Recruiting high quality aged care workers The recruitment process can be long and overwhelming, but don’t let that get in the way of finding the right person. From Aged Care New Zealand Issue 02 2022 Aged care workers play a critical role in the care experienced for older citizens, so finding the right employee is imperative. The following are some tips on how to attract the ideal candidate and what to look for in a potential employee. Attracting applicants The backbone of a successful aged care facility with a high standard of care is having high quality, passionate staff. The challenge many facilities are facing is where to find such candidates. One way to optimize the potential to find the right fit for your facility is to align yourself with a training provider. There are three main recruitment approaches that could result in excellent outcomes through this partnership:
Once you have implemented one or perhaps all these processes with the goal to find suitable candidates for long term employment, it is important to remember what it is that will make an exceptional member to your staff. Quality and skills Regardless of the method used to find an applicant, it is useful to know what quality and skills you are looking for to make the right recruitment choices. Soft skills are highly regarded in the aged care sector and any new job applicant should be able to demonstrate that they possess these skills. Examples of soft skills include patience, compassion, empathy, communication, emotional intelligence and problem-solving. There are various soft skills that make an applicant more suitable to an aged carer’s role, so selecting and outlining which are of the highest value for your facility could help save time in the recruitment process. Soft skills are often characteristic of those who are particularly interested in caring for others. The possession of these skills is part of what makes an exceptional aged care worker and will in turn improve the overall level of care that your facility provides. While formal education is important when considering prospective employees, some educational gaps are not necessarily problematic when on the job training can be provided. In fact, an advantage for an applicant who has had extensive formal training is to also have had practical hands-on experience where theory was applied to real life situations. Aligning values Each aged care facility will have its unique values and it’s important to find employees who can align themselves with the values of your facility. Often people are attracted to caring for others for altruistic reasons, so outlining the morals and values that your facility holds in high regard may assist in finding the right candidate. Employment in a rewarding role and in an environment that reflects your morals and values will contribute to staff wanting to remain in the position long term. Elderly residents and staff in aged care are often from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. To provide the highest most comprehensive care for an increasingly diverse population, it’s crucial to consider the applicant’s ability to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect, and their identity, culture and diversity is valued. Members of staff with practical capacities, compassion and understanding will support your facility to become more culturally competent and it will consequently meet the needs of the residents and staff more holistically. Dispelling myths The range of misconceptions about working in aged care propagated by the media are well-known myths that have led to negative views of the industry and have contributed to shortage of aged care workers. These inaccurate descriptions ignore the positive influence aged care workers have on the lives of elderly people who are unable to live on their own. Staff in aged care communities often find it an extremely rewarding career, one that is not limited to personal care of the elderly but includes undertaking advanced care and treatment such as rehabilitation, mental health support, and activity management. Addressing these more realistic points in an interview and communicating the important and positive aspects of working in aged care can alleviate an applicant’s concerns, especially for those just entering the field. This is a good opportunity to highlight the supportive culture that your facility fosters for the health and wellbeing of the staff. Finding the right person to join your aged care team may be time consuming, but taking the right steps is important. By aligning your facility with a training provider to attract job seekers and having a clear idea of what you will look for in a candidate are important parts of the process. Following these ideas may save you both time and money in attracting and hiring the right person for the job. Blueberries and strawberries slow cognitive decline People who eat greater amounts of blueberries and strawberries could delay their cognitive aging by years according to data from a large-scale study conducted over more than three decades. From Aged Care New Zealand Issue 02 2022 In a paper published in the journal Annals of Neurology, German and US researchers report that cognitive decline could be delayed by up to two and a half years in elderly people who eat more of the flavonoid-rich berries. Flavonoids are compounds found in fruits, nuts and vegetables that have been linked to disease prevention through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Berries are particularly high in a type of flavonoid called anthocyanidins, which can cross the blood-brain barrier to areas of learning and memory. The research team used data from the Nurses’ Health Study, which has collected information about the diet of 121,700 female, registered nurses since 