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Healthy at Home Case Finders

Flags indicating a referral | Tips for Case Finders

Case Finders are professionals and community members who are able to identify that a frail aged person is failing in the community and requires referral/referrals to support services such as Healthy at Home.

Examples of case finders for Healthy at Home are:

  • Self referrals
  • Carers and family
  • General Practitioners
  • Specialists
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Practice Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Ambulance Officers
  • Home Care Workers
  • Meals on Wheels Volunteers
  • Neighbour Aid Volunteers
  • Respite Care workers
  • Day Care Workers
  • Community Options Case Managers
  • Specialist services such as cardiac rehabilitation, palliative care
  • Pre-admission clinics
  • Intake services
  • Aged Care Assessment Teams
  • Community Nurses

Subtle and small change in function or capacity in an older person is often the first sign to indicate illness. Change is an important indicator that there may be a new problem that requires intervention. These flags may be especially important where there has been a recent addition or change in medications. See over for flags that an older person may need a referral to Healthy at Home.

Flags indicating a referral

 Flags  Description
 Change in physical appearance and activity
  • dishevelled appearance
  • wearing inappropriate clothing
  • staining from urine/bowels
  • no longer making an effort with personal care
  • increasing tiredness and weakness
  • increasing "frailty"
 Weight and nutrition
  • lack of interest in food
  • needs assistance with eating
  • unable to prepare food
  • weight loss
  • aspiration
 Activities of Daily Living / Mobility problems
  • increasing difficulty rising from a chair/toilet
  • problems getting in and out of bed
  • person becoming unsteady on their feet
  • need for extra care or assistance
  • falls or stumbles
  • need for walking aid or wheelchair
 Emotional change
  • lack of interest in normal activities
  • social isolation and reduced communication skills
  • lack of motivation
 Change in memory
  • worsening memory, forgetting to do things etc
  • getting lost outside
  • confused
 Sleep patterns
  • taking to bed during the day
  • sleep disturbance or night time wandering
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Tips for Case Finders

Care workers often know the person they care for the best and will notice subtle changes that others may overlook.

Changes that warrant investigation usually present in the way a person functions with their everyday tasks. You don't have to be a doctor to notice that something is amiss.

Older people are usually frightened that referral to support services puts them at risk of residential aged care facility placement. You need to reassure the person that Healthy at Home aims to support older people in their home.

Carers who are stressed also need assurance that it is OK to seek external support.

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Contact

Telephone 1800 152 149
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
 
Case Finders PDF version

This web page is managed and authorised by Health System Performance Improvement of the NSW Department of Health. Last updated: 31 March, 2009

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