AGED CARE REIMAGINED THROUGH VERTICAL LIVING
GREATER SUPPORT AT HOME: THE JOURNEY TO AGED CARE REFORM
THE BENEFITS OF AN RSV VACCINE FOR OLDER ADULTS
FROM THE EDITOR
We have made it to the final issue of Aged Health for 2024 — features for the November edition include mobility, and infection prevention and control.
A new study from Edith Cowan University has found that people with hip osteoarthritis are unable to efficiently activate their muscles — leading to suggestions that the brain may be playing a part in the condition. Turn to page 16 to find out more about the study and its implications for managing mobility in older patients.
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for people aged 75 years and over, First Nations people aged 60 years and over, and adults aged 60 years and over with conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease. The article on page 14 explores the benefits of these vaccines for older people and how they can be utilised as an infection control mechanism.
Other topics explored in this issue include the push to support people in aging at home for longer, the importance of investing in environmentally sustainable cooling solutions in aged care facilities during the hotter months, and best practice for handling after-death administration in a residential care setting.
Hope you enjoy the issue — and I’ll see you in 2025!
CONTRIBUTORS
Atesh Mani National Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Australia
Amy Steed Editor ah@wfmedia.com.au
Danielle Phillips founder of Sage
Mark Woodland co-founder and CEO of Kismet
Markus Zirn Chief Strategy Officer at Workato
Australian aged care reforms pass parliament
Reforms to the aged care system will now push ahead, with the federal government’s Aged Care Bill having passed through parliament.
Starting from 1 July 2025, the new Aged Care Act will deliver a range of improvements, including a tougher regulatory model, strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and a Statement of Rights to ensure older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
The federal government has now addressed the number one recommendation of the Royal Commission and 57 further recommendations through the passing of the Bill.
Older people and their loved ones will have a greater say about the care and services they receive. This includes protections to speak up when they’re not satisfied and better equipping providers to handle complaints more effectively.
The new Act also acknowledges older people want to stay in their own homes for longer so they can remain healthy, active and socially connected, with a new Support at Home program to help them achieve that end.
The $4.3 billion dollar Support at Home system is aimed at improving home care wait times, as well as adding 300,000 more places over the next 10 years — with around 1.4 million participants in care in 2035.
Participants will be assessed into one of 10 new funding classifications, increased from four, while Support at Home will also provide for home modifications and assistive technology to maintain independence.
To make sure older Australians have more flexibility and choice to meet their needs, there will be no caps to cleaning and gardening.
In response to the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce, new funding measures in the Act will put the sector on a more sustainable footing for the future while creating a fairer system that encourages and rewards quality and innovation.
“The new Aged Care Act is the final piece of the puzzle to create a better way of caring for older people both today and into the future,” said Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells.
“Now that we have followed through on our commitment to deliver a new Aged Care Act, it’s incumbent on all of us to live up to this promise and deliver meaningful change across aged care.
“We have established the Transition Taskforce to work with the sector in preparation for July 1 so we can all make the necessary changes to deliver better aged care.”
Legislation to protect older people from scams
The introduction of legislation that establishes the Scams Prevention Framework aims to protect older Australians from online scams.
This new framework will place new obligations on banks, social media platforms and telecommunications companies to prevent scams, and has been welcomed by COTA Australia.
Chief Executive Patricia Sparrow said defending against the scourge of scams, and putting the onus back on banks, social media platforms and telecommunications companies to protect people, is crucial and long overdue.
“The federal government should be congratulated for introducing this world-leading legislation which we hope will act as a defence against the growing risk of scams,” Sparrow said.
“The number of older Australians, and Australians of all ages, being scammed is too high to ignore any longer. We’ve been calling for action on the issue for a long time and it’s fantastic that we’re now seeing some really positive and concrete steps forward.
“Last year, Australians lost a staggering $2.7 billion to scams. This isn’t just a statistic — it represents countless lives upended, savings evaporated and trust shattered. Unfortunately, many of those people were older Australians who haven’t just lost money, but also their confidence and security.
“Older Australians are the group most at risk of scams, and the only demographic to see an increase in losses to scams. We can’t afford to sit back and allow scammers to target older Australians any longer.”
Sparrow said it is now up to members of parliament to ensure the scheme includes an appropriate and clear compensation mechanism for people who suffer preventable losses due to online fraud and scams.
“For too long the onus has been put on people themselves to detect and avoid the increasingly sophisticated work of scammers.
“You only need to look at the figures to know that the status quo isn’t working. It’s time for all businesses involved in scams to step up their game, and we’re hopeful this legislation will make that happen.
“This is about protecting Australians, including older people, and safeguarding the financial wellbeing and digital confidence of all Australians.
“We need a comprehensive, multi-sector, nationwide response to this problem and this legislation is an important step towards that.”
GREATER SUPPORT AT HOME THE JOURNEY TO AGED CARE REFORM
AMY STEED
In September, the federal government introduced the Bill for the new Aged Care Act to parliament.
A sweeping range of reforms have been tabled, seeking to enhance the viability and quality of aged care across Australia, as well as to support the growing numbers of older Australians who are choosing to retain their independence and remain in their homes as they age.
With the Aged Care Act now having passed through parliament, it will take effect on 1 July 2025.
WHAT DOES THE BILL CONTAIN?
