CHCCOM001 - Provide first point of contact

Health advice

Many people who are ageing or who have a disability and are in need of care will require specialist health advice. An example would be advice and education in relation to diabetes. Specialists can provide education to clients regarding health issues. Often clinic and home-based services are available. In some communities special information sessions are held on a regular basis and are open to clients, their carers and families.

Social support programs

These programs consist of home visitation and support for people who live alone and are socially isolated. The general aim of these programs is to assist clients to reconnect to wider social networks.

Residential care

Residential care organisations across Australia provide a supportive, safe and secure environment for residents through a range of accommodation including independent living units, low care residential/hostel facilities, high care residential/nursing home facilities and special purpose dementia units. The focus of residential care is the provision of an appropriate environment that supports resident’s choice and promotes their quality of life.

Assessment and approval of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is required for entry into low and high care residential aged care facilities.

Residential aged care services also incorporate many specialist services and may include:

• Comprehensive assessment
• Rehabilitation programs
• Social and recreational programs
• Health management
• Palliative care
• Wound management
• Medication management
• Continence management
• Pain management
• Dementia care
• Carer support
• Pastoral care and counselling
• Respite care
• Access to allied health services

To ensure the highest standard of care, organisations should work with other health and community service providers such as hospitals, general practitioners, respite and allied health services. The level of care required by each resident is assessed prior to and upon entry and is monitored on an ongoing basis. Wherever necessary, care providers should seek advice or services from other workers or agencies, to ensure that the best quality of care is provided for clients.