Research and Development:
Innovative models of service delivery

• Consumer Directed Care Pilot
  Funded by the Department Of Health and Ageing
  Resthaven received a number of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) Packages in two rounds of allocation by the Department of Health and Ageing to trial this innovative model within aged care. We have developed tools (self-assessment, budget) and modified language and tone in our consumer information so the emphasis is on the consumer in control, rather than the service provider. We are participating in a national evaluation of the pilot CDC packages.
  
  
• Demonstration site for day respite in a residential aged care facility.
  Funded by the National Respite for Carers Program, Department of Health and Ageing
  Resthaven is trialling a model of day respite that integrates community and residential services. Hersey Cottages, co-located with Resthaven Marion residential aged care facility, is used as the entry and exit for the day respite program. Consumers attend activities at the residential facility, and in the community with residents, and the residential infrastructure is utilised for meals and ancillary services.
  
  
• Agedcare Alternatives
  Funded as a trial project by Resthaven, as part of our 75th anniversary commitment to the community
  After much research and consultation with consumers, Resthaven established a shop-front aged care information and navigation service, so that older people and their carers can find out about aged care options, and be supported to identify the most suitable pathway, using a friendly, face-to-face service. Volunteers are trained as Options Guides, and assist people to locate and navigate around aged care information on the Internet, taking time to discuss with each person their concerns and issues, until the person feels they can make an informed decision about the services they require.
  Visit agedcarealternatives.net.au for more information.



• Consumers Directing Consumer-Directed-Care
  Funded through HACC 'Innovative Idea' Projects
  Resthaven is developing a training/information package for consumers, to support consumers to understand Consumer Directed Care, and to have the confidence and skills to direct their care. We are also reviewing our staff training package with input by consumers (as we believe they are the best informants about Consumer Directed Care).
  For further information, contact: community@resthaven.asn.au.
  
  
• Headstart to Independence
  Funded through HACC 'Innovative Idea' Projects
  Based on our hypothesis that increased assessment and support to address risks to independence in the initial service phase will reduce need for ongoing resources/support, we are conducting a trial to compare a new model of service (Headstart to Independence) with our traditional model of service with HACC clients in the northern and eastern regions (through Playford Home Support Services, and Collaborative Community Options Program - East). For further information, contact: community@resthaven.asn.au.



• Stronger Communities, Brighter Futures
  Funded through HACC 'Innovative Idea' Projects
  Resthaven and Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide are collaborating on a project that reviews our approach to providing social support to consumers, in partnership with the Better Practice Project (BPP). We are reviewing the impact our current service model has on older people, and then redesigning our social support model, with the intent that it focuses on each person’s strengths, dreams and visions for the future, and reconnection with skills/activities/people/communities that have previously been of importance to them. We are also aiming to build the assets and capacity of the person's community to respond and support the person's engagement. For further information, contact: community@resthaven.asn.au.



• A health economic model for the development and evaluation of innovations in aged care: an application to Consumer Directed Care
  In partnership with Flinders University (auspice), ACH Group, Helping Hand Aged Care, Hammond Care, Catholic Community Services, funded through an ARC Linkage grant
  The study will demonstrate the potential of a structured and systematic health economic model for the development, implementation and economic evaluation of new innovations in aged care service delivery. For further information, contact: community@resthaven.asn.au.