To utilise the existing Dossy platform to address the critical level of social isolation affecting older adults, comes The Dossy Project’s Community Connect feature. The trial of this feature was completed as an ARIIA Grant Funded Project. This enabled meaningful video interactions between Aging with Grace volunteers and Uniting AgeWell clients. Evaluated over a 12 week research trial, the project aimed to leverage technology for enhanced connectivity and to foster a supportive community, bridging gaps between individuals through shared experiences and mutual understanding.
The Dossy Project's mission is to create a user-friendly platform that not only promotes meaningful interactions but also is co-designed to align with the unique needs and capabilities of its users. By focusing on simplicity in design and depth in connection, the project aims to build genuine relationships, reduce feelings of isolation, and integrate a sense of belonging among older adults.
Central to the Dossy Project is its pioneering approach to connecting older adults with virtual volunteers through a sophisticated, yet straightforward, video communication tool. This innovative strategy addresses the critical challenge of social isolation by:
- Creating a flexible volunteering model that allows volunteers to offer their companionship from any location at times that suit both them and the older adults.
- Leveraging technology for simplicity and effectiveness with design that is intuitive and user-friendly ensuring the platform is easy to navigate and always built with accessibility in mind.
The Dossy Project has significantly influenced a number of areas of the aged care sector and workforce:
- The platform's simplicity and intuitiveness have minimised the demand for technical assistance, allowing care providers to focus on quality care rather than troubleshooting.
- Streamlining the process of connecting volunteers with older adults, thereby enhancing the efficiency of volunteer programs and coordinating volunteer efforts.
- By facilitating virtual connections, the project has augmented traditional care models with an additional layer of emotional and social support.
- The design and implementation of Dossy have made digital communication more accessible to older adults, bridging the digital divide and empowering users with new avenues for connection with friends, their family and a wonderful community of virtual volunteers.
Project outcome
A testament to community and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by older adults. With over 221 video calls – totalling more than 75 hours of conversation – made during the trail, the project successfully decreased loneliness levels among participants, showcasing the profound impact of virtual volunteerism on enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.
The journey of the Dossy Project is far from over. With plans to implement user experience improvements and broaden its impact, the project is set to continue its mission of reducing social isolation among older adults through innovative digital solutions. By fostering a more connected and supportive community, the Dossy Project embodies a hopeful vision for the future, where technology serves as a bridge to companionship, understanding, and a better quality of life for older adults.
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