A recent report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has shed light on the relationship between hospital stays, residential aged care, and hospital readmissions for Australians living with dementia.
The report found that individuals with dementia who transitioned into residential aged care following a hospital stay were significantly less likely to be readmitted to a hospital within 12 months. Specifically, only 38% of those who moved into aged care were readmitted, compared to 62% of those who remained in the community.
This research highlights the importance of appropriate care transitions for individuals with dementia, as well as the potential benefits of residential aged care in reducing hospital readmissions. By understanding these trends, healthcare providers can better support individuals with dementia and improve their overall quality of life. These services are listed below.
Advance Care Planning Australia
Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA) is dedicated to helping Australians make informed decisions about their future health and care. Our organization offers expert guidance and assistance in advance care planning throughout Australia, including comprehensive training and educational programs for healthcare professionals.
Advance Project
The Advance Project offers practical, evidence-based resources and training to empower professionals in aged and primary care to engage in advanced care planning and palliative care.
Care Search
CareSearch offers online access to evidence and evidence-based guidance on palliative care. The CareSearch My Learning modules showcase how to locate pertinent evidence and utilize the resources available in CareSearch to enhance clinical care outcomes. Planning
Caring @ home
The caring@home program provides support for individuals who wish to receive care and pass away in the comfort of their own homes. The program offers education modules for registered nurses and Aboriginal health workers, aimed at enhancing community-based services. By incorporating carers into the multidisciplinary team, the program strives to improve symptom control and ensure the safe management of breakthrough symptoms through the use of subcutaneous medicines.
End-of-Life Directions for Aged Car
ELDAC offers valuable information, guidance, and resources to healthcare professionals and aged care workers to enhance palliative care and advance care planning for the benefit of older Australians. Our toolkits and educational videos are designed to empower the aged care workforce by expanding their knowledge and boosting their confidence in delivering end-of-life care.
End-of-Life Essentials
End-of-Life Essentials offers online education for healthcare professionals focusing on end-of-life care in acute hospital settings. Our modules are designed to enhance knowledge and skills in identifying end-of-life issues, improving communication strategies, and building confidence in providing care for patients and their families during this critical time.
End-of-Life Law for Clinicians
The End-of-Life Law for Clinicians courses are designed to fill the existing gaps in clinicians’ understanding of end-of-life law. These courses provide a comprehensive overview of the law and how it applies to clinical practice, incorporating case studies, legal examples, and self-assessment activities to enhance learning.
Gwandalan
Gwandalan is dedicated to enhancing access to high-quality palliative care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. We achieve this goal by offering a range of customized education and training resources designed to promote cultural safety within palliative care settings
Indigenous Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (IPEPA)
IPEPA integrates Australian Indigenous knowledge throughout all PEPA resources and promotes mutual learning aimed at (a) enhancing the capabilities of both the mainstream and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to provide culturally sensitive palliative care, and (b) increasing the understanding of palliative care, rights, and local services within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia collaborates with the palliative care sector to deliver tailored services and enhance understanding and awareness of palliative care among LGBTIQ+ communities.
palliAGED
PalliAGED is a comprehensive palliative care resource specifically designed for the Australian aged care sector. This valuable tool offers support for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and resource developers. Additionally, the website serves as a reliable source of information for older Australians, their families, and friends.
Palliative Care Curriculum for Undergraduates
The PCC4U project is dedicated to enhancing the skills and confidence of healthcare professionals in providing palliative care. Our goal is to integrate palliative care training into all health undergraduate, entry-to-practice, and relevant post-graduate curricula. This initiative aims to ensure that all members of the health workforce are equipped to effectively support individuals with palliative care needs.
Palliative Care ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes)
Palliative Care ECHO is a virtual knowledge-sharing network that aims to facilitate a continuous learning process among healthcare professionals. The goal is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and confidence of primary care providers in delivering palliative care.
Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA)
PEPA is dedicated to equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional end-of-life care. Through PEPA, practicing health professionals have the opportunity to participate in placements at palliative care services and attend workshops focused on a palliative approach. The program places a strong emphasis on caring for older individuals, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In addition to hands-on experience and workshops, PEPA offers open-access online learning modules. These modules are designed to cater to various professional groups and work roles, allowing participants to select a set of modules that align with their specific needs and interests.
Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration
The Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) is a nationwide project supported by the Australian Government Department of Health. PCOC aims to assist palliative care services in integrating standardized clinical assessment tools into their daily operations. By utilizing these tools, PCOC can capture valuable clinical data that can be used to enhance patient care and improve outcomes.
Quality of Care Collaborative Australia (QuoCCA)
QuoCCA offers pediatric palliative care education to healthcare professionals in urban, rural, regional, and remote areas. Our program is designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care for children and young people with palliative and end-of-life care needs.
Talking End of Life
TEL provides support to caregivers in assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities in understanding death and dying. This program is designed for disability support workers, as well as being beneficial for families, healthcare professionals, and educators.