partnerships and possibilities

Processes and Practices Supporting the implementation of the Occupational Therapy and Personal Care Growth Funding

Julie CairnsProject Officer for the Department of Health – Loddon Mallee Region

• Background• Getting started - building partnerships• Supporting the work – helpful processes• The work in practice – what has happened

and what has helped?

• 0.5 EFT Occupational Therapist• 10 shires• Multiple partnerships• Building capacity – of partnerships, services

and staff for the benefit of clients

• 2 x 0.6 Project Officers for 12 months• Resourcing partnership development• Supporting Occupational Therapists• Reflective practice and noticing change

• Recognising the principles and importance of partnerships

• Unpacking the possibilities of the funding with agencies

• Local partnership planning

• Exploring the many faces of co-location• Being clear about the focus of the

Occupational Therapist’s role and the target client group(s)

• An emphasis on staff capacity building• Documentation to support the work

• Approaches are unique in each Shire• Joint assessments have been a key starting

point for the work in all Shires• Formal and informal opportunities for staff

conversations – equally important?• Connecting with Community Care Workers

• Shared challenges around co-location

For staff •new skills and knowledge •improved working relationships and processes •harnessing Community Care Worker skills and knowledge

For organisations •Improved connections•Streamlined processes•Broader connections between all HACC staff are strengthening•Improved service responsiveness and flexibility

For clients •Decreased duplication•Clients reporting a more positive experience of different agencies working with them•OTs are adding new ideas and support to care planning processes leading to some more holistic outcomes for clients.

• This work becomes business as usual, for all staff working in HACC

• Ensuring sustainability through clear agreements, policies and procedures

• Broadening the scope of the OT role• More fully engaging community care workers in care

plan reviews.• Building networking opportunities for OTs and

Assessment Officers