Guide for Care Workers
What is Healthy at Home?
Healthy at Home supports older people (65 years and older and 45 years and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) whose condition is starting to deteriorate. It enables care at home as an alternative to possible hospital admission.
Early identification and referral to Healthy at Home are essential to help the older person avoid hospital.
Subtle changes usually indicate that an older person is deteriorating or becoming unwell. These often present as changes in the older person's function or appearance.
Examples of early warning signs are:
- falls
- shortness of breath
- deteriorating ability to move around
- deterioration in functional independence e.g. difficulty getting dressed, showering, getting on/off chairs
- onset or worsening of confusion e.g. significant memory loss
- changes in behaviour such as isolation and/or low mood
- loss of appetite
- repeatedly going to the doctor or presenting to the hospital
- changes in personal care, grooming and hygiene
- incontinence/frequent need to go to the toilet.
What can you do?
As a caregiver you can play a key role in identifying problems before they develop into a crisis. If you notice that a person whom you care for has some health changes or their ability to manage changes, discuss with your service co-ordinator and suggest a referral to Healthy at Home.
Consent of the person you care for is required.
Contact
This web page is managed and authorised by Health System Performance Improvement of the NSW Department of Health. Last updated: 31 March, 2009
