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Picture : Sebastien Bozon / AFP .
Left out
Calls to support nurses administering Covid-19 boosters .
By Eleanor Campbell
Federal health authorities have failed to provide support for nurse immunisers in vulnerable health settings , the nation ’ s peak nursing group has said . In mid-February , the federal government announced the next phase of its Covid vaccination program .
It included a doubled incentive payment for GPs and community pharmacies to administer vaccines to local aged care homes and residential disability facilities .
Australian Nursing College chief executive Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward said it was “ disappointing ” the payment did not extend to nurses .
“ The government has overlooked the significant support the nursing profession has , and continues to provide , to the nation ’ s vaccination effort ,” Professor Ward said .
“ During the Covid pandemic , nurses demonstrated our adaptability to quickly and efficiently lead a vaccine rollout across the country .
“ I encourage the government to act on its vision of a personcentred care system and expand eligibility […] to nurses supporting residents ’ health and wellbeing .”
Currently , nearly 72 per cent of eligible Australians have received at least three doses of the vaccine , according to federal vaccination data .
Almost one in four aged care residents , who are at most risk of death or serious illness from Covid , have yet to receive a fourth booster shot .
Health and aged care minister Mark Butler said nearly 14 million people are now eligible for their next dose of vaccine .
“ I can announce that over the next couple of weeks , 10 million additional Omicron-specific Pfizer vaccines will land in Australia ,” Butler said .
“ You will be able to access this additional dose from your local general practice , community pharmacies and community health centres from February 20 .” ■
Australian-first aged care falls prevention trial .
By Elise Hartevelt
An AI device called HomeGuardian detects falls in older people ’ s homes and aged care facilities . Picture : Glenn Hampson / News Corp Australia .
Prioritise care
New assistive technologies to help predict and prevent falls among residents will be trialled in one Victorian aged care home .
Tech company , HomeGuardian has partnered with Villa Maria Catholic Homes ( VMCH ) and Deakin University to test an artificial intelligence ( AI ) device for fall reduction .
The technology received a $ 2.65 million grant through the Cooperative Research Centres Projects ( CRC-P ) earlier this year .
Falls are considered the number one preventable injury in aged care , representing 42 per cent of hospitalisations and 40 per cent of deaths .
VMCH chief information officer , Maria Paz , said ‘ the technology has the potential to help reduce hospital admissions and injuries and save lives .’
“ Even when falls don ’ t cause injury , they can trigger a loss of confidence and an ongoing fear of falling ,” Paz said .
“ This technology would help boost independence that is so important to maintain as people age , plus provide peace of mind for families and carers .”
Paz said HomeGuardian is a “ world-first ” device that uses predictive variables to prevent falls .
The AI technology operates sensors that map out a room and learn a person ’ s movement through the space .
If someone behaves abnormally , such as swaying or a lack of movement , the device alerts on-site staff and carers of a potential fall .
The company started gaining momentum in 2020 after winning three Australian Brand awards and the 2021 people ’ s choice award at CareFactor .
HomeGuardian chief Kane Sajdak said the device could take significant pressure off Australia ’ s healthcare and aged care system .
It ’ s projected the aged care workforce will be short of 110,000 people within the next decade .
“ By predicting falls , the technology has the potential to prevent the leading cause of traumatic injuries and death among older people ,” Sajdak told Downsizing .
“ Our technology is also designed to free up staff in aged care residences to prioritise care among all residents rather than respond to falls .
“ This is especially impactful with the current nurse staffing shortage that is only worsening exponentially over the coming 20 years .”
The project will run until December 2025 . ■
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