Presented By: Kay Hevey MHSc(OSH), Grad.Dip.OHM, CPMSIA, RSP-Aust. Managing Director GSLS Pty. Ltd. Phone:

When age or disability occurs in a family, the person who undertakes the care relinquishes their normal life to care for their family member. These carers often find it difficult to cope with the level of stress that this stage of life brings. In Victoria, Australia we refer to these carers as “Primary Carers”

A state based program operates in Victoria, which has been designed to provide help and assistance to the elderly or disabled person, while providing support to the Primary Carer. The program provides links to specialised services such as dietary, vision, hearing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, in-home care, personal care and respite. However many of our elderly do not have family or Primary Carer support – therefore the importance of the in-home care program is paramount. The people who undertake this care are called “Direct Care Workers” (DCW).

Early Investigation Findings No formal work procedures were in place Minimal management of the work program within the homes Limited consultation with the client or primary carer Significant compromise issues for the DCW 00 Lack of link between assessment and the work programs for DCWs

Management Structure for In-Home Care Communication in our Community: MANAGEMENT CLIENT SERVICE PROVIDER/ CARER MANAGEMENT CLIENT SERVICE PROVIDER / CARER PREVIOUSNOW Pastoral Caring Role

Linking systems to people for more effective safety management DCW Training focusing on hazards re working in isolation, strategies to manage hazards, with a strong emphasis on reporting issues to Management. Assessment Officer Training covering assessment of client needs, referrals to support agencies eg dietary, OT, vision etc., including the safety issues and work programs for DCW’s. Information for the client and primary carer to ensure they understood the role of DCW. Management Training in developing and implementing systems which were monitored and reviewed. A program was launched for this industry with a focus on the following stakeholders

The training enabled DCW’s to better understand their professional role in the care of their clients, while emphasising safe work procedures and the support of Management in the program and safe work procedures across activities: In-Home care – vacuuming, mopping, bed making, shower/bath cleaning etc. Personal Care – showering & assistance with personal needs. Meals preparation Respite – breaks for the Primary Carer. Other services include: Meals-On-Wheels Gardening, property maintenance SERVICES

Stage three of this program - implementation of a behavioural safety Peer Support Program.  Research identified risks associated with isolated work environments;  Compromise by the client/primary carer/family member;  Lack of assertiveness to deal with confrontation. Direct Care Workers volunteer for training to undertake Peer Support, enabling them to attending homes to provide support to other team members:  Observing tasks and safe work practices;  Reporting at-risk equipment /environments;  Assist in reporting safety issues to Management;  Providing positive feedback to the DCW to reinforce a team approach, both to the client and the primary carer.

IDENTIFIED RESULTS OF PROGRAM Injuries in the Municipalities employing this program have decreased Serious injuries have also decreased significantly DCW’s have more control over their work environment Clients/Primary Carers better informed & involved in training eg transfers etc Improved Career Path and Staff Retention

Building a modern safety culture The highest priority must be given to safety issues Management must respond efficiently and effectively to safety issues Workers must feel confident not only in hazard reporting but in their continued involvement in the risk mitigation process Safety issues must be constantly assessed and reviewed Annual reviews are undertaken of positive indicators to evaluate and continue improvement in the safety system

One Municipality has expanded this program involving DCW’s – upgrading and increasing skills, autonomy and confidence: In Home Foot Care Program – Podiatrist Training Making a Move – exercise program OT training Medication – assisting clients with low risk needs Healthy Communities – Clients & Carers physical activities and nutrition Healthy Ageing Demonstration Project – Improving workforce capacity & service delivery Providing assistance to GSLS to develop the new Safe Working Guides.

“ I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow human being, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Stephen Grellet.

Presented By: Kay Hevey MHSc(OSH), Grad.Dip.OHM, CPMSIA, RSP-Aust. Managing Director GSLS Pty. Ltd. Phone: