Uniting’s household model has been evaluated over two years by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) who concluded the model of care increases residents’ sense of choice and control in a home-like environment.
“To date Uniting, which provides home care services across NSW and the ACT, has transitioned 70 per cent of its homes to the household model and expects to reach the rest by May 2022,” said Lana Richards, Uniting Executive Manager Practice Excellence.
The model sees customers live as part of a household of 18 to 20 residents, with a shared kitchen, dining room, living room, with the emphasis of making it like any home. There are no set routines or schedules, with the activities that residents want to do. Menus are developed with customers.
The model’s aim is to give greater freedom to care teams to support older people to maintain a sense of normality together with meaning and purpose in their day.
“Uniting’s approach to residential aged care is simple: older people should feel at home; live their day their way, have their own space, and continue to do the things that matter to them with the people that matter to them,” said Richards.
UTS’ Faculty of Health’s qualitative evaluation surveyed the impact of the model from the perspective of staff, residents and families, while the quantitative analysis assessed the influence on financial, human resource and clinical outcomes.
“The interviews conducted for qualitative study demonstrated the model enhanced residents’ wellbeing and autonomy, recognising their individuality and embracing family members. Staff reported increased job satisfaction, greater teamwork and shared responsibilities,” said Professor of Health Services Management at UTS, Jo Travaglia.
With the Federal Government supporting the Royal Commission’s recommendation for wider use of this model, it’s good news for residents, staff and families.
