As the Australian population ages, the demand for quality care in residential aged care facilities is increasing. Elderly residents in these facilities often face various health challenges that require specialized attention through a multidisciplinary approach. Osteopaths can play an essential role in improving the health and wellbeing of elderly residents in aged care facilities.
What is an Osteopath?
Osteopaths are highly skilled and experienced professionals who have completed a minimum of 4.5 to 5 years of tertiary study and are trained to assess and treat with a holistic approach to care. Osteopaths conduct clinical evaluations, including anatomical, neurological, orthopaedic, functional, and movement-based assessments.
AN-ACC Funding & Osteopathy
With the introduction of the AN-ACC funding model, osteopaths can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents within residential aged care.
AN-ACC (Australian National Aged Care Classification) is a new funding model that was introduced in 2022. This model aims to provide funding for residential aged care facilities based on the complexity of care needed by each resident. The model considers the resident's clinical complexity, cognitive impairment, behaviour, and mobility. AN-ACC provides more equitable funding for residential aged care facilities, leading to better care for elderly residents.
One of the significant advantages of the AN-ACC funding model is that it recognises the importance of allied health services, including osteopathy. Osteopaths can provide essential services to aged care residents, particularly in the areas of musculoskeletal health, pain management, improving function and maintaining activities of daily life (ALDs).
Some examples of where osteopaths can play a role:
Falls Prevention
Assessing balance, movement patterns and range of motion
Assessing functional abilities and conditions that may increase falls risk
Providing individualised exercises to assist in balance, strength, mobility
Providing education about fall prevention strategies
Mobility
Assessing balance, movement patterns and range of motion
Biomechanics and gait assessments
Providing individualised exercises to assist in balance, strength, coordination
Providing education about correct techniques and safe mobility
Acute and chronic pain
Management and treatment for conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, back and joint pain
Assisting with modifying factors that may be contributing to the pain
Manual therapy treatments, such as soft tissue massage and gentle joint articulation
Strengthening and conditioning exercises and rehabilitation programs
In summary, osteopaths can play a crucial role in the care of elderly residents in aged care facilities. With the AN-ACC funding model, osteopaths can provide essential services to residents, improving their quality of life and preventing serious injuries through the use of holistic treatment and management programs.