Although often associated with older age, loneliness and social isolation are not well understood in terms of their prevalence, risk and protective factors. Evidence suggests that only a minority of community-dwelling older people are "severely" lonely or isolated, however a number of factors need to be considered to fully understand the extent and significance of the problem. Community-based studies have identified a variety of risk factors for loneliness/isolation including widowhood, no (surviving) children, living alone, deteriorating health, and life events (eg, loss and bereavement). Having a confidant has been identified as a protective factor for loneliness. However, evidence is often unclear or inconclusive, especially within residential settings. We identified the need to conduct more residential care-focused research; the importance of addressing a variety of methodological concerns; and the need for practitioners to develop intervention programs that are appropriately targeted, evidence-based and

The social environment is one of the key factors determining the quality of life of older people. Research has consistently demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between social engagement in all forms but especially participation within kin and wider social networks, and a high quality of life. However, this recognition of the importance of this relationship is not new. In the early 1960s, the ‘activity theorists’ of aging posited that the key to a good old age was the maintenance of high levels of activity, including social participation and the maintenance of kin- and friendship-based relationships. This resonates with the ideas of Rowe and Kahn who suggest that a high level of social engagement is a key factor in achieving the individually and socially desired goal of ‘successful aging’. Furthermore, they argue that, with advanced age, the social context, in combination with the physical environment, exerts a more potent influence upon the experience of later life than either intrinsic genetic or biological factors. Whilst the prescriptive strictures of activity theory and successful aging remain the subject of debate, there seems little doubt that the social environment continues to exert both a powerful influence upon, and provides a context within which people experience old age, both individually and collectively.

For varied and complex reasons, many adults choose to move between the ages of 55 and 75. Government policy can further support older Australians to have choices of 'places' to live in that maximise their ability to retain independence.

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Loneliness and social isolation are separate but closely related concepts − loneliness is related to an individual's subjective evaluation of their social situation, whereas social isolation is an objective appraisal of the extent of an individual's network.

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Aim: To establish a system for measuring resident satisfaction in multi-purpose services, benchmarking and performance improvement.Setting: Six multi-purpose services in rural New South Wales were involved in the project. Design:Residents were surveyed and the results benchmarked. Benchmarking included a comparison of results along with an exploration of work processes across participating sites. This preceded quality improvement activities conducted by individual multi-purpose services. Resident surveys were repeated and staff and managers interviewed.Outcomes: Benchmarking was a useful method for identifying performance leaders and enabling the dissemination of better practice. The majority of staff members were comfortable with the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) quality improvement cycle to guide their improvement efforts. The ability of staff to complete quality improvement cycles was related to the management styles of their supervisors. Resident satisfaction was related to the understanding and confidence of staff. Conclusion:A resident satisfaction survey can provide the direction for effective quality improvement activities. Benchmarking results with other sites not only empowers staff members at those sites recognised as leaders, but can also stimulate dissemination of leading practice. Management styles which empower staff enhance their ability to implement quality improvement projects.

Prison counselling is often regarded as involving additional challenges to those generally faced by practitioners working within the community. One of the most critical relates to the worker–client therapeutic alliance and how this can best be established. Drawing on data collected as part of a broader doctoral study, this paper describes various ways in which prison counsellors attempt to engage with their clientele in a meaningful and productive way. Analysis of relevant qualitative data identified four themes as particularly salient. These were trust, listening, authenticity, and a non-judgemental attitude. Examples of specific strategies employed by practitioners related to each of these themes are provided. They demonstrate that despite the demands of working within a prison context, meaningful connections that help to promote a client’s wellbeing and personal growth can be achieved.