Consumer Engagement in the Aged Care Reform Process
Appendix F - Alternative models of hospital based care
- Abbreviations
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
- General
- Special Groups Consultations
- Conslusion
Appendix A - General consultations- Appendix B – CALD consultations
- Appendix C – GLBTI consultations
- Appendix D – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultation
- Appendix E – Regional consultations
- Appendix F - Alternative models of hospital based care
During consultations consumers told of two regional models of dementia care in hospitals which were thought to be successful.
Research into practice: volunteers improving person centred dementia care in a rural hospital
This program at Bega Hospital aimed to establish and train a group of volunteers in a person centred care approach to support people with cognitive impairment. Patient outcomes were compared to Moruya Hospital, which did not have a volunteer program. Both staff and volunteers at Bega Hospital perceived positive patient outcomes especially related to hydration and nutrition and improved patient safety and emotional care. There was strong agreement by both staff and volunteers that the program was worthwhile and should continue. Based on study findings, the model is replicable with minimal resources in other sites and is particularly suited to rural settings.
Detailed information of the study can be found at: http://www.ruralceti.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/120857/IRCST_report_CBateman_23.8.10.pdf
Nell Williams Unit - a dementia specific unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital
The Nell Williams Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital officially opened on 21 January 2010. The unit was created in response to Tasmania’s ageing population, recognising the need for people with dementia to have a dedicated and appropriate space when they enter the emergency department of a hospital. The objectives of the unit are to assess, evaluate and treat older people, specifically those with dementia. Special features were introduced into the unit to lessen anxiety. These include coloured handrails, medical equipment hidden from view and comfortable recliners for families, encouraging them to stay with the person with dementia. The unit won the International Design Innovation of the Year award at the University of Stirling’s International Dementia Excellence Awards in London. During the consultations in Hobart consumers expressed concern that the unit had been closed.
More information about the unit is at: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/career/home/stahs/royal_hobart_hospital
A media release with detailed information is at: http://www.media.tas.gov.au/print.php?id=29052