1980. Between 1995 and 2001, the team measured cognitive function in 16,010 women over the age of 70, at two-year intervals. Those who ate more berries experienced a delayed cognitive decline by up to two and a half years. But the authors stressed that while they did control for health factors in the modelling, they could not exclude the possibility that participants with preserved cognition may also have been affected by lifestyle choices, such as exercise. Study leader Elizabeth Devore, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, said that because the US population was ageing, understanding the health issues facing the elderly was vital. “Our findings have significant public health implications as increasing berry intake is a fairly simple dietary modification to test cognition protection in older adults,” Dr Devore said. Bryce Vissel, Head of Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, said the public policy implications of the research were “sufficiently important to merit further study. However, the implications are further reaching, as they show that research offers the possibility to identify ways to slow dementia. Most importantly, if research can show that lifestyle affects cognitive decline, then it seems logical to suggest that research will also deliver effective treatments that slow cognitive decline, given the chance.” Dr Vissel added: “The potential implications of this type of research are that simple berries could potentially reduce the time before elderly people may need care. However, the broader point is that more research is needed, and it is needed urgently.” Flavonoids appeared not only to influence cognitive function but also visual function, said Peter Howe, a Research Professor in Nutritional Physiology at the University of South Australia. “What I think is happening here, which is not considered in this paper, is that the flavonoids are acting on the blood vessels in the brain and the eyes to improve the circulation. We’re conducting research at the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre looking at how foods rich in flavonoids, like the ones present in these berries, are able to improve blood flow in the brain, because that may be the key to their cognitive benefits.” Shawn Somerset, an Associate Professor of Public Health at the Australian Catholic University in Brisbane, said that in elderly Australians the most likely source of flavonoids was wine. Berries were expensive, he said and there were other good sources of anthocyanidins, such as aubergine. “Australians intake of vegetables is inferior to fruit, therefore vegetable consumption needs to be promoted above fruit consumption.” “The most sensible advice is to consume a wide range of flavonoids, rather than large amounts of specific ones, since excessive amounts of some are problematic. This translates to consuming a range of vegetables and fruits, not just one type.” Author: Justin Norrie This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article here: theconversation.com/blueberries-and-strawberries-slow-cognitive-decline-6684 Reference: Aged Care NZ Issue 02 2022 Under pressure: The science behind weighted blankets and stress relief The idea is simple: the pressure of the blanket simulates the feeling of receiving a hug. From Aged Care New Zealand Issue 02 2022 Simple yet effective, the weighted blanket is an impressive innovation in relieving anxiety and symptoms of other conditions. The idea behind it is simple: the pressure of the blanket simulates the feeling of receiving a hug. For many weighted blanket users, this leads to relief and calmness. But this innovation is far from new. In the 1980s, Temple Grandin, a scientist and animal behaviourist, discovered the benefits of pressure sensation. To make the beef industry more humane, Grandin observed that frightened cows would regain calm after being pushed tightly into a squeeze chute, for example. From these observations, she went on to develop a hug machine that duplicated this calming pressure. This was the first developed to ease the symptoms of autism, a diagnosis that Temple Grandin shares. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in this sensory therapy modality, with weighted blankets becoming popular in the mainstream. Let’s look at everything you need to know about weighted blankets – and if you could benefit from using one. What is a weighted blanket? A weighted blanket is a therapeutic tool similar to a conventional blanket in all but its weight. Often, they weigh anywhere from 2kg to 13kg. The blanket is often filled with glass beads or plastic pallets. The concept? The blanket is heavy enough to exert pressure on you much like getting a long-lasting hug after a rough day. Who can use a weighted blanket? The short answer? Anyone can use a weighted blanket. Regarding more specific use cases, occupational therapists who work with kids tend to use weighted blankets as a treatment option for sensory activities. This can include various conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This easy-to-use tool may also help with the following:
How do weighted blankets work? Recent research efforts have focused on better understanding the mechanism of weighted blanket therapy for relieving the symptoms of the conditions mentioned above. In 2020, Swedish researchers conducted a study to determine facets of that effectiveness. They found that weighted blankets improved sleep among people with ADHD, generalised anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder. So how do they work? The mechanism of how weighted blankets work is not well studied or understood currently. Weighted blankets are used in therapy as part of the sensory integration therapy model. This model is based on integrating inputs from two systems:
