In late 2017, I sat with optimism as Professor Kathy Eagar from the University of Wollongong presented her findings on the Aged Care Funding Instrument and proposed alternate models.

As a physiotherapist, I’ve been frustrated with the ACFI since commencing my first aged care role in 2013. One thing that Professor Eagar remonstrated, was that the new funding tool must not have perverse incentives.

Don’t let assumptions get in the way of resident making choices.

In life, we all make assumptions. These assumptions are often related to how we view or categorise other people. We then make decisions based on these assumptions, which affect the way we interact and communicate.

An aged care allied health organisation has launched a series of videos and a weekly live exercise class on ZOOM to help combat physical deconditioning among aged care residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Get Up Guide is a daily training program of exercises designed for care workers to deliver to residents daily to keep residents active and minimise the side effects of reduced activity like falls.

Free movement of our limbs is a prerequisite of mobility and autonomy. It’s something that most of us take for granted. However, as we age this freedom of movement can diminish and have significant consequences on our quality of life.

Unfortunately, the current aged care system has created an environment whereby physiotherapists are encouraged to be ineffective, which has driven many professionals away from the industry.

A group of allied health professionals has shared their personal mental health stories to help raise awareness and improve the mental health of aged care residents.

Aged care allied health organisation Guide Healthcare has produced an e-book where six team members open up about their personal challenges with mental illness in a bid to help those who may be suffering in silence.

In life, we all make assumptions. These assumptions are often related to how we view or categorise other people. We then make decisions based on these assumptions which affect the way we interact and communicate.

While the numbers show staggering statistics of workforce short falls, is this the opportunity we need to focus on the people that make our industry great and fostering the leaders of the future?

Funding short-falls have become the default response for almost all areas of systematic failures across residential aged care. Whilst I accept that there's not enough money, I find it hard to accept any excuse for sub-standard services.

Working in Aged Care as an Occupational Therapist isn’t always what you expect, but from my experience it is incredibly worthwhile and rewarding.

The “Physical Therapy Subsidy” was a great idea and there’s some very good reasons to consider its inclusion in the revised funding model. In fact, the basis of the proposed Australian National Aged Care Classification System (AN-ACC) would support its inclusion.

I know now more than ever how employing the right people and building strong teams contributes to business success. As a manager, your ability to ensure quality, monitor performance and maintain relationships across a broad geographical area can be challenging. However, if you have the right people that job is significantly easier.

In April, the “Bravehearts” took on their rivals the “G-RAM-Pies” in the inaugural “Southern Highlands Games”. Taking inspiration from the Scottish namesake, residents competed in 5 athletic competitions.

What we’re now facing is the real possibility that the only time a resident will see a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist is when they’re “classified” under the AN-ACC; or when they’re having their care plan developed. My prediction is that many providers will have allied health professionals develop treatment plans and have care staff or therapy assistance deliver the treatments.

Accepting that “falls happen” is a key part of overcoming the dignity of risk dilemma. At times, the perceived risk of recognising and accepting that falls can occur as a result of promoting independence, dignity and choice can be too high. So, is it time that we took this risk away?