This qualitative research explored the following question: What university-based health and wellbeing clinic models of care best meet the needs and priorities of older adults in a regional area?
Method
Using a World Café methodology, 59 older people, industry representatives and carers participated in this research. Research highlighted the practical and logistical challenges of undertaking research with a vulnerable cohort with diverse needs, along with the importance of universal design and reasonable adjustments to enable their inclusion.
Discussion
Global themes highlight the importance of a clinic model that fosters social and community connections and preventative health services, along with the provision of interprofessional therapeutic and counselling services. Creative aging, learning opportunities, contributing to community and having access to intergenerational programs were also recommended. Safety emerged as a concern for older people, inclusive of personal, home safety, cyber and digital safety. Wellbeing was understood as multifaceted inclusive of good physical and mental health, psychological, emotional health, and spiritual wellbeing.
Conclusion
This study reinforces the importance of community-based or place-based research that effectively engages community participation in a co-designed research process. The community indicated their support to the development of collaborative partnerships for a wellbeing clinic that best meets the needs of older people in the region and assists to build the allied health workforce by offering workplace learning and field education placements for students from different health disciplines such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, paramedicine and nursing.