The main benefits of using a weighted blanket provide security and comfort Swaddling a newborn baby helps them sleep soundly at night, and this is because of the sense of security the tight swaddle provides. A weighted blanket works under a similar principle, helping you sleep securely and comfortably throughout the night. Reduce stress and anxiety levels Stress and anxiety are the most significant contributors to interrupted sleep. Constant worry and fear make it hard to fall asleep during the night. In turn, sleep deprivation can aggravate an individual’s anxiety levels – so it’s essentially a vicious cycle. A weighted blanket helps by applying pressure to soothe your anxiety and help you rest. Improve sleep quality Some research studies have demonstrated the benefit of weighted blankets on improving sleep and reducing the impact of insomnia. The mechanism behind this is not yet known. However, it is thought to be mediated by serotonin, cortisol, and melatonin hormones. The pressure created by the blanket’s weight can go a long way toward improving your overall sleep quality. Calm the nervous system Weighted blankets help restore calm in your nervous system by applying even pressure on your body. Sleeping with an overactive nervous system can be challenging. Luckily, weighted blankets are a quick and effective means of overcoming this hurdle. According to a study, 63 per cent of participants stated that heavy blankets helped lower their anxiety levels after just five minutes of use. How to choose the best weighted blanket for you. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, stress and anxiety are still taking centre stage, causing many of us to revisit our mental health. That said, a weighted blanket might be a great tool for you. So, how do you pick the best option? Consider the following factors. Blanket weight The average weight of weighted blankets ranges from 2kg to 13kg. You should select a weighted blanket that weighs no more than 10 percent of your body weight. Weighted blankets for children weigh close to 2kg, and adult blankets range from 2kg to 13kg. Consider getting a lighter blanket for users with mobility issues. Although the pressure of the blanket has its benefits, it can be unsafe to apply too much pressure with a weighted blanket that is too heavy. That’s why the 10 per cent rule is recommended. If you have any concerns or questions about which weight is right for you, speak with your doctor or ask to be referred to a therapist who specialises in sensory integration therapy. Weighted blanket material Weighted blankets are filled with two types of material: plastic pellets or glass beads. Weighted blanket material Weighted blankets are filled with two types of material: plastic pellets or glass beads. Glass beads are smaller – but heavier than plastic pallets. That small size has an advantage in that the blanket appears thinner. In contrast, plastic pellets are bigger, making the blanket a bit bulkier. However, blankets with plastic pallets are considerably cheaper since plastic is inexpensive compared to glass. Some weighted blankets come with other materials, such as polyester fibrefill or fleece lining, for an extra layer of warmth. If you’re planning to use the blanket during the cold winter months, this might be a nice perk. Removable cover Due to the weight of the blankets, they are bulky and hard to wash, which means a removeable cover is ideal. Cotton covers make for cool, breathable blankets, while other fabrics may best suit that warm and cosy feel. Sometimes, sellers will price covers as an add-on, so never assume your blanket comes with a removable cover. Adapted from an article by Esteban Vaquera. Medically reviewed by Brittany Stopa, MPH. Available at: www.symptomfind.com How good design can make aged care facilities feel more like home The stark difference between an aged care ‘home’ and a real home has been laid bare by the Covid pandemic from Aged Care New Zealand Issue 2 2022 Residential aged care buildings are often institutionally designed even if they have the appearance of a hotel. Think long corridors, vast dining rooms, nursing stations and bland corporate furnishings. These design choices support a model of care underpinned by cost efficiencies rather than real people’s rhythms of daily life. So, how can we make aged care facilities feel more like home, while keeping them pandemic safe? More like a ‘container’ than a home Residential aged care facilities are deeply restrictive environments. Some have compared them to prisons. During the pandemic, things were made worse as residents were denied the right to leave their rooms or have visitors. For many residents, it must feel like prevention is worse than the disease, as physical and psychological health declines markedly in imposed isolation. Hotel like residential aged care rooms are no place for long periods without the company of others. Some residential aged care centres may look like luxury resorts, but residents are still incarcerated. Often residential aged care centres are more like a ‘container’ than a home; a container that dispenses shelter, food and medical care. So what might we do differently in the post-pandemic era? To try to answer this question, we held a collaborative design workshop involving architects and stakeholders, including managers from the residential aged care sector. We sought to visualise design ideas using three existing not for profit residential aged care sites as testing grounds. We asked the group to ponder: what makes a home ‘home like’? And how does that differ from the environment at an aged care centre? Three key ideas emerged, all of which could help a facility feel more like a ‘container’ than a home while also reducing the impact of future pandemics.
