Two Rural Northwest Health staff recently joined health leaders from across the state at a conference aimed at preparing health organisations for upcoming changes to the national health care environment, with the introduction of the New Aged Care Act commencing on July 1, 2025.
Quality and Risk Manager Odette Richards and Leisure and Lifestyle Team Leader Bronwyn McIntyre travelled to Melbourne at the start of November for the Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) conference.
Aimed at assisting aged care providers to understand the link between the aged care reforms, policy changes and the impact on service delivery, the conference also recognised how evidence-based, and best practice, can support PSRACS to move beyond compliance and foster excellence in care.
Looking at equipping attendees with a deeper understanding of both human rights and person-centred care in aged care, the two-day gathering also broadened the participants’ knowledge of both care, and the needs of, marginalised and vulnerable people living in aged care facilities.
“The conference provided an excellent opportunity to network with peers and learn from experts in various fields. The insights gained will be instrumental in helping Rural Northwest Health deliver exceptional, evidence-based care, ensuring that our practices remain at the forefront of the latest developments in healthcare,” Odette said.
“I particularly enjoyed the discussions on Dementia Care and Age-Friendly Health Systems, especially the framework based on the 4Ms—What Matters, Mind, Medication, and Mobility. This approach emphasises a holistic, person-centered model of care that prioritises the individual needs of older adults, and I believe it will be highly relevant in enhancing the care we provide at RNH,” she said.
Bronwyn said: “The two days were very informative and gave insight into the changes coming in 2025.”
“It was great to network with others in the industry from across Victoria and I have come away with some great ideas for our gardens and other leisure and lifestyle activities,” she said.
RNH Leisure and Lifestyle Team Leader Bronwyn McIntyre (left) and Quality and Risk Manager Odette Richards (right) are shown with Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt at the conference.