According the Department of Health and Aged Care’s ‘A new Aged Care Act — Statement of changes from the exposure draft’, the Bill responds to around 60 recommendations of the Royal Commission. It also “establishes a modern rights-based legislative framework that focuses on the safety, health and wellbeing of older people and places their needs at the centre of the aged care system.”1
The new Aged Care Act legislation includes:
• A Statement of Rights for older Australians in aged care, with a positive duty for providers to uphold those rights.
• New duties to hold providers and people in positions of leadership accountable, along with a compensation pathway.
• New Quality Standards to drive continuous improvement and high-quality care.
• Stronger regulatory powers to protect people from harm.
• New whistleblower protections.
• A regulator with stronger investigative powers.
• A new, independent statutory Complaints Commissioner.
“The new Aged Care Act has the potential to enhance quality standards, increase protections for older people, and create a financially sustainable aged care system for future generations,” said Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN).
“What we have here are the building blocks for a safe, high-quality, financially viable aged care system for generations to come. Older people look forward to having their rights enshrined in legislation.”
A FOCUS ON SUPPORT FOR AGING AT HOME
Older Australians increasingly want the freedom, support and choice to remain in the homes and communities they love. In the past 10 years, the number of Australians in home care has increased fourfold.
To cater to the changing preferences of older Australians, the federal government plans to invest $4.3 billion in a new system of home care, called Support at Home, which will come into effect on 1 July 2025, and will help Australians remain independent in their homes and communities for longer. By 2035, Support at Home is estimated to help around 1.4 million people stay in their homes as they age.
Support at Home will assist with:
• Clinical care (eg, nursing care, occupational therapy)
• Independence (eg, help with showering, getting dressed or taking medications)
• Everyday living (eg, cleaning, gardening, shopping or meal preparation)
The government will pay 100% of clinical care services, with individual contributions going towards independence and everyday living costs.
“We’ve heard the message from older Australians: they want support to stay in the homes and communities they love,” said Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care.
“Support at Home will help around 1.4 million older Australians do just that, with shorter wait times, more levels of support, and funding for home modifications.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE OF AGED CARE
According to COTA Australia, the government’s significant focus on and investment in support at home will be welcomed by older Australians who want greater choice around aging at home and to see wait times significantly decreased.
“There’s no question that when it comes to aged care in Australia business as usual is unacceptable. Ambitious reform is required to fix the current aged care system to meet the needs of our aging population and increasingly complex aged care needs — and the Aged Care Act is central to making this happen," said Patricia Sparrow, Chief Executive Officer at COTA Australia.
“We need an Aged Care Act that enshrines the rights of older people. While there is still much detail to go through, it appears the Act includes vital measures required to do that including mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the rights of older people; the introduction of a person-centred, robust and effective complaints system; detail on how rights will be embedded into daily aged care operations; and a shift to supported decision-making becoming the foundation in aged care so there is an assumption that older people can make decisions for themselves,” Sparrow said.
Craig Gear from OPAN also urged politicians to adopt a multi-partisan approach to the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, a key recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
1. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/a-new-aged-care-actstatement-of-changes-from-the-exposure-draft?language=en
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DESIGN MATTERS
REIMAGINED THROUGH AGED CARE
VERTICAL LIVING
Anew integrated vertical retirement living and aged care development has been established in the Brisbane suburb of Newstead.
The 16-storey and 21-storey dual tower was developed by Architectus Conrad Gargett for Ozcare and provides a continuum of care within one location. This includes retirement living within Rendu Towers, as well as aged care and specialist dementia support in Villa Rosalie — offering a diversity of choices for residents to adjust the level of care and support they require to optimise their later years.
Spanning a 6180 m2 block, the development features a café, retail tenancies and commercial office spaces along with a large integrated public park — a key design move to connect with the adjacent Waterfront Park and draw the community into the development.
©Christopher Frederick Jones.
©Christopher Frederick Jones. Villa Rosalie
“COMMUNITY AND CONVIVIALITY ARE VITAL FOR THIS PROJECT. THE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE RESPOND TO THE SITE CONTEXT, EXTENDING AND CONNECTING WITH WATERFRONT PARK.”
Architectus Conrad Gargett Associate Principal Dr YE Ng said, “Community and conviviality are vital for this project. The architecture and landscape respond to the site context, extending and connecting with Waterfront Park. This integration creates opportunities for both active and passive engagement on the ground and above ground for residents with diverse physical abilities. Research has shown this engagement is very important for wellbeing across all ages.”
With four street frontages, the ‘island’ site enables expansive river and city views to be maximised from both towers and allows for separate entrances for retirement living and aged care. The ground plane includes a colonnade on three street fronts, designed to unite the communities of the two towers and form a seamless connection to Newstead’s vibrant neighbourhood.
The development comes at a time when senior living and aged care is high on the agenda, with the Australian Government’s 2023 Intergenerational Report indicating a staggering threefold increase in people aged over 85 in the next four decades.
©Christopher Frederick Jones.
©Christopher Frederick Jones.
“People who live in the city, want to stay in the city — this development caters to a growing demographic of seniors that want to stay connected to their community and families. They want to enjoy all the benefits of an urban lifestyle while knowing they have access to the best support and care as they age,” said John Flynn, Principal at Architectus Conrad Gargett.
RENDU TOWERS
Vertical retirement village Rendu Towers comprises a total of 135 residences, including 11 Sky Homes and three Sky Pavilions. A range of communal facilities across an interconnecting level unites the community of retirees, with Club Rendu featuring a heated swimming pool, club lounge, private dining room, library, cinema, chapel and wellness centre.
