The work of AACS
AACS has completed a number of major
consultancy assignments for the Australian Commonwealth and State
Governments over many years, including a national review of the
needs of people with dementia and challenging behaviour who resided
in aged care facilities. Part of this project involved background
research and extensive consultations with care providers. A further
component involved the formulation of recommendations concerning a
range of developments needed to enhance the support provided to
people with dementia and the implementation of care practices to
improve the quality of care provided by ‘aged care facilities’.
AACS has also developed a data strategy to
collect information to assess clinical outcomes for the South
Australian Behaviour Advisory Service. Of direct relevance to the
Safe Return Home service, in 1998 AACS completed a report
commissioned by the Victorian Department of Human Services examining
“Wandering Behaviour in the Community”. The report focused
specifically on the issues faced by people with dementia and their
carers and provided advice on the ways in which carers, Police and
Government departments could best respond to this behaviour among at
risk people.
Currently, AACS is continuing
to undertake health care evaluations in both the aged and community
care sectors, while providing and managing the database systems used
by the National Alzheimer’s Associations in Australia. We have also
developed an internet based survey research service that will offer
an efficient service to a broad range of organisations and
companies. At AACS, staff are also encouraged to update their
expertise and to publish their knowledge in local and international
scientific journals. For more information on AACS please go to
the company website: www.AgedCareSolutions.com.
Overview of AACS Projects
1. Aged Care Facility and Dementia Care
Practice Reviews
AACS is evaluating a major aged care
initiative of Anglican Retirement Villages in Sydney. The evaluation
involves a model encompassing assessment of management change,
quality of care improvement, new staffing models and education and
training. AACS has developed a package of assessments that are
essential for work in this area:
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Facility reviews of staffing, care
models and design for dementia
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Clinical & Care indicator development
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Dementia Care Activity Mapping
2. Evaluations: Health and Aged Care
3. Community Care Reviews
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Development of a HACC relative resource
equity formula (RREF) using population, social and geographic
indicators for the Victorian Government
Community Care Assessment and
Classification System development
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Review of the
HACC Dependency Scale
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Senior
Citizens program review
4. Developing Data Strategies, Analysis Systems and
Client Management Software
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Developed a data strategy to
assess clinical outcomes for the South Australian Behaviour
Advisory Service.
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Provides and manages the client database system (Community
Support Client Manager) used by the National Alzheimer’s
Associations in Australia. This also includes data and
statistical analysis services for Alzheimer’s Australia and the
Commonwealth Government
5. Conceptual Design, Technical Specifications
for Aged Care Web Sites
AACS was responsible for the
conceptualisation and development of the Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Association Tasmania web site project
6. Internet Surveys using New Technology
Information Collection Systems
In today's Information Age, new methods of
data collection should be considered when information or feedback
from satisfaction is required – online surveys are the answer.
Questionnaire survey information and research project data are
ideally suited to Online Surveys. An effective online survey
takes advantage of the interactive nature of the web to provide an
efficient solution. Anything that can be done with pencil and
paper can be done online only better.
7. Development of the Safe Return Home internet
data system
AACS has developed the first
Australian internet system to store vital identification information for
people with dementia and the contact details of carers. The
internet database is accessed by Police through a secure connection.
This system is being introduced around Australia after being
firstly approved by the Tasmania Police Service. The web site has
more details on AACS activities.www.AgedCareSolutions.com