ACH Milpara
Purpose - Initially this project reviewed lead documentation (polices/strategic plans) from its residential service to assess how it uses evidence and structures itself to inform its policy/practices and contribute to Healthy Ageing concepts and Health Promotion for older people. Gaps in the review identified the need for ‘reorientation of the residential services towards Health Promotion’ concepts. As a direct outcome of the review the home has adopted the World Health Organisation’s 5 core standards for Health Promotion. These 5 standards guide the homes services towards Health Promotion in the 21st century.
Design/approach – During the past six months the home prepared for the reorientation of their services towards Health promotion. The home’s management undertook research into Healthy Ageing concepts and Health Promotion in greater depth to gather information that could influence awareness and incorporate a Healthy Ageing framework linking to the organisations strategic plans/Site plans and build the homes culture. The five core standards for Health Promotion assist in guiding the responsibilities and activities concerning Health Promotion as an integral part of our health care services, with a focus on improving healthy literacy of our residents/families and staff.
Results – Milpara management have committed to increase possibilities for improved health outcomes for residents and staff. To this end a Healthy Ageing Framework and initiatives are now integrated into the homes practices and link into the organisational plans. Health promoting activities implemented include; Information brochures relating to chronic health conditions to increase awareness, Milpara Exercise Framework with graded exercise classes (3-4 per day), Recovery Framework and Pathway to support rehabilitation and the development of the Active Living resource booklet. Management are partnering and building alliances with private, non-private organisations, investing in sustainable frameworks, actions, and infrastructure and building capacity for health promotion for our stakeholders.
Originality/Value - This paradigm shift towards health enhancement empowers residents and staff in the improvement of their health related physical, mental and social wellbeing. The adoption of the World Health Organisation (WHO) 5 core standards has been an integral component to guide the transformation of our services. Evidence demonstrates that older people living in residential care are able to build internal capacity through health promoting activities to achieve a better quality of life.