Residential aged care facilities are often walled and gated enclaves set apart from the surrounding community. Residents are secluded in wards and aren’t part of the natural ebb and flow of the community. A home, on the other hand, is usually directly connected to the outside world. Embedding indistinguishable residential care households in the heart of an active community would add to the broader social and physical fabric and build support networks. In practice, this could mean opting for smaller buildings that look similar to surrounding buildings, rather than large and imposing structures. It could mean offering a wide range of housing choices from houses to apartments, and softening wall and gate barriers so residents easily connect with everyday community life.
Our group took inspiration from the urban design concept known as the ‘five-minute community’ where everything is a short walk away. We imagined designs that allow for self-sufficient small households of up to eight residents, with different generations also located in the same street. ‘Ageless’ communities like this allow for different generations to interact (either incidentally or deliberately). Residents could easily adjust the level of support needed (up and down) over time, while staying at home. Intensive rehabilitation could be delivered in the home or nearby. For example, people who have had a fall could access rehabilitation and restorative services in the local area. We also looked for ways to take advantage of existing spaces in the community rather than constructing new aged care facilities that are set apart.
Big isn’t always better. Small home models deliver an antidote to isolation and the spread of airborne respiratory infection. Smaller stand-alone buildings are less reliant on centralised air-circulation systems and can deliver strategies to reduce infection transmission by ensuring all rooms have access to fresh air and natural ventilation. Smaller households can quarantine without the need to lock down a large facility. Community participation and engagement built into the design Entrenched approaches to residential aged care design assumes residents can do little independently. An unquestioning focus on inabilities further disempowers: ‘care’ is done ‘to’ or ‘for’ a resident in a ‘facility’. For example, residential aged care meals are generally pre-prepared and eaten in a large-scale room with many others (including strangers). At home, by contrast, people decide what, when and where to eat. The small home approach in five-minute communities would allow, for instance, people of different generations to cook together or for a younger person to cook for an older person while learning new skills. Designs that acknowledge older people have knowledge and skills to contribute allow for such interactions to occur. When workshop participants challenged their own expectations, they envisioned design concepts emphasising living, not just existing, until end of life. The residential aged care crisis is escalating, and structural and cultural change is desperately needed. It’s time to rethink these physical environments with peoples’ fundamental human needs at the heart of design. Authors; Rosemary Kennedy Adjunct Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, Queensland University of Technology. Laura Buys, Honorary Professor, The University of Queensland This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: theconversation.com//how-good-design-can-make-aged-care-facilities-feel-more like-home-176-465 Social influencers: What makes good acoustic design for hard of hearing? Nobody likes being left out of the conversation, to feel like thery are not important enough to be considered and included. Yet this is the sad reality for many older people who struggle with retirement villages or aged care homes that have poorly-planned social spaces. That is why the National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NFDHH) is calling on facilities -new and older -to consider their residents’ needs in social situations. “Like going to a noisy restaurant, often rest homes can have people talking at increased volume, there’s activities on, it’s by the kitchen – all adding up to a scene older people want to avoid,” Natasha Gallardo, chief executive of NFDHH says. “It’s important to create spaces that work well for people with hearing loss, and that communal areas are designed for their needs, because research suggests being socially isolated and lonely may put them at a higher risk of depression, cognitive decline, neurological issues and other health conditions.” More than 332,000 people are aged 75 years-plus, according to Statistics NZ. A 2017 NFDHH report – Listen Hear New Zealand – identified that 84 per cent of men and 77.6 per cent of women aged 75+ having hearing loss, 42.2 per cent of men and 34.4 per cent of women having moderate hearing loss. A hearing aid wearer herself, Natasha says that COVID-19, and the need for people to wear masks has exacerbated the feeling of exclusion and isolation for people who are hard of hearing and rely on lip reading and facial expressions as clues to help them understand what is being said. “Facing so many barriers to be heard and understood can