Bringing home lessons learnt

A Queensland aged care manager has experienced an amazing journey through America in a study tour organised by Nurses in Management – Aged Care (NIMAC). 

Tabeel Lutheran Home director of nursing, Nola Nolan, (pictured), visited several aged care services in Philadelphia and Los Angeles to gain important insights into the sector and apply what she learnt.

Ms Nolan was sponsored by Lutheran Community Care (LCC), her employer of 32 years, to participate in the NIMAC 2012 study tour.

NIMAC is a member based professional network which supports registered and enrolled nurses, care managers, quality managers, consultants and aged care recruiters.

Ms Nolan’s adventure began in Philadelphia on 10 August and concluded in Los Angeles later that month. Fourteen Australian nurses participated in the tour.

The practices of some of the American aged care services reflected the growing worldwide trend of moving away from a ‘medical care’ approach to a ‘prevention and reablement’ approach, according to Ms Nolan.

“Many of the nursing homes concentrated on wellness, with gymnasiums and residents having their own personal trainers to assist in rehabilitation,” she said.

Memories of the dementia wing at Philadelphia’s Immaculate Mary Home were special as the rooms were designed to create interactive experiences and comfortable, familiar surroundings for residents.

“We walked through murals of maple trees, a tram stop and a baseball stadium. There was a beautiful nursery with a crib and a rocking chair surrounded by baby toys.

“There were lots of hand fixtures which residents could move and [the rooms] featured things at eye level to capture their imagination,” Ms Nolan said.

She will present her findings to LCC’s management team so they can explore ways to enhance the lives of the residents with dementia, particularly in terms of providing interactive experiences. 

“It was a privilege to see how other parts of the world operate and function. It proved to me everyone working in aged care are dedicated people all doing the very best for the aged population.”

Ms Nolan has also registered for the NIMAC 2014 study tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Read Ms Nolan’s blog chronicling her journey.