More than 90 per cent of eligible residential aged care homes (RACHs) in South Western Sydney have accepted an offer of telehealth equipment from SWSPHN.
Our RACH Digital Health Project has been designed to upskill the aged care sector in South Western Sydney in digital health technology and access.
RACHs in the local area have been offered telehealth equipment valued at $9,000. This includes two telehealth kits comprising a medical cart, laptop, webcam/speaker and keyboard and mouse.
The RACH Project was a response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2020), which highlighted a lack of access to technology, skills and overall low digital maturity of the aged care sector.
Our goal is to improve residents’ access to virtual healthcare services, enhance their experiences, improve support for staff and set new standards of excellence in aged care services.
Most RACHs have taken delivery of the equipment already and more than half have attended the first round of training. The training will ensure the meaningful use of virtual care can be built into their workflow.
We are also helping RACHs register and use the My Health Record to exchange information between themselves, the hospital and GPs.
With expanded reach, GPs can touch the lives of countless elderly individuals, fostering better health outcomes for our aging population.
One facility manager said: “It’s appreciated that we are being supported in this way. This technology is so important to have available for the best possible care for our residents’’.
Another added: “We believe the package will help improve future telehealth quality and enhance the nursing care experience for our residents’’.
With expanded reach through telehealth, GPs can touch the lives of countless elderly individuals, fostering better health outcomes for our ageing population.
The collaborative nature of telehealth consultations empowers GPs to:
- Connect with allied health professionals and specialists, ensuring comprehensive assessments and holistic treatment plans for aged care patients
- Extend their expertise and support to seniors, including those living in high-risk environments like RACHs, providing them with necessary medical attention and guidance remotely
Telehealth also provides a private platform for the aged to seek therapy and counselling without travel or exposure to public spaces, promoting emotional well-being and early intervention.
