Aged care provider adopts new model

A Umina aged care provider has adopted a new "consumer-directed care" model to help it meet new industry standards.

Peninsula Village chief executive Mr Shane Neaves said:

Mr Neaves said: "The model gives the consumer full autonomy in all decision-making related to their lifestyle and care.

"Consumer Directed Care or CDC is based on five key principles - choice and control, respectful and balanced partnerships, wellness and re-ablement, consumer rights and transparency.

"These are principles that Peninsula Villages has always seen as crucial to the service we provide, so it wasn't too much of a change for us to implement this model of care," Mr Neaves said.

"CDC aims to improve the consumers' understanding of health and lifestyle issues so they can play an active role in matters pertaining to their needs and wants.

"It is the most recent and important change to the Federal Government's road map of reforms introduced in 2014.

"Peninsula Village has made changes immediately to ensure it remains a pioneer in the industry."

Mr Neaves said the non-profit organisation highly valued the health and wellbeing of their residents.

"We engaged a consultant to assist with implementing the model and driving a positive culture towards change in the village and staff have received training, and a trial involving 13 residents has been undertaken, with positive results," he said.

"CDC has since undergone a village-wide rollout.

"The concept will even be offered at pre-admission so that potential residents can begin to think about what living in an aged care facility might look like for them."

Mr Neaves said: "It is proven that people who can take control and make decisions concerning their own welfare are happier, healthier and function better than those who feel they are limited in their choices.

"This model promotes choice, control, dignity, respect and transparency - implementing this so soon after the new standards were introduced in July last year is a huge drawcard for the village and we're excited to see how it benefits our staff and residents alike," Mr Neaves said.

SOURCE

Media release, 29 Jan 2020

Shane Neaves, Peninsula Villages