Lorraine Poulos1, Stephen Neal1
1LPA Consulting
Abstract:
Approximately 1.2 million Australians currently receive Home Care Services through aged care-funded programs. The recent introduction of strengthened aged care standards and future Support at Home program brings substantial changes to traditional home care models. Historically, home care has followed a psychosocial model, but over the past decade, it has evolved towards a psychosocial healthcare approach.
A growing number of older Australians prefer receiving clinical support at home rather than in residential care facilities. This presentation will examine the challenges in developing sustainable infection prevention and control practices within home care and explore ways to partner with older Australians in these efforts.
The new Aged Care Infection Prevention & Control Guide provides valuable support and insights for community care. This presentation will delve into the guide’s recommendations and the opportunities they present for the Home Care sector. We will draw on lessons learned during the pandemic to discuss how to enable and educate both staff and older Australians on the importance of infection prevention and control, risk management, and antimicrobial stewardship.