Page 17 - Joondalup Health Campus Annual Report 2017

Rehabilitation and aged care is the fastest growing section of our health service – a fact that is not surprising considering the rapidly aging local population.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 85 is the new 65. One in six Australians are now aged over 65 – compared to one in 25 back in 1911.
In one of the biggest localities that our hospital serves, the population is even greyer; in Wanneroo nearly one in five Australians are aged over 65.
More of us are surviving well into old age, thanks to improvements in diet, public health and medical technology. In fact, Australia’s population of centenarians – people who live to or beyond 100 years – grew to 3,500 in 2016.
JHC has three aged care and rehabilitation wards – one public and two private. Ward L0 is a public ward with 25 beds and comfortable communal areas for patients. Ward D0 and Ward H0 are both private wards with 25
beds and a Functional Training Unit (FTU) – affectionately known as ‘the flat’ where patients can stay to practice every day activities, like preparing a meal, showering and managing their medications, before they are discharged.
Services provided on the rehabilitation ward include assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for elderly patients and those experiencing functional decline following an illness or surgery.
We take an active preventative approach to ensure our patients are assessed for their risk of falls, pressure injuries and blood clots during their stay in hospital.
The hospital has seven highly skilled geriatricians working with four teams of junior medical staff. The consultant-led
multidisciplinary team consists of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians and social workers.
The team adopts a collaborative approach, assisting patients to regain their independence and facilitate transition from hospital to community.
They work closely with patients, carers and family to ensure appropriate assessment and goal setting takes place to achieve their optimum level of independence. Patients are encouraged to socialise daily and make use of the communal lounge and dining area.
JOONDALUP HEALTH CAMPUS | ANNUAL REPORT 2016/17
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