be a real deterrent to socialising.” Natasha says. “If you’re a resident in a retirement home or aged care facility, and there are noisy common areas that are vacuous and echoing, the struggle is heightened resulting in people retreating. “Large communal spaces that have little sound absorption can make socialising far too challenging if you are hard of hearing. And as a result people become introverted and isolated. It’s not a good mix. “Tackling anit-social spaces in communal areas is a big issue right now. I’m getting emails from residents and elderly groups, wanting to lobby retirement villages to imporve the acoustics in the community areas. Minimising the background noise is a key for many, not having ways to sit in smaller configurations that are facing each other is another.” An important elelment of retirement village life is encouraging people to keep active and to join in and do things together. But that can mean en-masse gatherings. Natasha says the principles of shared office spaces being constructed with a multitude of needs, are concepts that would also work well in retirement villages. By 2048, the number of people aged 75-plus in New Zealand is projected to grow to 883,000. More than 47,000 people live in a retirement village, with a large number of new properties being built to meet anticipated demand. But for existing properties, she suggests simple changes to help hearing aid wearers:
“We aren’t suggesting elderly residential properties should be sterile and devoid of music and other sounds – but just that there are areas people can still congregate and catch up with others where it’s quieter. These community spaces must still be the heart of their home, welcoming and enjoyable.” Home care help for hard of hearing Discovering how social your home care clients are can be a key to ascertaining how they are managing their hearing loss. “Even as an informal chat can identify whether people are going out less, if they are avoiding social situations -and it gives you a conversation starter, to check on why,” Natasha says. “The COVID-19 pandemic makes people reluctant to go out, particularly if they struggle to understand people talking while wearing a mask. So clients may also be putting off having simple hearing aid checks, but these are vital.” She recommends making notes on the level of volume you need to use when talking to clients, to be understood, and if you notice that deteriorating between visits, suggest they see an audiologist. Another sign that a person’s hearing is deteriorating is the volume on their TV or radio, so keeping a record of that can also alert home care staff to issues. “Often elder clients are not savvy with new technology, so when checking TV volumes, look to see if they have enabled captions, to help them watch their favourite shows.” If you have time during your appointment, ask when they had their hearing aid batteries checked, or do they need repairs. “These are often questions that family and friends don’t ask, so simple check-ins like this could make all the difference.” How to tell if someone may have increased hearing loss:
For more information visit the National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website: www.nfd.org.nz Aged Care New Zealand Issue 02 2022 Managing Long COVID in Aotearoa New Zealand physiotherapists have been working closely with their counterparts overseas to find out more about Long COVID and how best to support those suffering long-term effects. Research shows that as many as one in eight COVID-19 patients could get Long COVID, which means there are likely hundreds of New Zealanders still experiencing symptoms 12 weeks after testing positive. Physiotherapy New Zealand (PNZ) spokesperson Dr Sarah Rhodes says it is understandable that patients with Long COVID are increasingly frustrated that their recovery is so slow as the symptoms can persist for months and years in some cases. PNZ calls on the government to support people’s access to effective treatment for Long COVID, just as they have supported people through the pandemic. “We know that COVID-19 affects people differently and it is the same with Long COVID. It doesn’t only affect those who are hospitalised with an acute COVID infection. It can also affect those whose initial symptoms are mild and even those who are asymptomatic with the acute COVID-19 infection.” “The desire to get back to normal life after COVID-19 is understandably important for all of us. With today’s busy lifestyles, it’s often hard to be that person who needs to rest instead of going back to work, getting back into your leisure activities, and looking after children and/or older family/whanau members. However, rest is an essential part of managing an acute COVID-19 infection as it is likely to reduce the risk of developing Long COVID,” says Dr Rhodes. Members of PNZ’s Cardio-Respiratory Special Interest Group have developed some general tips to help guide people through a prolonged period of symptoms. Fatigue This is the most common symptom of Long COVID. Undertaking daily activities which were easily managed prior to COVID-19, such as showering, can be exhausting.
Breathlessness Breathlessness is another commonly experienced symptom in those with Long COVID.