Designed to embrace Brisbane’s subtropical climate and lifestyle, Rendu Towers features expansive liveable balconies and extensive landscaped terraces, providing residents with year-round access to the outdoors.
VILLA ROSALIE
This 120-bed residential aged care facility spans three floors and includes an entire level dedicated to residents living with dementia. The facility is designed to feel homely and familiar, with clinical support areas concealed. Level 4 features two large, landscaped terraces, offering a vital connection to the outdoors. A high proportion of aged care rooms have private balconies with expansive river views, providing residents with additional accommodation choices.
“Through careful consideration of landscaping, terraces and screenings, we have created a light and airy indoor/outdoor home environment,” Ng said.
“It’s very important to create a home-like environment even if you have a memory impairment. Residents can have access to outdoors and enjoy the garden and are free to continue their daily lifestyle just like at home.”
Villa Rosalie also features a hair salon and day spa, large function and activity rooms, chapel, cinema, and multiple lounge spaces for residents and visiting family members to utilise. The individual rooms incorporate a natural material palette and have home-like features including refrigerators, offering a level of independence and personalisation to help residents feel at home.
COOLING IN CARE: ADAPTING TO GLOBAL WARMING
As global temperatures rise, aged care facilities face an increasingly critical challenge: maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for residents. Older people, who can be particularly sensitive to heat, require consistent cool indoor climates to safeguard their health, writes ATESH MANI, National Product Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Australia.
At the same time, the need for sustainable cooling solutions has never been more urgent.
The HVAC industry has made significant advancements in technology and innovation in this space and is now working to address these dual challenges, ensuring both reliability and environmental responsibility in aged care settings.
HEALTH RISKS OF HIGH TEMPERATURES
The health risks associated with high temperatures are well documented. Older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration, which can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions and significantly impact their health and wellbeing. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular strain and respiratory issues. Therefore, effective climate control is not just a luxury but a necessity in aged care facilities, where maintaining a stable and comfortable environment is vital for residents’ health and safety.
ADVANCEMENTS IN HVAC TECHNOLOGY
In the face of rising temperatures, traditional cooling systems alone are not enough. Facilities must adopt solutions that not only ensure optimal cooling but also align with sustainable practices. Innovative air conditioning systems are engineered to deliver precise temperature control, ensuring that aged care facilities can maintain a consistent, cool environment even as external temperatures soar. These systems leverage the latest technologies to adapt to fluctuating conditions, providing reliable cooling with minimal energy consumption.
Beyond mere cooling, these systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind. This focus on sustainability helps aged care
facilities reduce their carbon footprint while also lowering operational costs. By incorporating state-of-the-art technologies such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and advanced heat recovery units, facilities can achieve their dual mission: protecting vulnerable residents and contributing to environmental stewardship.
MAINTAINING INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Indoor air quality is another critical aspect of climate control in aged care settings. Poor indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, exacerbating respiratory issues and overall health problems. High-quality air filtration systems are essential for maintaining a healthy living environment, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Advanced air purification technologies, including HEPA filters and air ionisers, are increasingly being integrated into climate control systems to enhance indoor air quality and ensure that residents breathe clean, fresh air at all times.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Modern HVAC solutions not only provide immediate benefits in terms of cooling and air quality, but also support long-term sustainability goals. This holistic approach is crucial as facilities strive to balance the urgent need for reliable climate control with their responsibility to protect the environment. By embracing both technological advancements and eco-friendly practices, the industry exemplifies how we can address these challenges effectively.
In summary, the intersection of global warming, health and sustainability underscores the importance of advanced and responsible cooling solutions in aged care facilities. The industry’s innovative technologies demonstrate how we can meet these challenges head-on, ensuring a safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly future for older people.
Atesh Mani is the National Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Australia.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN RSV VACCINE FOR OLDER ADULTS?
Research suggests that vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus for adults over 60 has a range of benefits.
According to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia, a single dose of RSV vaccine (Arexvy or Abrysvo) is recommended for people aged 75 years and over, First Nations people aged 60 years and over, and adults aged 60 years and over with conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — published in the journal Vaccine — evaluated both Arexvy and Abrysvo. It found that the vaccines are likely cost-effective by preventing illness, hospitalisations, lost quality of life and deaths.
“We view this as a pivotal study that highlights the potential of RSV vaccination to make significant public health and economic impacts for older adults,” said David Hutton, corresponding author of the study and professor of health management and policy and global public health at U-M’s School of Public Health.
Prior to the approval for vaccines in older adults, RSV immunisations were primarily recommended and used for high-risk infants. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe respiratory illness in young children, particularly those under a year old.
“As RSV continues to pose a serious threat to individuals in this age group, the goal is for these findings to provide timely insights for healthcare decision-makers and policymakers,” Hutton said.
HOW WAS THE STUDY CONDUCTED?
To determine cost-effectiveness, Hutton and colleagues evaluated the general population within the 60 and older age group and recorded RSV-associated healthcare utilisation, including outpatient appointments, emergency department visits, inpatient hospital stays and RSV deaths.
The researchers specifically analysed quality-adjusted life-years lost, or QALY, and societal costs that come with contracting RSV, and found the costs varied by age group and type of vaccine. The research also showed that vaccine efficacy, the incidence of RSV-related hospitalisations and vaccine costs had the most significant impact on the cost per QALY saved.
For example:
• For all adults aged 60 and older, the societal cost per QALY saved was $196,842 for GSK’s Arexvy and $176,557 for Pfizer’s Abrysvo.
