The Aged Care Access Initiative program was developed to improve access to primary care (GP and allied health services) for residents of aged care facilities.
Since 2009 MGPN, through the AGPN funded Aged Care Access Initiative (ACAI) program, responded to identified needs and has offered a free (within facility) Residential Aged Care Psychological Counselling Service to our GPs' RACF patients and their families.
The program has received 100% positive feedback from GPs, RACF staff, residents and their families who have used the service. This success has enable us to extend the program and now we employ 2 clinicians to deliver this valuable service.
To provide aged care facility residents, thei immediate family, primary carers and RACF staff with access to counselling services and support (where appropriate).
The service works to address issues pertaining primarily to symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment, and grief and loss.
Referrals to the service can be made by GPs, RACF staff, or the individual resident, their family/carer by fax to our secure fax line on 9348 0750. Upon receipt of the referral, our psychologists will contact the resident or facility staff to schedule an initial appointment.
Access to Psychological Services will involve:
This initial appointment will calrify the goals for counselling, and explore appropriateness of the referral for this or other counselling programs (i.e. EAP servicesprivate clinical psycotherapy, ongoing counselling within this program, or referral to the Division's two core psychological services).
Services will be provided on-site, within the Residential Aged Care Facility.
To access the service. please click on the ACAI Referral Form.
Our RACCS psychologists are in the provess of contacting the facilities in our Network catchment area who have not yet used this service, to provide an overview of the service and its benefits to your facility.
If you wish to hear more about this service, please call Julie on 9347 1188 or via email julie.borninkhof@mgpn.com.au.
