Council on the Ageing (Victoria)
cotavic@cotavic.org.au
Copyright 2006 Council on the Ageing
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Enhancing Practice
– Improving Care for Older People
The Enhancing Practice Program originated in 2004 in response to a need to improve the way staff in hospitals work with older people and their carers. The Program is a partnership between Council on the Ageing and Northern Health originally funded by the Victorian government. Enhancing Practice has been delivered in more than 20 hospitals in metropolitan and country Victoria, so approximately 1600 staff having participated in the Program. Currently Enhancing Practice is being implemented in both the residential care and community sectors.
What is the aim of Enhancing Practice?
Participants in Enhancing Practice are encouraged to reflect on how they currently work and increase their awareness of ageing, ageism and an individual person’s needs. Participants develop a ‘plan of action’ of how to deliver real person-centred, age friendly, socially inclusive care in their work areas and teams. Enhancing Practice challenges current attitudes and behaviours and encourages staff to improve care of older people.
What is the style of Enhancing Practice?
In a supported small group environment, skilled facilitators draw on each participant’s work and life experiences. Included in the 3 sessions are a series of fun and thought provoking interactive activities. Two facilitators lead the program, one with hospital experience and the other a COTA facilitator who represents the “voice” of the older person.
Who participates in Enhancing Practice?
A broad range of staff including managers, clinical and support workers participate in the program together, learning from each other. The vast majority report that the program is a positive and worthwhile experience. You will find Reflections on being a participant in the program here
How do I find out more about Enhancing Practice?
Those working in health, residential care or the community sector can consult an overview of the Enhancing Practice
Program here
Or contact
Catherine Devereux
Manager, Enhancing Practice Program
Council on the Ageing, Victoria
Phone: 9655 2121
Email: epmanager@cotavic.org.au