For adults aged 65 and older, the cost was lower at $162,138 for GSK and $146,543 for Pfizer.
• For adults between 60 and 64, the cost per QALY saved was notably higher at $385,829 for GSK and $331,486 for Pfizer. Historically, efforts to prevent and treat RSV have focused on this younger population due to the high risk of hospitalisation and severe outcomes. Recognising similar risks for older populations, RSV vaccines were developed with the goal of preventing severe RSV-related illness, hospitalisation and death.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The researchers concluded that RSV vaccination might be cost-effective for adults 60 and older, especially those of more advanced age. They noted that reduced vaccine costs and sustained efficacy beyond two RSV seasons could make RSV vaccination more cost-effective for a broader population. They also said that uncertainties remain, particularly around long-term vaccine efficacy.
“We look forward to continuing working with CDC to determine the best ways to use our health resources to prevent respiratory disease,” Hutton said.
Prostate and bladder health early warning system
The Doc Sheen WIDDLEOMETER is an ‘early warning’ system for older men to help them take care of their prostate and bladder health. Developed by Dr Adrian Sheen, the product helps to indicate a slow urine flow, signalling for men to take action and seek medical investigation. Statistics suggest that around 50% of men aged 50 have an enlarged prostate, and this increases to 80% of men aged 80. This issue can introduce a range of problems including reduction in urine flow — sometimes a complete stopping of the flow, urinary tract infections, and consistently needing to get out of bed at night to go to the bathroom.
The WIDDLEOMETER is designed to help with the prevention of prostate and bladder illnesses, thereby improving men’s health. Doc Sheen widdleometer.com
Airway clearance device
The LifeVac is an ARTG reviewed and listed medical device for the removal of airway obstructions (both solid and liquid).
The device is indicated for use after the failure of first aid measures or primarily where they cannot be applied due to the resident’s frailty and/or position. A patented one-way valve assembly helps to prevent obstructions from being pushed further down the airway.
The non-invasive, hand-operated, single-patient device is supplied with a range of masks to fit all facial sizes.
LifeVac Australia www.lifevac.net.au
Dementia
HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS: MIND OVER MATTER?
Pefficiently activate their muscles, a new Edith Cowan University study has found.
Research undertaken by ECU post-doctoral research fellow Dr Myles Murphy investigated muscle function in people with hip osteoarthritis and found that these patients were unable to activate their muscles as efficiently — suggesting that the brain may be playing a part in the problem.
“Previous research has well established that the degree to which a joint degenerates is not directly related to the amount of pain a person with arthritis will experience. In fact, the stronger your muscles are, the more protected your joint is, and the less pain you will experience,” Murphy said.
“Our research has shown that people with hip osteoarthritis were unable to activate their muscles as efficiently, irrespective of strength.”
HOW WAS THE STUDY CARRIED OUT?
As part of the research, Murphy and his team studied the brain function of people with hip arthritis, finding that the mind played an enormous part in this equation.
“Basically, people with hip arthritis are unable to activate their muscles properly because the brain is actively putting on the brake to stop them from using the muscle. We don’t know why that is, yet. But the brain seems to really be hampering the progress of rehabilitation and the muscles to protect the joint,” Murphy said.
“We suspect that it is a short-term, protective response gone wrong. Unlike a rolled ankle or a hurt knee, chronic pain like osteoarthritis tends to hang around for a long time. Instead of being a protective response in the short term, the brain’s protective response becomes a really problematic and maladaptive response in the long term.”
Hip osteoarthritis is more prevalent in people over the age of 45, and women are much more like to develop the condition. People who have reported previous joint damage, from a sports injury or accident, are
more likely to present with hip osteoarthritis, as are those with joint abnormalities, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip.
COULD MUSCLE INHIBITION BE REHABILITATED?
People living with hip arthritis often present with different walking patterns than those without and could struggle with everyday activities like getting out of a chair, or vehicle.
“The impact on their daily lives is the biggest burden of osteoarthritis. The condition also results in substantial time-loss from work, and is associated with a high economic cost,” Murphy said.
“The level of disability for normal activity within our study cohort was about 25%, compared to the 0% reported in our healthy control group.”
Murphy is currently investigating novel ways in which to overcome this automatic muscle inhibition to effectively rehabilitate patients.
In the meantime, those living with hip osteoarthritis have been urged to continue strength training and to work with a qualified physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.
“You will need to work quite hard to build the strength in those muscles, but it can be done. There is no quick fix. Staying strong is something that people with hip osteoarthritis will need to actively keep working on,” Murphy said.
Remote-enabled home care service
Vantiva’s HomeSight Connected Care platform enables caregivers to deliver care for a larger number of older clients, conduct remote wellness checks and give medication reminders virtually.
The home care service is an end-to-end solution that facilitates seamless and secure connections among caregivers, families and individuals requiring home care — fostering social engagement, reducing isolation and promoting longer independent living. At the core of the solution lies an integrated smart camera that enables real-time communication with clients in their homes.
It is complemented by a secure, cloud-based management platform and environmental sensors that offer valuable insights into daily routines, providing a more comprehensive view of the older person’s overall wellbeing. Leveraging this technology, care providers can use data to personalise care plans optimised for an individual’s needs and preferences.
Vantiva
www.vantiva.com
Tapware
The GalvinAssist coloured single-lever mixers are specifically designed for aged care, healthcare and education environments.
The tapware offers vivid colour markers, diverse handle options, and a choice of chrome or sleek brushed carbon finishes. It caters to people seeking independence — regardless of their abilities or stage of care — and prioritises comfort and ease of access, helping users feel confident.
