INTRODUCTION
HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE
PRINCIPLES OF AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE
Principle 1: Older adults have access to an appropriate level of health and aged care services that match their changing needs.
Principle 2: Services are shaped based on diverse needs of older adults.
Principle 3: Avoidable hospital admissions or premature admissions to long-term residential aged care are prevented where possible.
Principle 4: Older adults have access to transition care services within the acute-aged care continuum.
Principle 5: The health and aged care system operate to deliver an integrated suite of services and care for older adults.
Principle 6: The workforce involved in caring for older adults is skilled and responsive, and the number is sufficient to meet older adults’s needs.
Principle 7: Informal carers and family members are supported, and their contribution acknowledged.
BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE CURRENT AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE
HOSPITAL-BASED AGED CARE
1. Acute care for older adults
1) Emergency Department
2) Acute geriatric unit
3) Orthogeriatrics (orthopedic-geriatric models of care)
2. Subacute care
1) Geriatric evaluation and management
2) Psychogeriatric unit
3. Day therapy unit (DTU) and outpatient geriatric clinic
Geriatric medical clinics: for older patients with complex healthcare issues
Falls clinics: for patients with falls, mobility and balance problems
Memory clinics: for patients with cognitive complaints or dementia
Continence clinics: for patients with bladder and/or bowel function difficulties
Other specific clinics such as Parkinson disease, stroke, and osteoporosis
AGED CARE ASSESSMENT TEAM
NONHOSPITAL AGED CARE
1. Transition Care Program
2. Commonwealth Home Support Program
Transport
Social support
Assistance with food preparation at home and delivery of meals
Nursing and personal care
Allied health services like podiatry, physiotherapy, and speech pathology
Domestic assistance including help with cleaning, washing, and shopping
Support for carers including respite services
Home maintenance and modifications
3. Home Care Packages Program
Level 1 —to support people with basic care needs
Level 2 —to support people with low-level care needs
Level 3 —to support people with intermediate care needs
Level 4 —to support people with high care needs
Personal services: bathing, toileting, dressing, and mobility assistance
Nutrition, hydration, meal preparation, and diet
Continence management
Aids for mobility and safety
Nursing and allied health services
Transport and personal assistance
Management of skin integrity
4. Residential care (nursing home)
OTHERS
1. Informed access to aged care
2. Informal carer support
Recognition and respect
Information and access
Economic security
Services for carers
Education and training
Health and well-being
3. Dementia in Australia
National Dementia Helpline
Early intervention programs such Living with Memory Loss
National Younger Onset Dementia Key Worker program
Dementia and Memory Community Centres
Counselling
Carer support groups
Education for family carers
Public awareness activities