​Home Away from Home

Northern NSW Local Health District​

We aimed to examine ways in which clinical practice redesign could facilitate improvements in lifestyle and wellbeing of residents living in multipurpose facilities in NSW. Changes included the introduction of Skype, increase in frequency and variety of social outings and recreation activities, pet therapy, visits from the local schools and changes to dining including point-of-service meals.

Residents ratings:

• Quality of Life - 6.83 increased to 7.93
• Physical comfort and wellbeing - 6.38 increased to 7.79
• Overall mood and emotional wellbeing - 6.0 increased to 7.93
• Relationships between residents, carers families and staff - 6.83 increased to 7.85.

​​This project represents a shift from a traditional model of care prevalent in many aged care settings in the Australian healthcare system towards a wellbeing model.