Muscle and joint pain
Return to exercise
Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms of Long COVID. However, for some patients a multi-disciplinary approach, involving other health professionals, is recommended. Aged Care New Zealand Issue 02 2022 Climate explained: How white roofs help to reflect the sun’s heat Does the white roof concept really work? If so, is it suitable for New Zealand conditions? Generally, white materials reflect more light than dark ones, and this is also true for building and infrastructure. The outside and roof of a building soak up the heat from the sun, but if they are made of materials and finishes in lighter or white colours, this can minimise this solar absorption. During the warmer part of the year, this can keep the temperature inside the building cooler. This is especially important for building and construction materials such as concrete, stone and asphalt, which store and re-radiate heat. A New Zealand study tested near-identical buildings in Auckland with either a red or white roof. It found that even in Auckland’s temperate climate, white roofs reduced the need for air conditioning during hotter periods, without reducing comfort during cooler seasons. The study also identified several large-scale white-roof installations, including at Auckland International Airport, shopping centres and commercial buildings, but the effect was less clear. This research suggests that there is potential for white roof installations to significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to cool buildings. This would in turn reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also help us to adapt to rising temperatures. It is difficult to quantify the impact for New Zealand’s housing stock because existing studies are mostly limited to larger commercial buildings. But research carried out so far suggests white roofs could be a viable approach to minimising the heat taken up by buildings during hotter parts of the year. Cooling cities White roofs can also help reeduce the temperature of whole cities. Many city centres include large buildings made of concrete or other materials that collect and store solar heat during the day. In a phenomenon known as the “urban heat island” effect, city centres can often be several degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside. When cities are hotter, they use more energy for cooling. This usually results in more greenhouse gas emissions, due in part to the energy consumed, and contributes further to climate change. New Zealand is different because our land mass has a maximum width of 400 kilometres. This means that unlike many urban islands on the African, Asian or American continents, New Zealand’s city centres benefit from the cooling effects of being near the ocean. There are many international studies showing white roofs are effective in mitigating the urban heat island effect in densely populated cities. But there is little evidence that using white roofs in New Zealand cities could result in significant energy reductions. A growing number of studies suggest making the surfaces of buildings and infrastructure more light reflecting could significantly lower extreme temperatures, particularly during heat waves, not just in cities but in rural areas as well. A recent study shows strategic replacement of dark surfaces with white could lower heatwave maximum temperatures by 2°C or more, in a range of locations. But studies have also identified some practical limitations and potential side effects, including the possibility of reduced evaporation and rainfall in urban areas in drier climates. In conclusion, white roofs could be a good idea for New Zealand to keep homes and cities slightly cooler. As temperatures continue to rise, this could reduce the energy needed for cooling. We should consider this option more often, particularly for commercial-scale buildings made of heat-retaining materials in larger cities. Authors: Nilesh Bakshi and Maibritt Pedersen Zari Aged Care New Zealand Issue 02 2022 Exercises to help prevent Occupational Overuse Reference: Developed by Sentinel Supported by ACC
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort doing your job out friendly physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help. Just contact us Phone: 03 377 5280 Email: admin@tpl.nz Physios key to shorter waitlists (Article from The Press, January 19, 2024) Lynn Downes doesn’t need prompting to get up and dance. The 73-year-old has spent the holidays running around after her seven grandchildren despite, a year ago thinking she might have been facing a hip replacement about now. Downes had her right hip replaced in 2021, then her left side began playing up a year ago. “I thought, ‘Oh, gosh, here we go.’” It had taken two referrals from her GP in 2021 before she was scheduled for surgery. Her pain had worsened, and she didn’t fancy joining the treatment queue again. That queue has been an ongoing headache for Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ. As of November, more than 1500 people had been waiting more than a year for orthopaedic treatment. Traditionally, the standard treatment process meant a patient referred by their GP went straight to an orthopaedic surgeon to be assessed. Now a Wellington pilot allowing orthopaedic physiotherapists to assess patients in the first instance has reduced treatment times by an average of 75 %. In Wellington, patients are now waiting an average of 40 days for an initial