Consumer Directed Care in Residential Aged Care (CDC in Nursing Homes)
The introduction of CDC in home care recognises the pivotal role of personal choice and control in managing care and maximising the quality of life of residents. How CDC is implemented in the residential aged care setting will be imperative to its success. It is important that residents and staff form a strong working relationship. Organisational factors will also contribute to successful implementation, of CDC. These factors include:
Leadership and effective management
Effective communication, support, and greater role clarity
The ability to effectively manage change
The importance of addressing the specific needs of residents
IHA is currently developing a CDC training program for implementation in the residential aged care settings in Victoria. This program builds on our current program, Staff as Change Agents, which addresses organisational barriers to the management of depression and the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in residential care. The Staff as Change Agents program has been found to improve wellbeing for both staff and residents.