Extra help for older community members

15 February 2011

Older Singleton residents are now benefitting from a new service that is providing extra support for people who are being discharged home from hospital.

The Transitional Aged Care Program (TACP) aims to support older people following an admission to hospital by improving their independence and confidence with daily living skills.

Kathy Ison, TACP Co-ordinator for the Lower Hunter Cluster, which includes Singleton, said the program provides time-limited and therapy-focused care for clients, and is delivered in the comfort of their own home.

“We can provide support for a period of up to 12 weeks,” Mrs Ison said.  “Clients have access to our team of health professionals, which includes a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian and social worker as well as nursing support.

“The program also includes assistance with personal care as well as domestic services, and is provided with the intent of maintaining, and where possible improving client’s physical and cognitive functioning to improve their daily living.”

TACP has operated in Maitland and Cessnock since 2008 and has now been expanded to include Singleton.

“We can now provide older Singleton residents the extra support they might need to help them make the transition from hospital back to their own home.

“It can also assist in preventing premature admissions to aged care facilities,” Mrs Ison said.

To be eligible for the Transitional Aged Care Program, people must be a patient in a hospital and have been assessed and approved by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Eligible patients are then referred to the program by hospital staff.

People wanting more information about the Transitional Aged Care Program can speak to the Hospital Discharge Planner or Social Worker during their hospital admission.
 

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216