Reablement & Wellness Approach Glen Sorensen, Age Communications © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd

Your Journey to the Individualised Strength Based Person Centred Goal Orientated Consumer Directed Reablement and Wellness World © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd

Underpinning Definitions WellnessAssessment, planning and support delivery that builds on strengths, capacities and goals. Actions that promote a level of independence in daily living and reduce risks to safely living at home. ReablementTime limited interventions targeted towards a goal or specific outcome to adapt to some functional loss or regain confidence and ability to resume activities. Restorative Care Evidence-based interventions, led by allied health, that allow a person to make a functional gain after a setback or to avoid a preventable injury Source: DSS (2015) CHSP Good Practice Guide for Restorative Care Approaches, 2015

After 1/7/15, there will be a new way into the aged care system for all new clients

You may have two types of clients © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd5

Foundation of Reablement & Wellness We have the potential to improve our own functional ability and feelings of wellbeing. Gains can happen when we are willing to explore this potential and the people around are supportive. The support we offer builds on what the person can do or wants to be able to do. We work with rather than for the person in co- designing the best path forward. © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd

Reablement & Wellness Practice… Accepts that the person is the expert on their life Builds on the person’s strengths, abilities, hopes, dreams and resources Explores the difference (discrepancy) between where the person is and where they want to be Is based on goals identified by the person Results in a unique support response tailored to the individual Does not take over things that the person can or could do for themselves Aims at empowerment, control and maximum independence © 2014 Age Communications Pty Ltd

Some Examples in Community Care Using social support to expand the person’s world Introducing exercise/activity programs at home or at a centre Introducing assistive equipment and technology (light weight vacuum cleaners, toe washers, sensor lights) Taking a person to places where they want to go Travel training Adjusting the living environment (ramps, de-cluttering, non-slip tiles) Splitting ADLs into jobs that the person does, the worker does and/or they do together (e.g. cleaning a bathroom) © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd

Examples of Desired Broad Reablement & Wellness Outcomes Improvements in current levels of function and/or wellbeing after a recent acute illness or event Improvements in current levels of function and/or wellbeing Maintenance of current levels of function, wellbeing and/or service usage by choice Reduction in – the rate of decline of function and/or wellbeing – service usage by choice

Some More Specific Outcomes Re-building of muscle strength Improved confidence and morale Regained balance and mobility Less difficulty performing ADLs New or re-established social and community connections More satisfaction with various aspects of life Delayed or reduced need for support services Reduced carer burden and stress Less frequent, more episodic support interventions © 2014 Age Communications Pty Ltd

Every life has a story if we only bother to read it.

So, we need to get to know the person - their past, present and future © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd

Engaging the Client When engaged, the person is a comfortable and active participant and partner in the process Engagement is the necessary FIRST STEP in an enabling intervention. It’s about encouraging the person to tell their story. So, down all tools, ask, then LISTEN and hear: What the person is saying What the person isn’t saying that you need to know The hints that the person is giving you, particularly when they mention things multiple times What switches the person’s inner light on What brakes they impose on themselves What brakes are imposed on them by others

5 Traps Leading to Disengagement Assessment TrapIf too structured, puts client in a passive role answering questions Expert TrapImplies you are the expert and, once you have gathered enough information, you’ll have the answer Premature Focus TrapBringing the person back to what you see as the issue too early in the process Fixing It TrapStepping in and telling how you will solve (fix) the problem Chat TrapMaking small talk that has no purpose and is going in no direction © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd

So, it can look like this What does the person want to be different? How can we best work together to achieve this? © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd

A Natural Process © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd16

Examples of Steps Towards Goal Commitment Declarations of Intent I should do something about that I want to take more control I want this to be different Aims I want to stay at home I want to get out of the house more I want to be more mobile I want to see more people Goals To complete archiving my photos and papers by Christmas To prepare my own lunch each day by June To get back to bowls twice a week by September To walk to the local shops again within three months © 2015 Age Communications Pty Ltd17

Developing a Range of Reablement and Wellness Products