Accommodating the Needs of People with Lifelong Intellectual Disability in Residential Aged Care. Unique challenges face the residential aged care system because of the increased life expectancy of people with life-long intellectual disability and the likelihood of their premature ageing. Although this group is recognised by Federal and State governments as requiring specific and special service arrangements, little is known about adapting disability and aged care services to their needs, thus p ....Accommodating the Needs of People with Lifelong Intellectual Disability in Residential Aged Care. Unique challenges face the residential aged care system because of the increased life expectancy of people with life-long intellectual disability and the likelihood of their premature ageing. Although this group is recognised by Federal and State governments as requiring specific and special service arrangements, little is known about adapting disability and aged care services to their needs, thus program development is in its early stages. This research will inform the development of policy and programs in the Aged Care, Disability and Health sectors with the aim of improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disability as they age.Read moreRead less
3D Printed Food for People with Swallowing Disability. This project aims to identify ways that 3D food printing (additive manufacturing using real food in a device like a ink-jet printer) could be used to improve the visual appeal of puree meals for people with swallowing difficulty, who make up ~8% of the world's population. This study will be the first to include people with swallowing disability (e.g., related to cerebral palsy, stroke, older age) and their supporters in examining the views a ....3D Printed Food for People with Swallowing Disability. This project aims to identify ways that 3D food printing (additive manufacturing using real food in a device like a ink-jet printer) could be used to improve the visual appeal of puree meals for people with swallowing difficulty, who make up ~8% of the world's population. This study will be the first to include people with swallowing disability (e.g., related to cerebral palsy, stroke, older age) and their supporters in examining the views and experiences of stakeholders on the impact of 3D food printing on quality of life, enjoyment, participation, and safety. Outcomes include new knowledge on factors affecting the implementation of 3D food printing in disability and aged care services, to inform policy, practice, and future research.Read moreRead less
Transforming the experiences of ageing: The ABC of building socially inclusive communities. This project addresses the national goal: ageing well, ageing productively. Serious problems with community and residential care services for older Australians are well documented. This project will determine the best way to find out what older people want now and for the future, in terms of housing, supports and services.
Improving Health and Quality of Life with Improved Nutrition in Residential Care Establishments. Inadequate nutrition is a serious issue in residential care establishments. Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with impaired healing, reduced immune function, and reduction in physical and mental capacity. Lack of food choice and access to suitable nutrient-dense foods all contribute to inadequate energy and protein, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Our industry partners will ....Improving Health and Quality of Life with Improved Nutrition in Residential Care Establishments. Inadequate nutrition is a serious issue in residential care establishments. Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with impaired healing, reduced immune function, and reduction in physical and mental capacity. Lack of food choice and access to suitable nutrient-dense foods all contribute to inadequate energy and protein, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Our industry partners will work with us to enhance the nutrient density of suitable foods. We will establish the efficacy of foods and supplements and develop strategies to implement a sustainable nutrition-enhancing program that can be introduced to improve health in residential care establishments throughout Australia.Read moreRead less
Evaluation of a Training Program for Staff to Recognize Depression Among Aged People Living in Residential and Community Care. Depression is a significant problem among older people, and is likely to increase in prevalence with the aging of the population. A large percentage of depressed older people fail to receive treatment because their depression is not diagnosed. This illness leads to high economic and social costs if it is not diagnosed and treated. This project will evaluate the effective ....Evaluation of a Training Program for Staff to Recognize Depression Among Aged People Living in Residential and Community Care. Depression is a significant problem among older people, and is likely to increase in prevalence with the aging of the population. A large percentage of depressed older people fail to receive treatment because their depression is not diagnosed. This illness leads to high economic and social costs if it is not diagnosed and treated. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a training program to assist carers to detect depression, and so refer older people for treatment of this condition. Read moreRead less
My place for life: comparison of models of care and housing for older people. This project addresses the national goal: ageing well, ageing productively. Existing Australian housing and community services will be inadequate for the future, but the evidence base for policy development is absent. This project will conduct the first comparative Australian study on outcomes for older people over time in a range of existing housing models.
Towards Community Aged Care Reform: Design and evaluation of a seamless, flexible service model. The project will develop and test a seamless and flexible community aged care model that is more responsive to consumer needs. To be rolled out by Uniting Care Community Options in its community aged care operations, it is expected that the project will raise consumer satisfaction, service quality, and health outcomes. The project will also explore the potential of pooled funding focusing on its pote ....Towards Community Aged Care Reform: Design and evaluation of a seamless, flexible service model. The project will develop and test a seamless and flexible community aged care model that is more responsive to consumer needs. To be rolled out by Uniting Care Community Options in its community aged care operations, it is expected that the project will raise consumer satisfaction, service quality, and health outcomes. The project will also explore the potential of pooled funding focusing on its potential to resolve major service gaps that result from the complexity of current funding arrangements. Moreover, the project will generate new scientific evidence regarding the viability of consumer-directed community aged care in Australia and establish an ongoing research program.Read moreRead less
Consumer Directed Care In Residential Aged Care: Transforming Practice Through The Resident At The Centre Of Care (RCC) Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$836,087.00
Summary
The impending introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) into Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) will require organisations to respond rapidly in both ‘mindset’ and service delivery to radically change the nature of their current care practices. This project will allow our industry partners to implement and evaluate a CDC model of care that, if successful, will lead to a sustainable site specific implementation plan of CDC for RACFs across Australia with better outcomes for residents.