Annual Report 2005 - UnitingCare Ageing

Residential CareAcross UnitingCare Ageing there are examples ofinnovation in residential care. The implementation ofthe ‘Eden’ alternative at Mirinjundi in the ACT has fostereda different way of delivering care, based on a socialmodel. UnitingCare Ageing has been a pilot with theCommonwealth Government in the development of theNurse Practitioner Model. In August 2004, a staff member,Tamra Macleod, received a scholarship to study theMaster of Nurse Practitioner course at the University ofCanberra, and to participate in the pilot Aged Care NursePractitioner Project, which was a joint initiative betweenthe Commonwealth Government and ACT Health.In July 2005 Tamara began participating in a Nationalevaluation of Nurse Practitioners in Aged Care. Under theprogram, a Nurse Practitioner is accredited to initiatediagnostic investigations, to prescribe medications andto make limited referrals under approved clinicalguidelines. UnitingCare Ageing is keen for other nursesto also participate in this unique Australian project.In Sydney, Parramatta Council approved a DevelopmentApplication for a 96 place aged care facility at Ermington,which will include a special purpose dementia wing.Construction commenced in June 2005 and the newfacility is expected to be completed by Christmas 2006.Wesley Mission Region has plans underway for theredevelopment of its facilities at Sylvannia andCarlingford. A refurbishment of the Charles Woodwardfacility at Smithfield, included a rose garden and BBQ.Similarly, the final stages of redevelopment of R JWilliams lodge, at Glebe included the redevelopment ofthe foyer which accommodates disadvantaged peopleWe were pleased that Annesley House, a low-care facilityin Sydney’s inner west dedicated to people living with amental illness, won a finalist’s certificate in the ResidentialCare Team Award at the 2004 Aged and CommunityServices Industry Awards.UnitingCare Ageing isparticipating in the nationalNurse Practitionerspilot scheme.16 UnitingCare Ageing Annual Repor t 2005 17