Home care provider BaptistCare at home is focusing on reablement for its clients, with the aim of making the most of the capabilities they have, rather than just ticking off hours of care – in part to address staff shortages, but also to improve quality of life and increasing independence.
Sarah Newman, General Manager, told The SOURCE reablement will look different for every client, and will depend on “their area of functional decline, and their personal goals for what they would like to achieve.
“In an ideal world, we would much rather assist someone to be able to do something for themselves, than provide daily workers to do it for them,” Sarah said.
“Too often we think of ageing as an inevitable decline in capabilities, but we know that the right interventions, both physical and mental, can either halt or reverse that trajectory,” Sarah said.
Sarah gave the example of a client with cognitive decline who had become significantly depressed. A continence issue had left her embarrassed, and she had given up playing bowls, an activity she had previously loved. She rarely left home and was spending increasing amounts of time in bed.
She was at high risk of falling, her depression worsened, and she was becoming increasingly withdrawn from daily activities.
“Without intervention premature entry into residential care or an accident leading to hospitalisation was anticipated,” Sarah said.
BaptistCare at home enlisted their Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Registered Nurse, and with the support of a GP, developed a tailored solution.
“Medications and continence products were reviewed and revised. Regular physio sessions and daily exercises were commenced. Rails were installed to assist with daily activities.
“Daily visits from care workers were put in place to support the client to recondition and re-engage with normal daily tasks, including independent toileting,” Sarah explained.
Once the woman’s mobility began to improve, the team began to introduce exercises specifically for bowling. She ventured out into the community again, which improved her confidence. She regained her interest in cooking, and became generally more independent.
“Three months later, the client is back on the bowling green and still improving week by week,” Sarah said.
“She needs ongoing support, however at a significantly lower level than was the case, and with a greatly improved quality of life. Her husband and family are astounded by the changes.”
The SOURCE: While the average hours home care staff are spending with clients is declining, when tailored supports increase independence, home care recipients don’t need the same hours of hands on care.