Embracing accessibility and inclusivity, the designs feature varied handle types — pin, flared and paddle — in both short and long lengths. Large temperature indicators enhance safety, as well as enabling a good fit.
With a colour range designed to seamlessly fit into any environment, users can choose from a vibrant palette to find a handle that not only meets their functional needs, but also allows them to create a room according to their vision.
6-star WELS rated, the tapware is manufactured using lead-free materials, and all products comply with NCC 2022 Vol 3, Clause A5G4(2) ‘lead-free requirements’.
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APP ENHANCES AGED CARE SKILLS FOR GREEK SPEAKERS
CASE STUDY
PROBLEM
Fronditha wanted to strengthen its personal care workers’ dementia support skills by improving aged care delivery in languages other than English.
SOLUTION
With most training resources available only in English, the Fronditha Care Foundation worked with Dementia Australia to adapt their English-language Ask Annie app for Greek-speaking staff.
life scenarios, offering practical tips and strategies for handling challenges like client communication and behavioural issues. 54 video scripts and voiceovers were translated into Greek to ensure greater educational accessibility for its Greek-speaking workforce. The lessons take 4–5 minutes to complete and workers can search in the app to quickly solve problems and find timely advice. For example, one module demonstrates how to manage situations when a client is angry and refuses to take a shower, helping caregivers understand the anger and best support the client.
Personal care worker Evangelos, who grew up in Cyprus and moved to Australia five years ago to continue his career in health care, was one of the first to try the app.
“Having worked in health care for so long, I have a good understanding of dementia, but there’s always something to learn because every client is different and requires different levels of care. Sometimes, you need advice for how to deal with very specific situations with clients,” Evangelos said.
“Before Ask Annie, there were no resources in Greek that could offer quick, easily understandable advice. My manager suggested I use Ask Annie to build on my previous experience working with clients with dementia.
“It’s like social media for dementia care with quick, informative videos. Being able to watch them in my own time is very convenient.”
The Greek version of the Ask Annie training app is now part of Fronditha Care’s Learning and Development program for all Greek-speaking staff and has been a resounding success for all of Fronditha Care’s personal care workers.
“All of my colleagues who have used Ask Annie found it a great tool and I hope more people will have the opportunity to use it one day. It’s not only built our understanding of dementia, but has also helped improve our clients’ experience,” Evangelos said.
“It’s been a great support to our whole team and meant we can provide the best care possible for our elders.”
The project is a model that can be adapted by other organisations to support an aged care workforce. Evangelos hopes the initiative continues to grow so that people of other languages can have the same support as him and his team when caring for people living with dementia.
WITH DANIELLE PHILLIPS
THE TRUTH ABOUT AFTER-DEATH ADMINISTRATION
As a support worker or clinician in the aged care sector, it is likely that at some point when a resident or home care package client dies in care, you will be faced with the family asking “what do we do now?”
Whilst your key responsibilities and mandate is around the clinical care of patients, the death of a patient often signals just the beginning of a complex administration journey for loved ones left behind. And very often, no one tells them about it — or what they should expect.
So how can you and your teams be better positioned to assist the families of residents, even before this question arises? How can you provide a duty of care, beyond finalising the refund of the RAD?
DID YOU KNOW?
It takes the average executor in Australia 200–300 hours to fully administer an estate. This equates to up to six hours per week, depending on how much time you are able to allocate to the process.
Most of this time is spent trying to locate and complete paperwork to close bank accounts, cancel direct debit payments and get documents certified. Outsourcing these key processes can reduce a 12-month process down to as little as three months.
Having conversations early around the paperwork and processes that may be required during the after-death administration process can significantly minimise the impact and mental load for loved ones that are tasked with administering a deceased estate. What better time than now for families to ensure they know the whereabouts of documents such as birth and marriage certificates as well as knowledge of bank accounts, passwords and the location of a will.
And what if the next steps after someone’s death could be managed seamlessly, so that instead of loved ones being under pressure to make phone calls to government departments, they could have space and capacity to grieve?
LOSING A LOVED ONE
After my own experience of losing my parents at the young age of 35, I can attest that one simply cannot afford mentally or emotionally (and financially) not to have certain conversations around death and what happens next when someone dies.
I was, however, fortunate enough to have had parents that had a will in place containing explicit instructions around their estate management, as well as a power of attorney, and an end-of-life care directive, so that as the executor of the will and someone grieving the loss of a parent, I didn’t need to make overwhelming decisions. I also didn’t need to scrounge through copious amounts of paperwork, files and boxes, because I had easy access to the information and documents required to tackle the 40+ administration processes that lay ahead of me. Common things that are missed by executors and family members include notifying the AEC, locating shares to transfer and cancelling licences and subscriptions, as well as seeking financial advice when receiving an inheritance.
Inevitably, there was still about 200 hours’ worth of work for me to do with regards to wrapping up their estate, including making calls to Centrelink, visiting the bank to close accounts, engaging with real estate agents to sell property and liaising with buyers for their motor vehicles — even though I had the authority to do all these things. I had the paperwork I needed which authorised me to make things happen. I had the opportunity to take control of a situation that can often leave families and friends feeling lost and depleted, because there was never a road map or instructions left for them to follow.
With little to no guidance or education around these steps, it is important that the aged care facility or provider encourages their residents and families to engage in these conversations and planning.
HOW CAN AGED CARE ORGANISATIONS START THE CONVERSATION?
