The facts:
| • | Dysphagia affects up to 90% of the institutionalized elderly population (Germain et al 2006: David et al 2007) |
| • | Up to 85% of older adults in nursing homes suffer from malnutrition (Crogan et al 2006) |
| • | Eating and swallowing issues common to the elderly include sensory changes, loss of dentition , physical, cognitive and medical issues, loss of appetite, medical issues, , medications and illness e.g. stroke and MS (Boczko et al 2007, Davis et al 2007) |
| • | Corgan et al (2006) , Nguyen et al (2005) and Garo et al (2004) all emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to managing dysphagia in this population |
The Aged Care Access Initiative funds allied health services to Residential Aged Care Facilities that are not otherwise being provided through Medicare.
Building on the credibility achieved with the Nutrition & Swallowing Audit project in the previous financial year, PGPN expanded its service provision to Nutrition & Swallowing Screening in RACF. The screening process provided the opportunity to have an impact on a broader cross section of residents, not just those being screened.
PGPN ACAI project engages the services of a Speech Pathologists and Dietitians to jointly screen residents observe mealtimes, review nutrition and swallowing documents and policy and procedure manuals; interview staff and residents and provide follow up reviews. Education to the staff is provided regarding supplements, texture modification and menu planning. A total of 1,842 services were provided in 2009-10 financial year producing sustainable outcomes regarding:
| • | improved health of the residents |
| • | Improved standards in the RACF |
| • | Improved service provision |
Identification of residents referred to the program is facilitated by the Director of Nursing / Clinical Care Coordinator within the facility.
GPs will be provided with comprehensive feedback detailing the interventions a resident has received through participation in this program.
The potential impact of the project is to support 2,000 age care residents in the Mornington Peninsula region.
Contact Suzanne Heppell for further information on this program on 9708 8019 or via email