Telehealth in RACF Program

Adelaide PHN is commissioning telehealth services through the Telehealth in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) Program to improve access to health care for the elderly in our region. Five aged care organisations comprising 26 facilities were awarded funds as part of the first phase of the grant rollout and are set to commence training for staff.

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, telehealth has been transformational and critical to the continuity of care of thousands of Australian patients living in rural and remote areas and cities. It is cost-effective, convenient, and safe and reduces the risks of infections among the immune-compromised population, including the elderly.

Adelaide PHN’s Telehealth in Residential Aged Care Facilities Program builds on the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety report.

“We are delivering a program that empowers stakeholders across the primary and aged care systems to effectively utilise telehealth to deliver the best quality care to the elderly,” Wendy Dolejs, Executive Manager Integration said.

“This needs-based response will help us further improve health outcomes of senior Australians while embedding telehealth across primary, tertiary, and aged care sectors,” she added.

The program will build the capability of RACFs, GPs, allied health, and specialists to provide telehealth services, that will help prevent, diagnose, and treat various health conditions. It will also help promote better health outcomes among the elderly, reduce pressure on hospitals by preventing hospitalisation and use of emergency care services.

The program will also help elderly residents of RACFs become more comfortable and confident in accessing timely healthcare, reducing their sensitivity towards the technology.

The next funding round for the telehealth program will open in March 2023. Organisations can apply for funding up to $7,500 (GST exclusive) for each eligible facility.

Interested aged care organisations can contact us at ageingwell@ adelaidephn.com.au or 08 8219 5900 to discuss further.

Telehealth in RACF is an addition to the fleet of programs we have designed to improve health outcomes for the elderly. To learn more, please visit the Adelaide PHN website.