Aged care services and residential aged care

The course is divided into four comprehensive units:

Unit 1: Caring for the Elderly – Introduction
This unit introduces the challenges of elderly care, emphasising the importance of understanding complex healthcare needs, family dynamics, and carer relationships. It highlights key concerns such as memory impairment, mobility issues, and managing multiple medications. Participants will learn about carer stress, strategies for involving families in the care process, and legalities such as enduring guardianship, ensuring a holistic approach to elderly patient care​.

Unit 2: Caring for Elderly Patients Living in the Community
This unit focuses on elderly patients who prefer to remain in their own homes. Participants will explore community-based services, including the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages. The unit discusses government-subsidised options for home maintenance, personal care, and respite care, as well as strategies for ensuring independence and safety for elderly patients within the community​.

Unit 3: Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs)
This unit delves into the process of transitioning elderly patients to residential aged care facilities. It covers the application process, eligibility criteria, and types of care available, such as high-level nursing and personal care services. Participants will gain insight into the emotional and psychological challenges of relocation, how to involve patients in decision-making, and ways to maintain continuity of care during the transition.

Unit 4: Providing Care to Residents of RACFs
In this final unit, the course covers the practical aspects of providing medical care to residents in aged care facilities. Participants will learn how to optimise time efficiency, handle administrative work, and manage medication charts. The unit also provides insights into multidisciplinary care plans, medication reviews, and case conferences, helping GPs improve their approach to residential aged care​.

This course equips healthcare professionals with the tools to navigate the complexities of aged care, both in community and residential settings, ensuring elderly patients receive compassionate, high-quality care.