Processes and Practices Supporting the implementation of the Occupational Therapy and Personal Care Growth Funding Julie Cairns Project Officer for the Department of Health – Loddon Mallee Region

Background Getting started - building partnerships Supporting the work – helpful processes The work in practice – what has happened and what has helped?

0.5 EFT Occupational Therapist 10 shires Multiple partnerships Building capacity – of partnerships, services and staff for the benefit of clients

2 x 0.6 Project Officers for 12 months Resourcing partnership development Supporting Occupational Therapists Reflective practice and noticing change

Recognising the principles and importance of partnerships Unpacking the possibilities of the funding with agencies Local partnership planning

Strong history of effective partnering Limited history of partnering

Exploring the many faces of co-location Being clear about the focus of the Occupational Therapist’s role and the target client group(s) An emphasis on staff capacity building Documentation to support the work

Approaches are unique in each Shire Joint assessments have been a key starting point for the work in all Shires Formal and informal opportunities for staff conversations – equally important? Connecting with Community Care Workers

Shared challenges around co-location

For staff new skills and knowledge improved working relationships and processes harnessing Community Care Worker skills and knowledge

For organisations Improved connections Streamlined processes Broader connections between all HACC staff are strengthening Improved service responsiveness and flexibility

For clients Decreased duplication Clients reporting a more positive experience of different agencies working with them OTs are adding new ideas and support to care planning processes leading to some more holistic outcomes for clients.

This work becomes business as usual, for all staff working in HACC Ensuring sustainability through clear agreements, policies and procedures Broadening the scope of the OT role More fully engaging community care workers in care plan reviews. Building networking opportunities for OTs and Assessment Officers