ACM - Aged Citizens on the Move

15/10/2018

Will last week remain memorable in Australia's Aged Care history?
Royal Commission - Aged Care Quality and Safety

According to a survey held by Australian Ageing Agenda this week, there is a "wait and see" approach as to what the Royal Commission can achieve. The question asked in a poll was, “do you think the royal commission will bring about positive change in the aged care sector”. They found 65 per cent of 212 respondents indicated they were hopeful it would, but were reserving judgement until it was over. While 19 per cent said they thought the inquiry would improve the quality of care and make providers more accountable and 17 per cent (35) said it would just delay real reform and achieve nothing.

So what do peak industry bodies say? Aged and Community Services Australia said the royal commission would encourage a wide-ranging and constructive national discussion on the future quality of aged care services. While Aged Care Guide report Sean Rooney, CEO of Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) as saying "the Terms of Reference reflect the views of LASA's Members that the Royal Commission needs to focus on making Australia's aged care system better"

While Consumer Groups have been reported as being optimistic: Consumer groups also expressed optimism after terms of reference were revealed, covering a broad sweep of topics ranging from abuse to workforce issues and the increasing incidence of dementia.

Acting CEO of National Seniors Australia Professor John McCallum said: “It will (the Royal Commission) inquire into all forms of Commonwealth-funded aged care, wherever they are delivered. COTA Australia said the commission represented a watershed moment in the history of aged care policy and reform. However, COTA’s CEO Ian Yates warned it must not be used as an excuse by the government to “sit on its hands” and not to act urgent reforms already identified in a raft of previous reviews including the Tune Review and the Carnell/Paterson Report. And the former head of the Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce, John Pollaers, expressed concern about the inquiry’s timeframe.

One thing is for certain, Aged Care will remain topical for the foreseeable future, with many organization and leaders working towards excellent quality and safe care for Australian seniors.

26/06/2018

Dedication to Dignity,

104 year old David Goodall

David Goodall's publicised end of life choice could provoke sadness, anger, dismay or a multitude of other feelings. Regardless of the current immediate overflow of emotions, the dedication David has given to his belief is nothing short of a wonderful gift to humanity. From this point in time David's gift will impact on global consideration and discussion on a very sensitive subject. It will help guide families and individuals and shape policy and law around the world for years to come.,,

104 year old David Goodall David Goodall’s publicised end of life choice could provoke sadness, anger, dismay or a multitude of other feelings. Regardless of the current immediate overflow of emotions, the dedication David has given to his belief is nothing short of a wonderful gift to humanity. F...

11/05/2018

Dedication to Dignity,

104 year old David Goodall

David Goodall's publicised end of life choice could provoke sadness, anger, dismay or a multitude of other feelings. Regardless of the current immediate overflow of emotions, the dedication David has given to his belief is nothing short of a wonderful gift to humanity. From this point in time David's gift will impact on global consideration and discussion on a very sensitive subject. It will help guide families and individuals and shape policy and law around the world for years to come.,,

10/05/2018

When a friend needs a hand,"Transitioning a resistant elderly family friend to aged care was incredibly difficult. To, at the same time, try to learn about the sector was just an added burden. Having ACM as a partner in the process was priceless. Their experience and knowledge meant I could quickly make informed choices and find the best place for Luci at a critical time." Christina, Donvale: Feb -April 2018,,

“Transitioning a resistant elderly family friend to aged care was incredibly difficult. To, at the same time, try to learn about the sector was just an added burden. Having ACM as a partner in the process was priceless. Their experience and knowledge meant I could quickly make informed choices and...

10/05/2018

Pauline moves into Residential Aged Care,"Recently our mother / mother-in-law transitioned into a nursing home. We could not have done this without Wendy's expertise as the process is so complicated. Her help was invaluable."

Catherine, Sydney & Hellen, Hawthorn, Vic: Dec 2017 - April 2018

,,

“Recently our mother / mother-in-law transitioned into a nursing home. We could not have done this without Wendy’s expertise as the process is so complicated. Her help was invaluable.” Catherine, Sydney & Hellen, Hawthorn, Vic: Dec 2017 – April 2018     Pauline moves into Residential Aged ...

05/02/2018

Aged Care in the News,

It's been a busy month for the Aged Care industry and possibly a worrying month for those who need to or are contemplating Residential Aged Care accommodation.

Stories from families regarding concerns of poor quality care, not enough staff, not enough trained staff, lack of resources and the impact of funding cuts have been splashed across our newspapers regularly.

In the background the Legislated Review of Aged Care 2017 was completed by David Tune on the 31st of July 2017 and presented to the Hon Ken Wyatt, Minister for Aged Care. While the industry digests the contents of the review and recommendations, debates continue over the way forward.

For many, moving into an Aged Care Residential Home is the safest and best option. Ensuring comfort and security, at a time in life when frailty, health and comfort needs are at the highest level.

In these times reaching out for expert advice can bring peace of mind to the older person and their family members. Experienced professionals who take the time to know each individual client and family well, who know what questions to ask and who know where to find the right information. These are the people who are invaluable at a time when families are under stress and not sure if they are getting the very best they can for their ageing family member.

,,

It’s been a busy month for the Aged Care industry and possibly a worrying month for those who need to or are contemplating Residential Aged Care accommodation. Stories from families regarding concerns of poor quality care, not enough staff, not enough trained staff, lack of resources and the impac...

05/02/2018

New Year - thinking about getting help?,

If Your Thinking about Help because your getting Older ...

