Connections Matter: the role of social networks in community and residential aged care

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation has funded this project to explore how social networks impact memory in older adults in community aged care. Macquarie University has also funded this project to investigate the impact of residential aged care services on social connections in older adults residing in care facilities.

Our research has identified that older adults are at risk of social isolation and feelings of loneliness. People with less social connections may have poorer outcomes including disrupted sleep patterns, higher levels of stress and higher risk of mortality. It is suggested that social support resources (e.g., social activities, social networks) may have a protective role in the development of dementia. However, the key characteristics of these resources are largely unknown.

We are currently recruiting residential aged care organisations and their residents to participate in this research.

This study will aim to examine for the first time how social networks (i.e., the number, frequency of contact, degree and quality of interactions) have an impact on memory, and whether residential aged care services can help people who are and who are not socially isolated. Assessments on memory, social networks and wellbeing will be conducted at two time points. This information will be further linked to clients' service use information obtained from the provider.

All clients who complete the study will receive a $20 gift voucher. Providers will receive a report of their overall client outcomes, service use, and a comparison to the rest of their peers.

Occurring Dates

Community Aged Care: 03/09/2018 to 01/04/2019

Residential Aged Care: 28/03/2019 to 28/03/2020

Participant Duration

2 time points (now and in 6 months' time)

State of study

New South Wales

Further Information

If your organisation would like to participate in this study, please contact Dr Joyce Siette on (02) 9850 2456 or at joyce.siette@mq.edu.au. For further information, please also visit:

Connections Matter: A Research Project
This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Macquarie University (HREC Reference Number: 5201831394062).

Study address:

Community Care: Interviews can be completed over the phone or at their local service outlet (e.g., Day Centre) or at client's home. Recruiting any community aged care provider in NSW.

Residential Aged Care: Interviews will be completed with residents at the facility. Recruiting and residential aged care provider in NSW.