Goulburn Valley Health

Rural Allied Health Team “Promoting Independence”

The Rural Allied Health Team is supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and the Victorian Government

Newsletter No. 24 December 2017

Welcome to the 24th edition of the Rural Allied Health Team (RAHT) newsletter.

The RAHT continues to work hard providing services across the Greater

Shepparton, Moira and Strathbogie Shires.

The end of the year has come around too fast once again. Over the past 12

months the RAHT has been working on numerous activities as we continue to

improve our service and adapt to a number of government funding changes.

We have been involved in implementing My Aged Care. My Aged Care is how

referrals to our team are now made for those over the age of 65 years or over 50

years if from an indigenous background. We have also started work preparing for

the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

We would like to take the opportunity to thank those who completed our

consumer feedback surveys. These are an important way to gain your input,

thoughts and ideas to ensure we are meeting your needs.

Also be sure to check out the information provided in the newsletter on fire safety

and tips for managing in the hot weather, which will be helpful as the temperature

heats up over summer.

Christmas & New Year opening hours

Welcome

Over the Christmas period, RAHT staff will be taking a well-earned break.

Our office will be closed on the following dates:

Monday, 25th December 2017

Tuesday, 26th December 2017

Monday, 1st January 2018

Reduced services will be available between Christmas and the New Year.

The Rural Allied Health Team would like to wish you a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Rural Allied Health Team P 1800 222 582, option 4

121-135 Corio St Shepparton F 03 5832 2306

Vic 3630 Australia E ics@gvhealth.org.au

FAQ - Funding for equipment & aids

To help with your independence at home or in the community

team members may recommend equipment or aids.

These items may include shower stools, over toilet frames,

wheelie walkers etc. or may involve bigger items such as the

installation of rails, ramps or other modifications to your home.

The RAHT is funded by both the Commonwealth and State

governments and this funding is only to employ the allied health

staff members. Therefore we are unable to buy or provide

equipment or aids of any type to you.

If you are unable to afford the equipment recommended, staff members may be able to help

source funding to assist with buying the item or contribute to part of the cost. This funding

would be from other government programs and only available where you meet certain criteria.

If you would like further information, please ask a RAHT team member when they are visiting.

In October and November 2016, the RAHT conducted our first group program in Shepparton

which was called “101 Ways to Stay Healthy and Independent”.

The program was run over a 6 week period and covered a variety of topics including:-

Exercise

Nutrition

Promoting brain health

Emotional health & well-being

Planning for your senior years

Independence in the home

Continence

Caring for your feet.

The team thoroughly enjoyed presenting the group program which was well received by our

participants. We noticed many positive outcomes and improvements to the health and well-being

of those who attended.

We are planning to run the group again in April & May, 2018.

If you are interested in joining our next group please call the RAHT on 1800 222 582 (Option “4”)

and ask to speak with Marina, our Group Program Co-ordinator.

101 Ways to stay healthy & independent - Group program

As we enter the bushfire season, developing a fire plan is important. Working out a plan can

help you by looking at the risk of fire near your house, how you will prepare your property and

what will be in your bushfire survival plan including when you will stay

and when you will go.

You can obtain a Fire ready kit from the Country Fire Authority

(CFA) website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fire-ready-kit/) or

If you need help to develop your fire plan contact the Country Fire

Authority in the Hume Region on (03) 5833 2400.

For information about a fire in your area :-

Call the Bushfire information line on 1800 240 667 or to

report an actual fire call “000”

Fire safety - Are you fire ready?

Thank-you to those who responded to the RAHT client satisfaction survey in

September & October, 2017. The feedback and results were very positive, as

outlined below:-

In regards to the difference our Allied Health services have made to number of areas of daily life:

We would like to share a few examples below of the feedback we received:-

“They were friendly and easy to have in my home. They did their job very professionally”

“Great service, valuable to the community. Hope government keeps funding services. …”

“The dignity & support shown to me was outstanding. I would recommend this service”.

The additional comments and feedback received was very pleasing and we will consider all the

comments made to further improve our service.

Client feedback - survey results

25% response rate (99 of 393 surveys returned)

87% of the time the RAHT provided services appropriate to your needs

96% of the time the RAHT maintained your right to privacy and confidentially

86% of the time the RAHT were sensitive to any financial limitations you may have

94% of the time the RAHT supported the needs of your carer

88% of the time the RAHT were sensitive to your nationality and culture

72% of the time ability to do everyday activities (such as preparing food, cleaning the

house, and shopping) was maintained or improved

69% of the time ability to do personal tasks (such as washing, going to the toilet,

dressing, eating, or looking after appearance was maintained or improved

72% of the time ability to do the things valued or enjoyed was maintained or improved

87% of the time there was a somewhat to definite improvement to be independent to

stay at home

The RAHT welcomes any comments as we are committed to improving our service.

It is also nice when we hear we have been able to help you and make a

difference.

When visiting, team members routinely provide a copy of the GV Health

“Tell us what you think” form.

Please take the time to compete this form if you would like to provide any

feedback.

Completed forms can be sent to:-

Patient & Community Liaison Officer

GV Health, Graham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630

Providing feedback

Tips for managing the hot weather

Marina Stevens, Team Assistant

Our Team Assistant, Marina joined the RAHT in October

2016. Marina comes from a Nursing background, working

mostly in regional hospitals.

As Team Assistant, Marina undertakes a range of roles,

including helping to set-up equipment to promote safety at

home, as well as carrying out Physiotherapy and Speech

Pathology home exercise programs.

When away from work, Marina enjoys horse-riding,

swimming, and gardening. She also loves spending time

with her family and friends.

Staff profile

With summer fast approaching, here are some things you can do to help look after yourself during the hot weather:

Drink plenty of water and stay indoors during the heat of the day

Try to complete tasks, e.g. shopping and gardening, earlier in the day

Exercise earlier in the morning or in the evening and make sure you drink lots of water

Wear a hat and light coloured loose-fitting clothing

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK shade & SLIDE on sunglasses

Block out the sun by closing curtains and blinds

Watch or listen to news reports that provide important information during a heatwave