AN 18-month project has improved access to services for elderly Western Health patients.
The state government-supported initiative, including more than 120 education programs, ended last Wednesday with a dementia health forum at Sunshine Hospital.
Although funding has been cut, clinical resource nurse Kathy Kirby says the benefits will be ongoing.
“The funding was carefully allocated to purchase sustainable equipment that will last,” Ms Kirby said. “The training and education is also embedded in the staff so they can continue to provide quality care to Brimbank’s ageing population.”
The program, Best Care for Older People, was sparked by rising numbers of senior patients attending Sunshine, Footscray and Williamstown hospitals.
According to 2011 census data, more than 70 per cent of Western Health patients are 65 or older.
As part of the program, Western Health purchased 320 new chairs for elderly patients, 150 foot stools, $50,000 worth of weighing scales and $30,000 worth of bariatric equipment.
More than $100,000 was raised by Western Health’s volunteer team and auxiliary shop to develop a dementia therapy vegetable garden at Sunshine Hospital.
“The garden will be used as a space for dementia patients to undertake meaningful activity with staff and their loved ones,” Ms Kirby said.
