6 October 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that IRT will be enhancing our approach in delivering physiotherapy services at your loved one’s aged care centre.
The Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding tool replaced the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) model from 1 October 2022, and will support IRT to deliver physiotherapy services as part of a wellness model with improved outcomes for residents.
The ACFI model focused on physiotherapy as pain management and was very prescriptive in describing how physiotherapy must be provided. In particular, the model detailed how pain management was to be delivered specifically through providing massage four times a week for a period of 20 minutes.
Through the AN-ACC funding tool, IRT’s wellness model will focus on the provision of activities and programs, a version of which is currently provided by our lifestyle team and physio aid team. This model will further assist residents in maintaining and improving levels of physical function as well as minimising the risk of falls.
We are currently working with our physiotherapy providers to refine current activities and develop and implement alternative programs that support this wellness approach, including walking groups, exercise groups and individual physiotherapy programs. These programs will be delivered based on a resident’s needs as assessed by their physiotherapist.
Our physiotherapy providers will also deliver rehabilitation and enablement programs for residents with an acute need, such as someone who has returned from a hospital stay with a need due to a change in mobility function or a resident who has had a decrease in function related to an event such as a stroke or fracture.
What happens now?
The Care team at your loved one’s aged care centre has completed a review of residents who have a physiotherapy pain management program in place, and transitioned these residents to a suitable wellness model alternative.
Our physiotherapy providers will now review all of our residents, including those who currently don’t have a program in place, to identify physiotherapy opportunities and develop activities that support their needs.
Resident representatives will be contacted by the Care team when their loved one is assessed in regards to their individual needs over the next three months.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team at the care centre.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
