A program to help older people in the Armidale, Guyra and Uralla area resume independent living after stays in hospital is delivering outstanding results.
Over the last two years 85 people had entered the program following surgery and other procedures, strokes and heart attacks. Of these 71 had been able to continue living independently after competing the 12 week program, Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said.
Mr Torbay said the success of the State and Commonwealth funded Transitional Aged Care Program was its flexibility, practicality and focus on the individual
“Very often it is the stay in hospital itself that saps the physical strength and confidence of elderly patients particularly where their mobility is affected following hip and knee replacement surgery, stroke or a fall at home,” he said.
“Increased time spent in bed quickly reduces muscle mass and patients come to rely heavily on nursing staff.
“The crucial time for them is when they return home and this is where the Transitional Aged Care Program kicks in.”
Patients drive the process from the time they leave hospital, identifying their goals and requirements. For the first few weeks a team of professionals oversees the patient’s transition to living at home. This includes daily showering, dressing, light exercise around the home, checking the right medication is being taken, transport to medical appointments and rehabilitation classes as well as assistance and encouragement to resume normal social activities. Team members all have mobile phones and are able to rearrange care instantly if required.
“Clients proceed to recovery at a rate that suits them and as they get better and grow more confident they take on more exercise, more responsibility and overcome their fears,” Mr Torbay said.
During the last four weeks of the program the team steps back and guides the client to gradually take over and manage independently.
“Feedback from clients, medicos and government agencies is invariably positive,” Mr Torbay said. “I would urge the government to continue with its support for this program and work with the Commonwealth to extend it more widely.