• Encourage clients/residents and families to reach out to after-death administration specialists and end-of-life planning organisations who will foster those conversations.
• Place a flyer for these organisations in the welcome pack for clients/ residents.
• Engage thought leaders in the space to present an information session to your residents and families once a quarter.
• Provide flyers for these organisations in your reception.
• Highlight the contact information for these organisations in your monthly newsletters.
With a rapidly aging population, now more than ever the community has a responsibility to learn more about how we can work together to better prepare and support families with the administrative responsibility when they lose a loved one.
Danielle Phillips is an only child and the founder of Sage. She realised the importance of an executor solution to provide support to a deceased person’s family and executor of the will when she lost both of her parents at the age of 35 during the COVID-19 pandemic. After countless hours of being placed on hold, weeks of following up paperwork and often being given the wrong documentation to complete, Danielle immediately recognised the need for a road map that could effectively lessen the pressure and confusion around deceased estate administration and what to do next when someone dies.
THE NEED TO OVERHAUL DIGITAL HEALTH DATA
FOR OLDER PATIENTS
Recalling medical histories is time-consuming and challenging for any patient, but it becomes particularly distressing for older adults who must repeat their extensive medical history at every appointment, writes MARK WOODLAND, co-founder and CEO at Kismet.
As people age, they often find themselves managing various chronic conditions and medical interventions, and their health histories become increasingly complex. For older people, remembering all these details can be overwhelming.
If patient health data was properly documented and stored, older Australians wouldn’t have to remember all their past treatments, surgeries, medications or ailments. They wouldn’t have to recall the name of their heart surgeon, the last time they had physio on their hip, what the podiatrist said about the problem with their toenails or when their blood pressure was last checked.
The whole point of health records is to physically trace a patient’s health journey so that informed and real-time clinical decisions can be made about treatment and care.
Without clinical notes, the lack of data just perpetuates the sloppy cycle of duplicated treatments, ineffective routines and no better health outcomes for older people.
Figures from the most recent Australian Digital Health Agency annual report reveal that very few Australians or health providers use the government’s online national database — My Health — and those that do find that there is limited information available.
Digital health records can help solve the complexities of aged care and the responsibilities that come with it. Compiling medical histories is a huge administrative burden with which many older patients and their families struggle.
The shortcomings of the existing government-run My Health, and the many other fragmented and clunky electronic patient record platforms, has led to inefficiencies and gaps in aged care.
It’s clear that healthcare records aren’t up to date, they are not genuinely integrated and many healthcare providers are not actually using them.
The aged care sector in particular is impacted by current inefficient digital health systems, with distressing accounts of older patients having to detail their health, history and medications when they present to hospital.
The need to repeatedly recount their medical history increases the likelihood of inconsistencies and omissions which can adversely affect their quality of care.
Connecting and consolidating health records, particularly for members of the aging population, can help healthcare providers track changes to health status and manage complex health conditions more effectively.
Integrated digital medical records provide a checks-and-balance system for caregivers and family members so they know how their loved one or person they care for is doing.
Improving electronic medical record keeping systems will bring power and control back into the hands of those who need it — older Australians.
• Patient control: Give older patients and their carers and families the power to actively participate in the care required. With the help of an AI-driven voice command, patients, carers and family members can directly input details about their health without the need for typing or navigating complex interfaces.
• Better use of appointment time: Reviewing and gathering an older patient’s health status before an appointment reduces time wasted gathering and reviewing the information during the appointment so there’s a focus on their current status for future health.
• Continuity of care: Ensure continuity of care, especially in scenarios where older patients receive treatment from multiple providers or transition between healthcare settings.
• Reduce fraud, waste and cost inefficiencies: Once clinical notes are entered into the system it creates a verifiable trail of care and users, family members and carers can track their budgets and insurances.
It ensures services rendered are accurately documented and align with billing claims.
About Kismet: Mark Woodland is the co-founder and CEO. Kismet is a digital health platform that integrates appointments, insurances, plans, health providers and a marketplace. Individuals can leverage and track their health insurance benefits to locate and schedule appointments with healthcare providers globally.
THE BENEFITS OF T REATING HEARING LOSS EARLY
New data suggests that the treatment of hearing loss can also reduce feelings of isolation among older people.
YouGov research commissioned by Connect Hearing has revealed that 43% of Australians aged 50 and upwards who were experiencing hearing loss reported losing confidence in social interactions. In addition, 24% of these respondents felt isolated from friends and family due to their condition.
Alarmingly, 27% of respondents with hearing loss said they avoid social events and occasions. More than a third of respondents (35%) with hearing loss agreed that it was impacting their health and wellbeing, with over a quarter (26%) claiming it was putting a strain on their relationships.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL CONNECTION AND SLEEP
Dr Marny Lishman, a health and community psychologist, said this research shows there are many older Australians who may be retreating from their normal day-to-day activities with family and friends due to untreated hearing loss.
“Social connections are a vital component of long-term health and wellbeing. It is concerning to see that many are avoiding these situations altogether, which can have a serious impact on our health and wellbeing as we age. Social isolation is linked to increased risks of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It can also lead to heightened stress levels, poor sleep and cognitive decline,” Lishman said.
“Accepting the need for more self-care as we age can be challenging, but it’s better for our overall wellbeing to address ailments promptly.”
The survey also found that less than half (49%) of people with untreated hearing loss are satisfied with their quality of sleep.
