Co-production Project is Underway

Pilot projects in the Step Forward - Together™ initiative officially started 1 October 2015. This national project has 10 pilot sites around Australia trialling co-production of service provision in aged care with a Wellness focus.  The findings from each pilot project will inform a resource guide on co-producing aged care services.

During August and September, CommunityWest and COTA Australia provided education and support on co-production, Wellness and enablement to the staff and consumers involved in each project.

Consumers and pilot site staff comments on the sessions:

• “It has given me more confidence to speak up about things.”
• “It has showed what people can achieve whilst working together.”
• “I must say at 95 years of age I am honoured to be asked to participate in this group and look towards our special day in May 2016.” 

Pilot projects will continue until May 2016 where the findings and conclusions will be published and presented at events and conferences around Australia in 2016 and 2017.

A brief summary of each pilot project is outlined below:

Calvary Community Care | NSW
Develop a dietician approved mobile app for direct care staff when supporting consumers to prepare meals across a diverse range of cultures and needs. 

Centacare Community Services | QLD
The project will involve consumers working together to plan, prepare and host a community connections event in May 2016. This will increase active participation of consumers so they are visible to, and stay connected with, the community in which they live. 

Jubilee Community Care | QLD
Identify, design and deliver services consumers would like to access to help them achieve personal goals. 

MercyCare | WA
Develop a resource and approach that introduces and encourages older consumers to participate in a service with allied health input.

Novacare | NSW
Develop additional activities promoting wellbeing, physical activity and social connections. These activities will be interesting and fun, with a Wellness and enablement focus. 

The Society of Saint Hilarion | SA
Provide wellbeing tools that are appropriate to the Italian community and reflect Positive Psychology. 

St Bartholomew’s House | WA
To develop an outcome statement that will inform how home care services are offered to those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. 

Uniting AgeWell | VIC
Develop a strengthening exercise program using a HUR gym and peer buddy system with consumers. 

Uniting Communities | SA
Develop an exercise program based on activities of daily living that people can do in their home, including visual resources to aid and prompt people with exercising.

WestCoast Home Care | SA
Develop activities with a Wellness focus that can be offered through their community connections program. 

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