The ageing population in Australia is a well documented phenomenon which is expected to have a significant impact on the Australian Health Care System . Residents of aged care facilities are amongst the frailest of Australians, often having complex care needs requiring a multidisciplinary approach to health, however these people often experience difficulties in accessing the services of GPs and allied health professionals .
The Melbourne General Practice Network’s Aged Care program aims to provide individualised in practice support to meet the specific needs of a practice while also delivering information, training, education and resources to all practices in MGPN’s catchment strengthening GP and allied health involvement in residential aged care facilities.
Melbourne General Practice Network offers a number of services to support GPs to provide care to their patients who reside in aged care facilities.
Department of Health and Ageing Living Longer. Living Better aged care package
Medical Care Of Older Persons In Residential Aged Care Facilities - the RACGP 'Silver Book' 4th edition. Edited by Dr Denise Ruth. For a copy of this book email admin@mgpn.com.au or phone on (03) 9347 1188.
For more information:
If you would like to contribute to the development of MGPN’s Aged Care Program, or require further information or support please contact:
Genevieve O’Neill
Program Officer Chronic Disease and Diverse Communities
Phone (03) 9347 1188
Email: genevieve.oneill@mgpn.com.au
Reference List:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2007). Older Australia at a glance (4th Edition). Cat. no. AGE 52. Canberra: AIHW. Cited February 15th, 2012, from www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468045.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2010). Residential aged care in Australia 2008-2009: A statistical overview. Aged care statistics series no. 31. Cat. No. AGE 62. Canberra: AIHW, Cited February, 15th, 2012 from www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737421028.