Based on the survey sample of 1039 Australians aged 50+ years, the results could suggest that an estimated two million people aged 50+ have untreated hearing loss and more than one million people in this age group could be missing a good night’s rest.
Sam Thomas, an audiologist at Connect Hearing, said he often sees people who get a hearing check present with other health issues that may be connected.
“At Connect Hearing, I see people struggling with daily conversations and experiencing overstimulation from background noise, which in my opinion can lead to exhaustion,” Thomas said.
“Evidently, this exhaustion, combined with reduced participation in social activities, shows that the impacts of untreated hearing loss can be far-reaching.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH TREATMENT
On the flip side, the majority of people who have sought treatment for hearing loss (72%) claim that hearing aids have allowed them to get their life back, showing that, in many instances, paying attention to symptoms may have a positive impact on other areas of wellbeing.
“Technology now exists to help people make the most of life without being held back in social situations, or having to play musical chairs to hear people when having conversations or feeling selfconscious about wearing hearing aids,” Thomas said.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing loss, you don’t need to suffer through it. A simple hearing check can often help people stop living with social discomfort and achieve a better quality of life.”
Additional key survey findings include:
• Four in five (79%) people who have a friend or family member with hearing loss agree they have encouraged or are likely to encourage them to seek treatment.
• Two-thirds (67%) who have a friend or family member with hearing loss agree that they ensure that social occasions and gatherings are in locations that are comfortable for their family or friends with hearing loss.
• Over one in three (35%) who have a friend or family member with hearing loss agree their family or friend with hearing loss has asked them if they think they are experiencing hearing loss.
• 43% of people with hearing loss agree that it is negatively impacting their quality of life.
• Nearly half (48%) of those with hearing loss agree that their hearing loss has created awkward or uncomfortable situations with others
• More than half (57%) of respondents with hearing loss agree that they often need to change physical locations (such as moving seats) to engage in conversation.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
AMBER FERGUSON
Registered nurse Amber Ferguson has a deeply personal commitment to aged care, after witnessing her mother’s final journey through Quirindi Care Services (QCS).
By participating in the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Nursing Transition to Practice Program — which aims to address the critical nursing shortage in rural areas — Amber made the change from care staff to a registered nurse. She completed her qualifications while working part-time at QCS, using study leave to pursue her Bachelor of Nursing.
“I began the transition to nursing after the passing of my mother. The transition was slightly difficult, given that I began this journey in my late 30s, married with two teenage daughters and running a household,” Amber said.
Reflecting on her journey, she noted that the training she received significantly increased and strengthened her knowledge and skills, covering a broad range of topics such as clinical governance, incident management, wounds and NDIS — as well as how to apply these in the aged care sector.
“Growing up, I had always wanted to be a nurse, but life took me in different directions. I left school early, worked in retail, moved away from home, met my husband, and started a family. My mother had me later in life, so by the time I had my children, her health had declined, and she needed more care.”
Amber’s mother was a resident and also passed away at the QCS Eloura facility in 2018. Her experience of caring for her mother in her own home led Amber to realise the challenges of watching a loved one decline and require care.
“While caring for my mother, I realised how many vital resources and services — like specialised nursing, specialists and support groups — were missing in rural areas compared to the cities and large regional centres,” she said.
“It was during her admission into the residential aged care facility that I realised just how significant the nurse’s role is — not only for the resident but for the family too. When someone you love enters an aged care facility, it’s such an emotional, stressful and time-consuming experience.”
This experience was what ultimately motivated her to change careers, and Amber said she finds her new role extremely rewarding.
“When asked at work, ‘How’s your day?’ I respond with, ‘Living the dream’. I believe if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to care for an elderly person,” she said.
“Entering aged care has been one of the most rewarding experiences but also one of the most challenging — physically, emotionally and mentally. Self-care and work-life balance are essential, as you often become emotionally attached to those in your care, spending most days in their company.”
Most of Amber’s days consist of medication administration, wound care, clinical assessments and care planning to meet the nutritional and emotional needs of the residents. Leadership and people management are also important to effectively plan the workflow for the shift.
“In aged care, you always have to be ready for the unexpected, which could include responding to falls, staff shortages, clinical deterioration, doctors’ rounds and family concerns,” she said.
Amber now plans to further her studies in dementia and palliative care, continuing her learning journey. She noted that rural nursing requires RNs to be competent and efficient with technology and communication skills, enabling them to engage with other health professionals and access the required care in a timely manner.
“It’s a privilege and honour to care for and advocate for the residents, and I’m able to make small changes that greatly impact their lives,” Amber said.
WHY A NEW AUTOMATION MINDSET IS CRITICAL FOR AGED CARE
Following the royal commission into aged care in 2018, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) was formed, replacing the former Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner, and rolling them into a single regulator. This helped eliminate information boundaries across systems and marked a significant step towards a more unified approach to protecting and enhancing the safety and wellbeing of people accessing aged care services, writes MARKUS ZIRN, Chief Strategy Officer at Workato.
The ACQSC works with a number of agencies that are charged with different tasks, making it particularly important that they can rely on a tech ecosystem to administer their programs.
At the forefront of this shift is Tristan Cox, Chief Digital Officer at the ACQSC, with whom I had the opportunity to speak during a recent podcast. Cox’s vision for the ACQSC is deeply rooted in fostering a new automation mindset for the commission, as well as innovating the use of automation to move towards organisational goals, streamline processes and increase efficiency in the aged care sector.