spinal assessment, rather than 180 days in December 2019, while hip or knee complaints are being assessed in about 45 days. In August 2021 these patients were waiting 165 days. Downes admits she was sceptical of the approach at first, but the exercises have allowed her to sleep without pain and keep pace with her school-aged grandchildren. “She went over my history, the X-rays…She gave us some exercises and a pathway so I could contact her if my symptoms got worse,” Downes said. “It’s a much better route. If things got worse, the physio would then contact the surgeon.” Her treatment is ongoing, but she said she hoped to avoid surgery. In Wellington, the pilot has been led by expert physiotherapist Sarah Francis, who said more than 600 patients had been through the programme since September 2022, at Wellington and Kenepuru hospitals and Kāpiti Health Centre. Of course in some cases, surgery would be unavoidable, Francis said. But there was no need for every patient’s first assessment to be done by a surgeon. “Part of this project is about making sure people get non-surgical care earlier. The sooner we intervene for people with, particularly conditions like osteoarthritis, we can prevent progression to joint replacement,” Francis said. Patients were happy, too – 86% felt confident in being assessed this way, and fewer than 5% were referred back into the system after one year. Last August, Te Whatu Ora said it wanted to treat all orthopaedic patients who had waited more than a year by June 30. This was still the goal, planned care and cancer programme director Ian D’Young said, and good progress was being made. It was forecast that more than 14,000 patients were in that category, and by December 3 that number had come down to 5,222, he said. But for some it’s too late. Wellington man David Garlick, 25, was turned away from the public system after two years of bouncing around appointments seeking help for a condition causing painful excess bone growth on a femur. For him, surgery was unavoidable, but the time spent languishing in the public queue meant his condition worsened, taking an enormous toll on him and his fiancé. “It was a waste of my time, their time, everyone’s time.” It also left him facing $30,000 private medical bill, only avoided after a surgeon from the Auckland-based Aotearoa Charity Hospital read about his ordeal in The Post and offered to operate for free. Garlick now needs the same surgery on his other hip, which he also hopes to get done through the charity hospital. D’Young said Te Whatu Ora appreciated the impact of treatment delays “and we are working hard to put in place systems and processes so improvements to waiting times are made”. Author: Rachel Thomas, The Press, 19 January 2024 Efficiently cleaning an aged care environment Cleaning is an essential part of the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects in aged care environments can cause infections. So how do you keep an aged care facility clean? Preparing the cleaners’ trolley Upon arrival, cleaners consult the table of products and the protocol for alternating between detergents and disinfectants. Some rules are immutable. Gloves are mandatory for all contact with products as part of the cleaning standards. Never mix cleaning products because this can create dangerous chemical reactions. When using dilution equipment, ensure that it is well-maintained and kept in good condition. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and renew cleaning solutions accordingly. Observe the temperature and contact time indicated. Cleaners and in aged care facilities prepare their trolley by selecting the equipment that they need to perform all the care services scheduled tasks. Staff use equipment that is in good condition, clean, and in compliance with safety regulations. Organising the trolley is as follows: Put the cleaning equipment at the top. This includes cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, sprays and wipes.
Standard method in bedroom maintenance in aged care facilities Hand hygiene is essential before cleaning, after cleaning, and whenever it is required, especially in changing gloves. The care environment for the aged care setting is crucial.
Flat mopping Like any washing procedures in a cleaning aged care facility, flat mopping is preceded by wet sweeping. The flat mop relies on a chemical and mechanical action to remove the dirt adhering to the floor and microorganisms they carry. When using a detergent disinfectant, there is also a specific disinfectant action. This gives visual and microbiological cleanliness. The technique is the same as for wet sweeping. The cleaner began with the most distant part of the room and performed semi-circular movements. The mop is removed at the door. Cleaning in aged care facilities is effectively done in the progressive method. It is by verifying the correct operation of equipment to be left and be placed in aged care facilities. Moreover, some tasks constitute more in-depth maintenance which requires planning. This includes the vents, tops of wardrobes, or the thorough cleaning of beddings. Cleaning staff are needed to brush sanitary installations and wooden furniture. Cleaning in aged care set up can be challenging but rewarding. Imagine your contribution to the health and wellness of our seniors. Author: Beau Sleeman, Clean Group Aged Care New Zealand Issue 02 2022 |
AuthorShonagh O'Hagan Archives
March 2024
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