Challenges
• staffing remained a challenge and we reviewed the framework for junior clinical staff with the aim of employing more junior clinicians in the future to combat this
What ’ s next
• increasing staff training and support across the aged care sector to support better dementia care practices
• rolling out the Jintronix virtual reality exercise program following the successful pilot
• developing a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy group program in partnership with Merri Health ’ s independent Living team
• offering exercise and memory support within social support groups in partnership with Merri ’ s Social Support team
PARTNERSHIP PREVENTING ELDER ABUSE
Merri Health continued to lead the Elder Abuse Prevention Networks ( EAPN ) in the North and West .
This partnership of 10 member organisations works together to prevent and respond to elder abuse through awareness campaigns , advocacy , community and service provider education .
What did we achieve ?
contributed to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Support for Older Victorians from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds ; led the submission in partnership with 7 + councils and leading health and social services organisations
invited to present and answer questions at a public hearing for the Inquiry
supported World Elder Abuse Awareness Day including :
– 2500 + reached through social media campaign and information shared widely with our networks
– delivered webinar on elder abuse and family violence in partnership with the Orange Door , attended by
60 people
– supported two events with carers
– funding extended until August 2023 for Merri Health to lead Networks
Challenges
• COVID strain on the health system and staff which have been the primary mechanism to identify elder abuse
What ’ s next ?
• growing the membership to ensure smaller , emerging agencies in the sector are supported to champion ageism awareness
• continuing to raise awareness of ageism and elder ’ s rights
INNOVATIVE DEMENTIA EQUIPMENT LIBRARY
Our Assistive Technology Library launched this year to help clients function better at home and more safely in the community .
The library loans out aiding technology items to people with dementia and their carers to trial before committing to buy them .
Equipment includes orientation boards , key locators , chair alarms , medication reminders , ( tracking ) personal alarms modified phones and more . It ’ s already improved outcomes .
MERRI HEALTH / ANNUAL REPORT 2022
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