4 key insights for allied health in aged care

A blog by Dr Olivia Farrer, Teaching Program Director and Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University, and ELDAC Postdoctoral Research Fellow

In early 2024, the Flinders ELDAC team conducted a series of stakeholder interviews to explore the role of allied health professionals within aged care settings. These interviews aimed to understand the interactions between allied health and aged care providers, the potential impacts of funding changes, and how an allied health toolkit might support current practices.

The study involved eight organisations and four allied health professions, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape.

Here are the four key themes that emerged from these discussions and their implications for the future of allied health in aged care.

1. Person-Centred Palliative Care

Central to effective end-of-life care is a person-centred approach. Allied health best practices align with the standards of prioritising the client's needs and goals. This approach emphasises understanding the individual’s personal aspirations and tailoring care to meet these needs. It involves recognising the person behind the illness and ensuring their end-of-life care is as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

2. The Role of Advocates

Navigating the complexities of aged care funding models can be challenging. The current Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) model does not specify which allied health services should be included in the multidisciplinary team. This omission underscores the critical role of the 'gatekeeper' or referrer, who must have a thorough understanding of the value allied health professionals bring to care. These advocates are essential for facilitating timely and appropriate referrals, ensuring comprehensive care that encompasses all necessary health services.

3. The Impact of Location

The setting in which aged care services are provided significantly influences the level and type of allied health input and palliative care. Stakeholders highlighted clear differences between residential and community palliative care settings. Additionally, variations in state policies and the relationship between acute care and aged care services further complicate the landscape. The location of service delivery can markedly impact the care a person receives, underscoring the need for adaptable and location-specific approaches.

4. The Funding Model's Influence

The way services are funded profoundly affects the engagement with and delivery of allied health services. This theme intersects with all others, highlighting that funding determines the extent and quality of care provided. Stakeholders recognised the necessity of strategically utilising funding streams to enhance allied health input in aged care, ensuring resources are effectively used to support comprehensive palliative care.

Next Steps for the ELDAC Allied Health Toolkit

Drawing from these insights, several pieces of work will be undertaken to refine the current allied health toolkit, including:

• Developing downloadable resources specific to end of life palliative care and different aged care settings, that help advocates identify opportunities for allied health to engage with person centred care.
• Case studies showcasing different funding strategies to enhance access to allied health input at the service level.

The Flinders ELDAC team’s research offers valuable insights into the dynamics of allied health in aged care, paving the way for more informed, person-centred, and effective care models in the future.

Find out more in the ELDAC Allied Health Toolkit.

 

Dr Olivia Farrer
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ELDAC