SCC Home Care Awarded $20,000 Grant to Participate in ELDAC Program

July 24, 2024

Pictured above: Susan Drummond, Home Care Regional Manager.

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) (SCC) Northern Home Care team has been awarded a $20,000 grant to join the End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) Linkages Program. SCC Residential Care sites have previously engaged in the program, but this is the first time SCC Home Care services has participated, which will lead to significant positive outcomes for clients in a challenging time in their lives.

The ELDAC linkages program is a toolkit that focuses on improving the quality of life for older Australians and links palliative care specialists with aged care providers.

The grant funding will cover associated costs to support staff training in the program and will leave Home Care Employees with the skills and confidence to develop, implement and sustain palliative care and advanced care planning initiatives.

Home Care Regional Manager for Northern NSW, Susan Drummond, gives us some insight into what this means for her team.

"Palliative care is a definitive term for when someone has a life-limiting illness. We support many clients in Home Care through their palliative journey, which may last for months or even years before they receive end-of-life care," she said.

"Participation in the project will result in improved capacity to provide end-of-life care and improved access to palliative care advice and support.

"It's an honour to provide care that is consistent with a person's goals, values, beliefs and preferences during their final days, and we are excited to develop new partnerships with local specialist palliative care services to assist in providing the best possible care to older people at the end of life."

SCC has proudly had seven Residential Care homes complete the program with astounding results. Head of Residential Care Samantha Tosh said, "The results have increased the confidence in our Registered Nurses talking about palliative and advance care planning with residents and their families."

"The linkages program has also built stronger relationships in partnering with palliative care specialists. Overall, the program better equips us to look at how we honour residents and their families during this stage of their lives."

Tenison Residential Care, Goulburn, has just completed the program, with more than 60% of its staff participating. Facility Manager Flordeliza Lumantas said, “The program led to the implementation of great initiatives including welcome packs for residents with resources from ELDAC and orientation packs for new staff members to equip them with end-of-life resources when onboarding.”

“A palliative care trolley has been made up stocked with music and essential oils, as well as additional pillows and blankets, to provide extra comfort.

“We are also looking at linking in with our Pastoral Coordinator to help address the spiritual needs of residents and commemorate them every year after their passing to celebrate their life.”

SCC is passionate about supporting older Australians throughout their ageing journey, with a focus on comfort and dignity. The linkages program sits within our quality care pillar and supports our HEART values conducive to clients and resident’s physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and social wellbeing.