NSW Study Critical of Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs)
A pilot study of CACPs and client satisfaction in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has shown a number of weaknesses in their accessibility and flexibility, and in the overall satisfaction of clients.
CACPs were introduced in 1992-93 and are individually tailored packages for providing care to people in their own homes, to promote ‘ageing in place’ for those who would otherwise require low level residential care.
The study, reported in the March 2007 edition of the Australasian Journal of Ageing shows that clients of CACPs are concerned about lack of flexibility of the service,poor quality and continuity of the care/service.
Communication breakdowns between CACP and the acute care sector, and between the client and provider, pose a significant barrier to the effective provision of CACPs.
A review of budget and the CACP guidelines (e.g. eligibility criteria and definition of services) need to be carried out to maximise the potential of CACPs.
The study also found that more attention needed to be given to recruitment and retention issues, and support for staff. Clients often felt that staff avoided certain types of work, blaming “OHS” requirements while staff needed adequate training and support so they felt their work was valued.
Clients needed a feedback process to make a complaint or express a concern without being identified or having their right to privacy and service compromised.
