13/3/17
Multicultural aged care service signed up for new restorative care program
Older people from culturally diverse backgrounds will soon have access to a new restorative care service available through Multicultural Aged Care (MAC) in Canterbury, Hurstville, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Fairfield.
Older people from culturally diverse backgrounds will soon have access to a new restorative care service available through Multicultural Aged Care (MAC) in Canterbury, Hurstville, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Fairfield.
The Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program is designed to provide more flexible options to assist older people in the event of an illness or injury so they can remain living at home.
MAC CEO Dr. Rosy Walia said she was delighted the service has been awarded a total of 13 places out of 103 allocated to ten providers across NSW, as part of the aged care reforms. MAC is the only provider to receive allocated places in Sydney’s inner west region.
MAC CEO Dr. Rosy Walia said she was delighted the service has been awarded a total of 13 places out of 103 allocated to ten providers across NSW, as part of the aged care reforms. MAC is the only provider to receive allocated places in Sydney’s inner west region.
“We hope that with the places we have allocated up until 2018, we will be able to assist almost 100 people through a difficult time in their lives,” she said.
Some 400 STRC places have been made available nationally in 2016-17 with another 75 due in the next financial year, with the potential to assist more than 3,000 older people.
“The program exemplifies a lot of what we do, working with older people from different backgrounds to ensure they are living a full life at home,” Dr. Walia said.
“The complexities of aged care and dealing with a trauma, such as an injury or serious illness, are magnified if language and cultural experience is a barrier.
“Our dedicated staff can communicate in more than 40 languages, meaning that we can help reduce any stress and anxiety.”
Dr Walia said the importance of effective communication is highlighted in the suburbs where MAC’s places have been allocated. Based on 2011 Census figures 64% of residents in Canterbury speak a language other than English at home; In Hurstville, it is 37.5%; 50% in Liverpool; 25% in Campbelltown City and 70% in Fairfield.
The STRC program comprises eight weeks of multidisciplinary care incorporating the expertise of relevant health care professionals, to develop an individualized plan able to deliver restorative support and avoid premature entry to residential aged care.
“Our bilingual staff who have been providing care and support for more than 24 years will be supported with a new case manager for the STRC program. In the interim, our case managers will oversee staff trained in restorative care services.
“It was a very competitive process to reach this point and we are pleased our experience and commitment to providing appropriate aged care services and information to our clients has been recognized.”
Media contact: Dr. Walia: 97186199