Improving resident health through wound care education at Bundaleer Aged Care
As part of Healthy North Coast’s Wound Care Champion project, Melissa Freeman from Port Macquarie Wound Care Clinic recently spent the day at Bundaleer Residential Aged Care in Wauchope, working with 3 dedicated members of their team. The visit educated and empowered staff to become their facility’s own ‘wound care champions’, equipping them with the
What’s your plan?
11-17 May 2025 is National Palliative Care Week. This year, the theme is ‘What’s your plan?’ – which challenges and inspires a range of conversations: For individuals and families – it challenges them to think about their own future and quality of life, make informed choices, and decide how they want to be cared for.
Communicating well before winter can prevent infectious disease
Older age is one of the biggest risk factors for severe illness from infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza (flu). Aged care residents are particularly vulnerable because of their pre-existing health conditions, complex care needs and close living arrangements. Regular vaccination is still the best line of defence against severe illness, hospitalisation and
Tweed Urgent Care Service: Bringing urgent care to older people in their home
In a fantastic offering from Northern NSW LHD, the Tweed Urgent Care Service (TUCS) is able to come to RACHs in Tweed to provide urgent medical support to residents, reducing unnecessary hospital visits and easing pressure on emergency departments and make it easier for RACH clinicians to care for residents. At a recent information evening
New Aged Care Act due to commence in July 2025
The Australian Government has developed a new Aged Care Act to strengthen Australia’s aged care system. The new Act aims to ensure that people who access aged care services funded by the Australian Government are treated with respect and have the quality of life they deserve. The Bill was passed in November 2024 and the
Strengthening Medicare: Healthy North Coast supports general practices in MyMedicare registration + other incentives
In alignment with the recommendations from the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, Healthy North Coast (HNC) is assisting local practices with enhancing continuity of care and strengthening patient/practitioner relationships  through registration to the MyMedicare program. This initiative promotes voluntary patient registration, which is essential for fostering these vital connections. As of October 2024, 77% of general
Compassion in action: ‘Community Conversation’ on end-of-life care in Coffs Harbour
On Friday 22 November, we held a Community Conversation in Coffs Harbour that brought together a dynamic group of community members and professionals to discuss the region’s palliative care and end-of-life needs. 16 participants attended, contributing to a rich dialogue and meaningful insights. The event welcomed diverse representation, including community members, home care and aged
Coping with grief during the holiday season
Grief during the festive season can feel overwhelming, but there are meaningful ways to cope and find comfort. Palliative Care Australia‘s guidance includes acknowledging and celebrating loved ones through rituals like sharing memories or lighting a candle, taking time for self-care, and recognising that mixed emotions during the holidays are normal. Their advice also highlights
Explore the National Palliative Care Projects Hub
The National Palliative Care Projects Hub, funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, is a one-stop resource for all things palliative care. The hub features training programs, information, and tools designed to deepen understanding and improve access to quality care. From healthcare professionals to carers, the hub provides support for everyone involved in
On-site pharmacists: Enhancing medication safety in aged care
Safe and effective medication management is critical in aged care, and the ACOP program addresses this need with funding for on-site credentialed pharmacists. These professionals work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and care teams to review medications, optimise treatments, and enhance the quality of life for residents. On-site pharmacists also play a vital role during transitions
Integrated care, better outcomes: The new model for aged care
Over the past 8 weeks, Healthy North Coast was thrilled to be joined by around 50 professionals to brainstorm the barriers and enablers in joining care systems to support residents in aged care to receive quality care at the right time and the right place and avoid unnecessary hospitalisation. There was representation from GPs, RACHs,
MyMedicare: Strengthening GP connections in aged care
The MyMedicare program is making waves across the Mid and North Coast as GPs actively invite aged care residents to register. This free, voluntary system links residents with their regular GP and primary care team, fostering stronger connections and improving health outcomes without storing clinical health data. For residents, registering with MyMedicare provides significant benefits,
