Partnerships An example of the benefits of working together

Who are we? Glen Eira City Council HACC Assessment Service and HACC service provider. May 2014 the Community Care Unit provided 13,900 hours of support to approximately 2600 Glen Eira Residents. Service Delivery: In Home Support (Personal Care, Home Care, Shopping, Respite care and social connectiveness). Approximately 140 Direct Care Workers Social Support (Planned Activity Group) Delivered Meals Property Maintenance

Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service Bentleigh Bayside Community Health’s Vision is: “Optimal health and well being of our community” Service Delivery: Variety of group programmes as well as individual sessions for older adults, children and families. Health Promotion, Gamblers Health, Dental and Planned Activity Groups. Employed are allied health staff including Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Counsellors, Community Health Nurses, Podiatrists, Speech Therapists and Dieticians who see clients at the centre or in their own homes.

The Beginning Common aim 2010: Establish a joint approach between the two organisations to maximise outcomes for ASM clients How was this achieved: Co-location of an Occupational Therapist 1 or 2 afternoons per week from Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service (BBCHS) into the offices of Glen Eira City Council Community Care Unit. In 2011 BBCHS allocated ASM physiotherapy resources

Outcomes Improved communication and understanding between the agencies Communication about clients enhanced by having BBCHS staff allocated to the ASM role Joint home visits to clients Joint approach to complex client issues Increased flexibility to respond to clients

Establishment of the ASM Working Group resulting in new initiatives and shared projects Professional relationships strengthened Shared knowledge and professional support Provision of training by BBCHS staff to Direct Care Workers and Program Workers Overall Result: better outcomes for our clients

Focus Today Training Provided by BBCHS Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapist to Councils Direct Care staff and Planned Activity Workers

Physiotherapy Home exercise program Training with Direct Care workers Goals: Encourage client’s independence Maintain mobility, strength and balance Reduce falls Enhance socialisation.

Training provided: (small group) Delivery of a home exercise program Sit to stand tasks and the use of a 4 wheel walker Hints and tips in assisting clients with total hip replacements/Moores prosthesis Assisting clients with Parkinson's (individual) Delivery of home exercise program On site with client, Direct Care worker and Physiotherapist.

Occupational Therapy Training with Direct Care Workers: Small group training targeting workers who have recently completed the dual Certificate 3 in HACC and Disability and Peer Support Workers (senior direct care workers) ASM approach - focusing on Occupational Therapy, the ASM model, PADLS and how to identify when an OT assessment might be required for a client. Individual Training Home visits to provide specific training with a Direct Care Worker/s in relation to clients needs

Training with Program Workers Planned Activity Group: Goal setting (provided by previous OT) Introduction to different eating and drinking aids to promote clients independence during meals. Joint session at planning stage with Physiotherapist around enabling clients to transfer independently in and out of vehicles, sit to stand, minimising transfers and general mobility issues.

Challenges Group size (best undertaken in small groups or with the individual worker and the client) Changing the mind set of long term Direct Care Workers Coordinating joint visits between Physio or OT with the client and Direct Care Worker at the clients home Follow up with Direct Care Workers – often don’t see the Direct Care Worker again to ascertain whether they have embraced the principles or need further support and encouragement

In our experience partnerships are about professional relationships that build on individual and organisational skills resulting in the best outcome for the client. It is also about skill sharing which helps to inform and educate those involved in responding to clients needs.

Contact details: Anita Brown Occupational Therapist Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service Carlie Tribe Occupational Therapist Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service Sue Nixon Physiotherapist Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service Vicki Woolard In Home Support Coordinator Glen Eira City Council