AGED CARE PROJECT

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Regional Initiatives

HMS Aged Care Facility

Author: Jacqui Sutherland

Modified date: 17 December 2003 4:19pm

THE BACKGROUND

In 1995, the South Australian Health Commission - Country Health Services Division, identified aged care planning as a major priority. Trends indicated that, by the year 2006 the number of people aged 75 and over would increase by over one third.

Statistics in 1992/93 revealed that 32% of all over-night occupied bed days in South Australia were Nursing Home Type patients.

A reference group was established to complete a detailed review of existing services within South Australian country hospitals. A review of the services and facilities identified options for improved utilisation of resources and delivery of care.

THE REVIEW

The review of services within seven rural South Australian health regions revealed that:

The beds available in country hospital were under utilized due to changes in service provision.
The quality of care within state hospitals for residential aged care did not meet the newly implemented Standards

A standalone pilot Project should be implemented within the Hills, Mallee Southern Region of South Australia to meet the growing needs of the ageing community.
The impetus for the Aged Care Project arose from the recognition that the viability of small, remote rural health units was threatened by declining acute care activities.

THE PROJECT

A Regional Planning Committee with representatives from the Regional Board, Regional Management, South Australian Health Commission, Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services and Private Consultancy was established.

To achieve the necessary improvements in aged care and to meet the legislative requirements under the Aged Care Act of 1997 the following action were taken:

Management Policies: were developed to ensure appropriate quality systems were in place & resident’s rights were recognised & understood by all.
Education and Training was provided by the Regional Board to ensue that a greater percentage of nursing staff would attend appropriate aged care training. Health unit executives and Board members provided appropriate courses to develop an understanding and awareness of Commonwealth Aged Care Standards & Guidelines for Residential Aged Care Services and funding methodologies.
Facilities Alterations included the upgrading of the buildings to meet the fire & certification requirements under the Aged care Act 1997.

THE ACHIEVEMENTS

The Hills Mallee Southern Regional Board owns the bed licenses. The board’s principal objectives are to maximize benefits from the project in order to improve the overall Aged Care Services provided throughout this region.

The facility achieved accreditation under the Aged Care Accreditation & Standards Agency in June 2000 and achieved a COMMENDABLE status for Standard 1.5 Planning & Leadership for the innovation & commitment to the ageing communities with the Hills & Mallee region of South Australia. The facility successfully achieved Re-accreditation in March 2003 for a further three years by meeting all 44 outcomes under the four aged care standards

Further information about the project is available from Michael Rohde, the Finance Officer at Strathalbyn Hospital on 08 8536 2333.

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Last updated on: 17 December 2003