Programs and Research
ICLA believes that our programs and research projects assist in improving the quality and consistency of our services by developing new approaches to working with people experiencing a mental illness.
Program: Exhale Easy
ICLA has a grant from the Cancer Council for a smoking cessation program for ICLA clients In partnership and collaboration with the Mental Health Council of NSW, South Eastern Area Health Service, The University of New South Wales School of Public Health & Community Medicine.
In conjunction with ICLA’s partners in this project, the organisation will develop and implement a framework for a smoking cessation action program and equip staff with a fully developed program specifically tailored to our target population. Staff will be provided with resources and training to motivate and support clients in their goals of smoking cessation.
ICLA will consult with health professionals and research organisations that have success in smoking cessation to help tailor an informed yet unique program that is relevant to our population.
Research: New Accommodation and Support Services for Aged Clients
As a number of our clients are aging and will require a different support service in the future, ICLA’s main research area at present is as below.
-
Facilities for aging clients - effects of aging population currently in supported housing accommodation and requirement for establishment of separate supported facilities.
-
The changing care requirements for an aging population with psychiatric disabilities and what will be needed to accommodate and care for people in this category.
-
Coping with changing physical aging conditions – mobility, heart conditions etc.
-
Coping with changing mental conditions including the onset of senility, dementia, Alzheimer’s etc. in addition to existing psychiatric conditions.
Currently, the following progress has been made:
-
Research paper prepared
-
Application for Research Grant submitted to DADHC in conjunction with University of Sydney Faculty of Health Sciences and Mental Health Coordinating Council Inc* (NSW). Research Topic: Looking Forward to Ageing: ‘Ageing in Place’ Shared Care, for people with intellectual, psychiatric and co-morbid disabilities in, or in need of community-provided accommodation and support.
Research: Respite and Activities Centre for Greek Community to Support Families and Carers
The ethnic community has a larger percentage of carers who support people with mental and intellectual disabilities. Carers in the Greek community have expressed their concern that insufficient respite centres are available which would provide them with an adequate comfort level.
In addition, they have also expressed the concern that people in their care are not participating in sufficient activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is mainly due to the carers’ inability to provide these activities with safety to all parties.
Discussions have taken place with many families as to their requirements.