Has the New Year prompted you to think about contacting services to assist yourself or your parents with care needs associated with ageing?

One thing all the professionals working in aged care would agree on is to start early, don't wait until your needs become complex.

Many people identify that they are not as able as they use to be. They think of enquiring about help, they delay it for one reason or another and sadly some people flatly refuse help.

If you're thinking about getting help, you're parents look like they are ageing or you are a Power of Attorney of an older person who appears not to be coping, now is the time to start making inquiries about options.

A good place to start is the MyAgedCare website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/

Explore your options, Influence your future and gain Peace of Mind,,

If Your Thinking about Help because your getting Older … Has the New Year prompted you to think about contacting services to assist yourself or your parents with care needs associated with ageing? One thing all the professionals working in aged care would agree on is to start early, don’t wait u...

05/02/2018

New Year - thinking about getting help?,

If Your Thinking about Help because your getting Older ...

Has the New Year prompted you to think about contacting services to assist yourself or your parents with care needs associated with ageing?

One thing all the professionals working in aged care would agree on is to start early, don't wait until your needs become complex.

Many people identify that they are not as able as they use to be. They think about enquiring about help, they delay it for one reason or another and sadly some people flatly refuse help.

If you're thinking about getting help, you're parents look like they are ageing or you are a Power of Attorney of an older person who appears not to be coping, now is the time to start making inquiries about options.

A good place to start is the MyAgedCare website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/

Explore your options, Influence your future and gain Peace of Mind,,

If Your Thinking about Help because your getting Older … Has the New Year prompted you to think about contacting services to assist yourself or your parents with care needs associated with ageing? One thing all the professionals working in aged care would agree on is to start early, don’t wait u...

01/02/2018

Children concerned for their Mother: Client Consultation,"Ellen and I agree, the session was valuable and informative.
I feel, after having received your advice, we are better equipped to help with mum’s future."

(Paul, Sydney, January 2018),,

“Ellen and I agree, the session was valuable and informative. I feel, after having received your advice, we are better equipped to help with mum’s future.” (Paul, Sydney, January 2018) Children concerned for their Mother: Client Consultation

18/10/2017

Aged Care in the News,

It's been a busy month for the Aged Care industry and possibly a worrying month for those who need to or are contemplating Residential Aged Care accommodation.

Stories from families regarding concerns of poor quality care, not enough staff, not enough trained staff, lack of resources and the impact of funding cuts have been splashed across our newspapers regularly.

In the background the Legislated Review of Aged Care 2017 was completed by David Tune on the 31st of July 2017 and presented to the Hon Ken Wyatt, Minister for Aged Care. While the industry digests the contents of the review and recommendations, debates continue over the way forward.

For many, moving into an Aged Care Residential Home is the safest and best option. Ensuring comfort and security, at a time in life when frailty, health and comfort needs are at the highest level.

In these times reaching out for expert advice can bring peace of mind to the older person and their family members. Experienced professionals who take the time to know each individual client and family well, who know what questions to ask and who know where to find the right information. These are the people who are invaluable at a time when families are under stress and not sure if they are getting the very best they can for their ageing family member.

,,

It’s been a busy month for the Aged Care industry and possibly a worrying month for those who need to or are contemplating Residential Aged Care accommodation. Stories from families regarding concerns of poor quality care, not enough staff, not enough trained staff, lack of resources and the impact…

12/09/2017

Take falls prevention seriously,
Prevent Falls at home
Those aged 65 year or over are the largest users of the acute healthcare system. Not surprised? In 2014-15 the second highest reason for people to be admitted to hospital for accidents was falls; second to traffic accidents. These statistics are linked because as we age we are more likely to fall. However there are many things we can do to prevent falls at home and here are a couple of very good websites to get sound FREE information from to help you prepare to prevent falls as you age:

https://www.stayonyourfeet.com.au/

http://www.nari.net.au/resources/public/avoiding-falls
Explore Influence Peace of Mind,,

Prevent Falls at home Those aged 65 year or over are the largest users of the acute healthcare system. Not surprised? In 2014-15 the second highest reason for people to be admitted to hospital for accidents was falls; second to traffic accidents. These statistics are linked because as we age we are…

12/09/2017

A Simple Framework,To a very sensitive and emotional life experience

How do we know when an elderly person or couple will benefit from help?

A simple way of viewing the stages of an Aged Care journey may help us understand when to seek assistance.

Stage 1. Mild ageing needs. You are experiencing or you can see Mum or Dad, Aunty, Uncle, Gran or Pa experiencing aged related concerns. With a little help from those that love them, they appear to be coping well.

Stage 2. Safety. You start to feel concerned for your wellbeing or the wellbeing of a relative; and / or you are feeling overwhelmed by the time and commitment you and the family have in place to ensure the older persons safety.

Stage 3. Comfort and Health. Needs of the older person require specialist care and possibly 24 hour care.

Plan to Live your Aged Care Journey. Getting expert advice as soon as you notice 'Mild ageing needs' creates greater opportunity to influence the remainder of the journey. It's never too late however. Seek help early to avoid safety concerns. Explore possibilities and influencing the future. Gain peace of mind for the elderly, their family and friends.

Reference: University of Tasmania MOOC Understanding Dementia 2017.,,

To a very sensitive and emotional life experience How do we know when an elderly person or couple will benefit from help? A simple way of viewing the stages of an Aged Care journey may help us understand when to seek assistance. Stage 1. Mild ageing needs. You are experiencing or you can see Mum or…