Complete guide to Australian hospital aged care services — hospital-to-RACF transition, dementia care, ACAT assessment, aged care standards, Royal Commission reforms, and aged care software.
The Aged Care Royal Commission led to 148 recommendations being implemented. ACAT assessment is required for subsidised aged care. Mandatory care minutes (200 min/resident/day) and RN 24/7. This guide covers Australian hospital aged care.
Hospital-to-RACF Transition
- ACAT assessment: Assess patient for aged care eligibility
- RACF search: Find suitable RACF with availability
- Application: Apply to RACF with clinical summary and ACAT approval
- RACF acceptance: RACF reviews and accepts patient
- Discharge planning: Plan transfer with medication reconciliation, care plan, equipment
- Clinical handover: Comprehensive clinical handover to RACF
- Transfer: Arrange transport and transfer
- Follow-up: Follow up with RACF after transfer
Aged Care Standards
| Standard | Description | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consumer dignity and choice | Respect, dignity, choice |
| 2 | Assessment and planning | Personalised care planning |
| 3 | Personal care and clinical care | Clinical care, medication, skin |
| 4 | Services and supports for daily living | Nutrition, hygiene, activities |
| 5 | Organisation's service environment | Safe, comfortable environment |
| 6 | Feedback and complaints | Complaint handling |
| 7 | Human resources | Qualified, sufficient staff |
| 8 | Organisational governance | Governance, risk, quality |
Dementia Care in Hospitals
- Screening: 4AT or MMSE on admission for all elderly patients
- Delirium prevention: HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) — hydration, orientation, mobility, sleep
- Environment: Dementia-friendly signage, lighting, clocks, orientation boards
- Communication: Clear, simple communication; involve family/carers
- Behavioural management: Non-pharmacological first (de-escalation, environment)
- Medication: Avoid antipsychotics unless absolutely necessary
- Discharge: Plan discharge with community dementia support
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ACAT assessment?
- ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment is required for Australian government-subsidised aged care services. ACAT assesses: 1) Functional capacity, 2. Cognitive function, 3. Social needs, 4. Care requirements. ACAT approval is needed for: residential aged care, home care packages, transition care, respite care. ACAT teams are state-based and provide free assessments.
- What were the Royal Commission recommendations?
- The Aged Care Royal Commission (2018-2021) made 148 recommendations including: 1) New Aged Care Act, 2. Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, 3. Mandatory care minutes (200 min/resident/day), 4. Registered nurse on site 24/7, 5. Star ratings for facilities, 6. Better dementia care, 7. Improved home care, 8. Workforce improvements. Reforms are being implemented through 2024-2027.
- How do Australian hospitals manage dementia patients?
- Australian hospital dementia care: 1) Cognitive screening (4AT, MMSE) on admission, 2. Delirium prevention (HELP programme), 3. Dementia-friendly environment (signage, lighting, orientation), 4. Specialised dementia care units, 5. Family/carer involvement, 6. Behavioural management (non-pharmacological first), 7. Discharge planning with community support, 8. Staff dementia training.