What is The Forrest Centre's Approach to Clinical Care?

Clinical care refers to medical and healthcare services provided to people. For older people it includes everything from nursing care to specialist medical treatments and is distinct from personal care, which is non-medical assistance with activities of daily living.

As part of strengthening the Australian Aged Care Quality Standards, the Federal Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission developed a standard for clinical care to provide national consistency in what older people can expect when receiving aged care services.

The standard is evidence-based, safe, effective and person-centred clinical care provided by qualified health professionals and competent workers, and in line with the changing clinical needs, goals and preferences of the older individuals.

The Forrest Centre’s approach to clinical care is people-first, as Tania Tellus, our Executive Manager – Care explains, “It is individualised care based on the choices of our residents and their families, around how they would like treatments delivered. We work with people individually to understand their needs, desires, abilities and limitations.

“Our responsibility also extends to identifying any risks that may be associated with either their condition or any other issues they have, and then managing those risks in a safe environment to enhance that person’s quality of life.

 “For instance, if one of our residents would like to go out on their own for the first time, we do a risk assessment based on their mobility, their cognition and their known capabilities. If we identify risks or barriers to what people want to do, then we either try something else or work out ways to mitigate the risks working with the resident, their family and carers.”

The Forrest Centre has a team of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Enrolled Nurses (ENs) who deliver clinical care, overseen by a Clinical Governance Lead at each residence who monitor the complex care needs of residents, including pain management, and other clinical indicators such as unexplained weight loss or a fall.

“Our clinical leads can contact the resident’s GP and their other healthcare providers directly to ensure their treatment plans are up to date and any specialised care directives can be carried out by our team.”

There is also ongoing training for The Forrest Centre staff tailored to meet the needs of residents. For example, in addition to mandatory learning around infection control and safety, nurses have recently undergone extra training in managing dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neuron Disease.

 “Families are also closely involved in clinical care decisions from when their loved one first comes to live with us. We start with a pre-admission consultation to find out all the person’s preferences, needs, any diagnoses and the type of care they require. We then conduct monthly care plan reviews and update the family and existing healthcare providers such as the person’s GP.

“We’re absolutely committed to best practice clinical care at The Forrest Centre, and we are well-resourced to deliver a holistic approach that puts the needs and wishes of our residents first and foremost.”