Living improvements for everyone (LIFE)

• Reach:

  SA

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The Living improvements for everyone (LIFE) program was developed by staff from the University of South Australia and Spencer Gulf Rural Health School with the assistance of Port Augusta Elders, from an extensively evaluated chronic disease self-management tool and training package from Stanford University, USA. LIFE also incorporates the 'Flinders Model' of chronic condition self-management support, developed at Flinders University, SA.

The program consists of a six week course (2.5 hours per week) where people with different chronic conditions get together and share their experiences in peer-led sessions involving:

• problem solving techniques
• appropriate exercise techniques
• use of medicines
• effective communication
• nutrition
• development of a care-plan for long-term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
• group workshops and camps to assist with learning to live with a chronic illness
• sharing techniques for dealing with the social and emotional effects of living with a chronic illness.
  

This program is also being promoted in Western Australia, please refer to the links below for more information.

Abstract adapted from Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR)

Contacts

Spencer Gulf Rural Health School
University of South Australia
Ph: (08) 8647 8129
Email: kate.warren@unisa.edu.au

Links

• View information: Aboriginal health programs WA
• View information: Living improvements for everyone (LIFE)
• View website: Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation
• View website: Canning Division of General Practice Ltd