djerriwarrh Health Services, Bacchus Marsh

·  Andrews House, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Trafalgar

·  Far East Gippsland Health & Support Service, Orbost

·  Hawthorn Village, Myrtleford

·  Swan Hill District Hospital, Swan Hill

·  Echuca Regional Health, Echuca

·  Hepburn Health Service, Daylesford

·  Barwon Health Rehabilitation, Grace McKellar Centre, North Geelong

·  South West Alliance of Rural Hospitals, Warrnambool

·  Peninsula Health Care Network, Frankston

The program will now be established at:

·  Bolga Court, Tallangatta

·  Mount Alexander Hospital, Castlemaine

·  Morrie EvansWing, Benalla & District Memorial Hospital, Benalla

·  Kiewa Valley House, Mt Beauty

·  Boyne Russell House, Brunswick

·  Hostel, Boort District Hospital, Boort

·  Reg Geary House, Melton South

·  Beechworth Hospital, Beechworth

·  Upper Murray Health & Community Services, Corryong

·  Manangatang & District Hospital, Manangatang

Media contact: Tim Winkler - 96515799 / 0407 688 632 www.vic.gov.au