Category: Uncategorized

This week is national stroke week, so we’re raising awareness and providing a useful strategy which can help identify if someone is having a stroke.

With a stroke, time lost is brain lost. The sooner a personal receives treatment, the less damage is likely to occur, so every second is crucial.

A useful way to identify the signs of a stroke is the F.A.S.T. acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) If you or anyone you know displays these signs, regardless of their duration, it’s crucial to immediately dial triple zero (000).

Face

Examine their facial expression. Is there a noticeable droop in their mouth?

Arms

Can they raise both arms without difficulty?

Speech

Is their speech slurred? Are they able to comprehend you clearly?

Time

Time is of the essence. If you observe any of these indicators, call 000 immediately.

Facial weakness, arm weakness, and speech difficulties are the most prevalent manifestations of a stroke, but they’re not the sole ones. Additional stroke symptoms might arise on their own or in conjunction with others:

Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the facial, arm, or leg muscles on one or both sides of the body

Trouble speaking or comprehending language

Vertigo, loss of equilibrium, or an inexplicable stumble

Vision loss, sudden blurriness, or diminished sight in one or both eyes

Intense, abrupt headaches or an unexplained shift in headache patterns

Challenges with swallowing

Get into contact for any in-home aged care inquiries and to arrange a free consultation.

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠

Today is aged care employee day

At Gratitude In-home Care, we acknowledge and deeply appreciate the immensely valuable contributions made by every individual in our team.

We would like to extend to everyone who plays a part in the aged care industry being dedicated nurses, support workers, and other staff in various roles such as cleaners, gardeners, and management staff.

As per the data from the Department of Health, the aged care sector in Australia comprises approximately 370,000 staff members, encompassing both home-based and residential care services.

 #ThanksforCaring

Get into contact for any in-home aged care inquiries and to arrange a free consultation.

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠

The Better at Home initiative was first announced by the Victorian government in 2020 to put more funding behind delivering more hospital services within patients’ homes with a commitment $120.9 million in funding over 3 years.

Building on this commitment, the 2022–23 Victorian Budget allocated an additional $698 million to expand the program. This expansion is intended to benefit over 15,000 Victorians annually, granting them access to home-based care along with telehealth check-ups.

Numerous local and global evaluations of home-based hospital services have demonstrated the advantages of this approach. Patients under this care have experienced improved outcomes, leading to significantly higher levels of patient and carer satisfaction.

During the initial announcement of the initiative, the Minister for Health, Martin Foley, acknowledged the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic to Victorians. However, he also recognized how this difficult time inspired the development of innovative and more effective methods of caring for people. The government’s commitment is to ensure that such beneficial programs continue to be available to Victorians.

The Better at Home initiative focuses on delivering healthcare within patients’ homes when appropriate and preferred by the patient. This includes home-based and virtual care, empowering patients to choose to recover in a familiar environment, should they prefer it over a hospital setting. Ultimately, the initiative strives to enhance the quality of care and cater to the individual needs and preferences of patients.

For more information, head to the department of health’s website at: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/better-at-home-initiative

Get into contact for any in-home aged care inquiries and to arrange a free consultation.

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released a food, nutrition and dining hotline, so anyone concerned about the quality of the food at residential aged care homes can make a report via the email address at info@agedcarequality.gov.au or the phone number at 1800 951 822.

The commission aims increase its commitment to improve food and nutrition within the residential aged care system and has committed $12.9 million to go towards increasing the capability and accountability of providers.

There are new dietary guidelines and resources for providers to support older people, which can be found here: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/quality-care-resources/food-dining-and-nutrition-resources-providers

In-home care providers and Seniors receiving in-home care services can also benefit from these guidelines and resources to support good nutrition.

Get into contact to arrange a free consultation or for any inquiries.

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠

At Gratitude In-home care, we provide a wide range of services to seniors so they can remain living at home for as long as possible.

We provide services to seniors as inexpensive as possible so that they can get more hours of services for their home care package.

Our services:
✨ Personal care
✨ Overnight & 24-hour care
✨ Respite care
✨ Medication assistance
✨ Nursing services
✨ After hospital care
✨ Companionship
✨ Shopping support and meal preparation
✨ Gardening and home maintenance
✨ Transport support
✨ Assistance with household tasks
✨ Community access
✨ Allied Health Services

Get into contact to arrange a free consultation or for any inquiries.

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠

Australia is facing a changing demographic with an aging population which is resulting in more people in the aged care system and less in the workforce. The Royal commission into aged care quality and safety final report volume 1 identified that there were 4.2 working aged people for every Australian aged 65 and over, which is expected to decrease to 3.1 by 2058. The working population is already paying high taxes which contributes to funding upwards of $27 billion per year spent on aged care.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells confirmed in a radio broadcast with ABC in July this month that the Aged Care task force is leaning towards a system where seniors that can afford to pay more for their care will be expected to do so, and she hinted that they’re considering a possible tax increase to get to assist with the aged care’s funding issues.

Get into contact with us for any in-home aged care requests.

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Sector performance report data:

• the number of people in residential aged care as of March 2023 is 192,039
• the number of HCP holders is 257,124
• the number of CHSP holders is 818,228
• the total number of site visits between residential care and home services is 1,088 with residential aged care visits is 966, and home services site visits is 112
• the number of reportable incidents in residential aged care is 12,793
• the number of complaints in home services is 1,102

The introduction of the quality indicators program to in-home care will bring to light more data in the home care, which will help highlight the problems and where improvement needs to be made.

To view the entire report, visit https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/sector-performance-report-january-march-2023.pdf

Get into contact with us for any in-home aged care requests.

http://www.gihc.com.au/
1300 912 155, (03) 9863 6149
info@gihc.com.au⁠