PHNs set to expand their role in supporting healthy ageing

HOW PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORKS CAN WORK WITH THE AGED CARE SYSTEM

Consumer choice is becoming more and more important to older Australians, with many now opting to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. This change, together with our ageing population, means there is an increasing demand to provide care for people with complex social and health care needs.

This has been highlighted through the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety report and recommendations— and it presents significant opportunities for Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to extend their role in relation to the health of older people.

There are 31 PHNs across Australia that act as planners, commissioners and integrators for services in their region, responding to the identified needs of their specific region.

As experts on the primary health needs of their region, PHNs drive reform, integration and equitable access across their regional health and social care systems. They are embedded within their local communities and pay particular attention to vulnerable populations who are most likely to miss out on opportunities to engage with health and aged care services.

PHNs enact this work across five core roles: 1. system coordination and integration; 2. primary care system management; 3. regional planning and commissioning; 4. workforce training and development; and 5. health system reforms/transformations. These core roles have been outlined in detail in Supporting Healthy Ageing, the Role of PHNs—a White Paper recently developed by the PHN Cooperative.

While all PHNs have demonstrated capability to respond to the health needs of older people through their core funding, some have also successfully sought additional funding opportunities. Julie Morrow speaking at a healthy ageing event hosted by Brisbane North PHN.

For example, Brisbane North PHN delivers an in-home Regional Assessment Service (RAS) to help people with diverse needs navigate the Australian aged care system and address the barriers they face in accessing services. Over 4,000 assessments are delivered each year through a consortium partnership who focus on increasing connections across the health and aged care sectors and offer specialist assessment services to culturally diverse and disadvantaged people. This approach is underpinned by client-centred decision making with a cultural shift to a wellness and reablement paradigm. The Royal Commission’s final report clearly articulates the need for reform to support older people to have the same rights to quality health care as other Australians. It also highlights gaps that occur when older people transition between multiple health and social care systems. These are intensified by individual circumstances such as where people live, their physical or mental health needs, financial capacity, culturally and linguistically diverse needs, and technology access and literacy.

Continued from page 36

Julie Morrow, Brisbane North PHN Manager- Healthy Ageing, said the PHN’s focus is on the health of older people. “We have a particular interest in the health of older people in our region.” she said. “An understanding and appreciation of the context and impact of the care of older people on their health and wellbeing will underpin all PHN responses.” “Our ageing population needs to be supported at a local level and there are many ways PHNs can be involved.” The $17.7 billion aged care reform package included in the 2021-22 Federal Budget includes specific funding for PHNs to deliver coordinated responses to enhance integration of health and aged care services within their regions.

PHNs have already implemented a broad range of programs and activities to improve the health of older people. Their standing and track record in their local communities means they are well placed to continue improving consumer journeys into, within, and between the health and aged care sectors.

The current aged care reforms provide a significant opportunity for the network of PHNs to drive reform to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people through well-connected, place-based and person-centred strategies and approaches.

We look forward to embracing these opportunities in partnership with aged care, health and community sector stakeholders.

Sharon Sweeney is Executive Manager - Aged and Community Care System Improvement, Brisbane North PHN. For more information visit www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au