Government entities must be able to move quickly and react to events or changes in regulatory posture — but this is not possible with systems that are very clunky and antagonistic towards organisational objectives, and that do not match architectural settings. According to Cox, with continuous development of legislation and regulatory posture, changes in processes become inevitable, and are hard to foresee.
Not only that, but when changes are made within government, new and existing agencies deal with technology stack barriers. A lot of these systems are typically passed down from predecessors, and under these circumstances, it can be challenging to determine the appropriate
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platform for processes. When organisational objectives do not match with the capabilities of the infrastructure in place, this creates a problem that requires an agile build process to rapidly effect change.
With the future in mind, many have begun adopting the new automation mindset. But what exactly is this automation mindset, and why is it so critical?
THE NEW AUTOMATION MINDSET
The emerging automation paradigm defines the fundamental principles guiding automation strategies in the modern AI era. For example, the “system thinking” approach, also known as the process mindset, emphasises the automation of complete end-to-end processes, rather than focusing on isolated tasks. In contrast, the growth mindset characterises companies that welcome and adapt to changes and
challenges with their processes — opting for flexible and adaptable automation solutions rather than rigid, unchangeable ones.
With this mindset, government bodies will be able to better determine the appropriate technology needed to enhance daily tasks and streamline processes more efficiently, and teams will be able to quickly identify the pain points during the mapping journey to determine which areas need to be improved.
The next important piece is decomposition, which is right at the centre of our enterprise architecture. Organisations need to utilise the products that will connect the whole process together in a smooth transition, making it easy for data transfer between systems. This is pivotal, especially for the aged care sector which manages a vast amount of sensitive patient data.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is a front-runner among public sector organisations, largely due to the fact that Tristan Cox and his team prioritise three fundamental aspects:
1. Process mapping
Cox’s approach involves streamlining workflows through process mapping, and it starts by thoroughly mapping out workflows to gain a deep understanding of the processes, as well as identifying areas where improvements can be made. This first step is essential for boosting efficiency and achieving clear operational insights.
2. Low-code, no-code platforms
Next, Cox believes in enhancing agility using low-code platforms, which will require equipping the necessary teams to adapt swiftly with low-code, no code platforms. These intuitive tools facilitate rapid development and deployment of solutions, bolstering the organisation’s ability to respond promptly and flexibly to changes.
3. Flexibility
This last point relates to securing the future of the operations with composability, by creating systems and processes that are flexible and adaptable. By embracing modularity, Cox is able to ensure that the ACQSC seamlessly adjusts to changes, even as the landscape evolves.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Although the roadmap is clear for the aged care sector, it will take time to implement and adapt to these changes. And where there is an increase in process complexity, it is crucial to be guided by the process mindset. End-to-end processes are inherently intricate; as automation takes on more tasks within a process, the complexity reflected in this data naturally grows.
Organisations that enhance their processes over time exhibit both the process mindset and the growth mindset. Similarly, with this mindset the aged care sector will be able to transform and revolutionise its processes and systems, ensuring quality care all around.
Under Tristan Cox’s leadership, the ACQSC is not just responding to the mandate set forth by the Royal Commission — it is redefining what it means to be a regulatory body in the age of digital transformation.
Markus Zirn is the Chief Strategy Officer at Workato.
HUMANISING TECHNOLOGY IN AGED CARE
Apartnership has formed between IT provider Interactive and Homestyle Aged Care to improve the quality of care for residents.
Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, residential aged care services in Australia came under significant pressure from both consumers and regulators to consistently deliver high-quality aged care for residents.
Homestyle then grappled with a myriad of challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden onset of the global health crisis significantly complicated its operations, as the organisation had to navigate through the complexities of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents in its care.
The organisation found itself in a scenario where the familiar routine of caregiving was turned upside down, and the need for stringent data requirements and compliance added an extra layer of complexity to an already challenging environment.
It therefore sought a service provider with which it could partner to address the ongoing challenges and evolving landscape of the aged care industry. This included ensuring the consistent running of technology, enabling the Homestyle team to focus on its philosophy of holistic residential aged care in an environment of caring, compassion and respect. The service provider needed to be able to grow with Homestyle and provide consolidated end-user support for 10 homes, a support office and over 1500 employees.
The Interactive Anywhere offering met the requirements Homestyle sought in an end-toend managed services provider, including support for cloud migration, onsite support, and regulatory alignment.
Interactive Anywhere is designed to deliver full managed services across infrastructure, network, end-user support and security. This provided Homestyle with a managed service partner that could optimise existing assets and strategically upgrade infrastructure when required to embrace emerging technologies and future advancements.
“The Homestyle team is committed to ensuring that each resident feels secure, safe, respected and cared for. This is not only exclusive to nursing teams but across all departments. For us to succeed in our mission, we needed to protect resident’s data, ensuring that it is stored securely and is cared for by a team who are passionate about more than just technology,” said Peter Gunn, Chief Information Officer at Homestyle.
Interactive’s Senior Business Development Manager – Cloud, Managed Services and Cyber Security, Tim Sparks, said that Interactive Anywhere felt like a natural fit for Homestyle.
“The ability to reassure family members that their loved ones are well cared for is a top priority for aged care providers, and this is largely underpinned by having the correct team to facilitate reliable communication. This focus on high-quality care combined with the challenging regulatory environment that encompasses aged care means that Homestyle requires a flexible approach to IT.”
Gunn said, “Interactive understood our mission as it strives to make technology human. They care for their customers just as we care for residents choosing to live in a Homestyle home. We knew we would be in good hands.”
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