AGED CARE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This service plan provides a
blue print for the planning and provision of accessible, comprehensive aged care including
health promotion, aged care assessment, rehabilitation, respite and psychogeriatric
services. The plan emphasises the importance of the development of community based
services in aged care while recognising that inpatient facilities are essential for
comprehensive diagnostic and assessment services. These services will promote health
outcomes which improve the health and quality of life for older people.
The
importance of coordination between all aged care service providers is recognised. This
involves linking the Area aged care services with general practitioners, the Home Care
Service, nursing homes and hostels, community transport services, Meals-on-Wheels and
other agencies to ensure that the optimal service mix is provided for each client. The
plan also recognises that continuity of care must be provided between the specialised aged
care services and generic health services utilised by all age groups. Specific planning
for dental, palliative care and other services provided to the aged population is included
in other SWSAHS plans.
Key issues for the provision of Aged Care
services have emerged and they are:
- to promote good health and prevent ill health for older
people; and
- To improve the health of older people through the
provision of appropriate and accessible services.
Strategies
are included in the plan and priority needs are identified for each sector. Expansion of
the aged care services to meet these needs will require funding, and implementation of the
NSW Resource Distribution Formula for Aged and Disabled services will be necessary.
Significant improvements in aged care however can be made without extra funding.
Evaluation
of health outcomes will require considerable development of information systems linked to
the aged care services. Further developmental work will need to occur at Area, State and
national levels to establish goals, targets, indicators and strategies for improving and
maintaining the health of the aged.
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