Eighteen homebound frail elderly took part in an eight-week teleconference that provided practical information (nutrition, health, social services) as well as stimulated thinking. Quality of life improvements and further interest in education resulted. Teleconferencing proved a cost-effective method of reaching homebound persons. (SK)

Two studies were carried out in 1991-92 in Brisbane, Australia on the effects on frail elderly people of cognitive challenge by teleconference. In the first study, 20 residents of aged care centers watched specified programs on television. Later, they discussed the content over the telephone using conference link equipment. The study found that…

This report describes an exploratory study of Telelink, a social application of telephone conferencing which is providing group communication among housebound veterans and war widows in Melbourne, Australia. The study is based on interviews with present Telelink participants and with social workers who might use the service in the future. Included…

The author examines the evolution of the current Australian demographic and its implications for the delivery of public library services. The "baby boomers", the generation born between 1946 and 1961, are the next cohort to be seriously in need of housebound services, and the characteristics and likely needs of this group are considered…