Better care for our aged care residents.
Residents of aged care have complex and chronic health problems and high medical needs and when they become ill, particularly in the after-hours period, staff often struggle to access their usual GP, increasing the likelihood of that resident being transferred to hospital when this may not be appropriate or necessary. Seeking to break this cycle Adelaide PHN has commissioned Eldercare Inc., to deliver the Dandelion Project which will support GP access and availability in the after-hours period and build the capacity of staff to improve the coordination of care for residents.
The Dandelion Project is a multi-layered strategy which involves better understanding the wishes of residents and their families, training staff, liaising with residents’ GPs and working more closely with ambulance services. Key elements include:
• Reviewing protocols around common medical practices
• Improved GP access and availability
• Falls prevention strategies
• Training for staff on cannulation and IV drips
• Resident care plans to support end of life decision making
The project commenced in February 2017 at three Eldercare sites in metropolitan Adelaide.