Older persons health
The aged care portfolio aims to enhance service quality and accessibility for older persons by addressing local needs through the commissioning of services that fill gaps in the primary care and aged care systems.
To address the rapid health deterioration that residents in Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) may experience after hours, the program supports the use of local out-of-hours services to reduce unnecessary hospital presentations by:
- guiding RACHs in developing after-hours action plans
- educating staff on out-of-hours healthcare options
- encouraging proper maintenance of residents’ digital medical records
- facilitating access to Telehealth services
- supporting senior Australians in living at home longer.
Key achievements
- Strong collaboration between the Public Health Unit, Brisbane South PHN and 27 RACHs with 316 staff engaged in the RACH COVID-19 education program, leading to innovative new models of care.
- 78 educational sessions delivered with 66 GPs engaged and 90 RACH staff involved.
- Feedback from 107 participants indicated high satisfaction and significant improvements in confidence and knowledge about palliative care.
- Maintained a local ‘Care finder’ network providing specialist and intensive support to 745 vulnerable individuals in accessing aged care services. There were 758 instances of outreach and 492 engagements.
- Significant improvements in consumer-reported health outcomes through the Care finder program. Over 95% of participants reported enhanced understanding of aged care supports and improved engagement with the system.
- Supported 768 individuals through early intervention activities aimed at helping older peoples access healthy ageing information and resources. Participants included 227 First Nations Elders, 26 individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and 80 individuals experiencing a disability.
- Led innovative co-commissioning approaches, establishing the youth and Elders program delivered by Guyna Meta, alongside an intergenerational program to foster connections across age groups.
Case studies
Elders at Inala Wangarra work together with textiles.
Elders at Inala Wangarra work together with textiles.
Navigating aged care support with Care finders
An older consumer was struggling with daily life but found support through the Care finder programs. After a neighbour reached out to the Care finder team at Micah Projects, they soon realised the consumer’s needs went beyond basic daily living assistance, and engaged domestic and social support services, brought a dietitian onboard, and helped them
re-establish their bank accounts and apply for the aged pension.
This case has highlighted the complexities faced by vulnerable individuals in accessing aged care services. The Care finder team's dedication to supporting them through their challenges has made a significant impact, yet it also reveals systemic gaps – long wait times, variability in service information and financial barriers that often deter individuals from seeking help.
Through perseverance and compassion, the Care finder team continues to advocate for this consumer, ensuring they receive the support they need.
Learn more about our local Care finders →
Positive outcomes from the Balgah Binay program
Brisbane South PHN has partnered with Inala Wangarra, a First Nations-led community centre, to deliver the Healthy Ageing Hubs program, locally known as Balgah Binay which means "coming together to learn and be uplifted".
This initiative aims to connect older individuals, along with their families and carers, to accurate, personalised health information and support in a culturally safe and nurturing environment.
Despite facing various challenges throughout their life, one participant has discovered a profound sense of belonging and purpose through their participation.
Their journey into the Balgah Binay program began when their daughter took part, prompting them to reconnect with their cultural roots and engage with peers.
Since joining Balgah Binay, the participant has:
- enjoyed a range of social and creative activities including bingo, yoga, trivia, and arts
and crafts - been provided with essential health information, including discussions on genetic predispositions to illnesses, which have proven particularly relevant and insightful
- deepened relationships with other members.
The Balgah Binay program has significantly impacted this participant’s life, providing them with renewed purpose, valuable social connections and opportunities for personal growth. Their journey exemplifies the program's success in fostering community engagement and enhancing the overall wellbeing of its members.
Partnering to incorporate a shared care model of home-based palliative care
Brisbane South PHN and the Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative at Metro South Health have introduced a multidisciplinary team (MDT) shared care program for home-based palliative care. This aims to enhance both the quantity and quality of palliative care provided at home, while also increasing GP capabilities in delivering this care.
In the case of an older consumer with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the shared care program was a positive experience. Previously reliant on hospital and ambulance services due to a lack of GPs willing to conduct home visits, the consumer’s situation was uncertain.
To secure vital primary care, Metro South Palliative Care Service staff contacted a Nurse Practitioner who then arranged for a participating GP to take on the consumer as a patient, linking them with essential services such as occupational therapy, medical equipment and nursing support.
The consumer was able to remain at home – their preferred place of death, surrounded by loved ones. The shared care program not only allowed for better health management but also significantly reduced their reliance on ambulance and hospital services.
This case highlights the effectiveness of the MDT shared care program in transforming palliative care delivery, highlighting its role in improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life for individuals facing serious health challenges.
Watch the video to learn more about our efforts to improve access to community-based palliative care:
Brisbane South PHN is using funding from the Australian Government’s Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care program to improve safe and effective end of life care outside of hospital settings.
Built with Shorthand