Kimberley Aged and Community Services honoured with aged care award

WA Country Health Service’s (WACHS) Kimberley Aged and Community Services (KACS) team have been recognised for their innovative approach to service planning at the 2021 Aged and Community Service Australia Aged Care Awards.

KACS provides the Kimberley community with access to a range of community aged care services to aid residents to live healthier and stronger lives.

The team has developed an innovative approach to service planning and improving patient care based on the game of snakes and ladders, exploring how staff can better manage challenges and unplanned events that can occur during a client’s journey.

WACHS Acting Manager Kimberley Aged and Community Services Jo Falls said the activity encourages the team to think through what actions are required when an unplanned event occurs and to consider options to support the client.

“The activity was a great team building exercise and a lot of fun, but it was also valuable in highlighting how all staff within our organisation are involved in client care which has enhanced how we work and communicate across the region,” Ms Falls said.

As the team works across the many towns and remote communities in the region, sometimes spending days on the road, it makes planning aged care services essential.

WACHS Regional Director Kimberley Bec Smith praised the team for living the WACHS values with their innovative approach to improving the patient experience.

“Our staff work across this large region, so planning days like these are an amazing opportunity to come together as a team and share important learnings, and are invaluable for new team members,” Ms Smith said.

“I’m extremely proud of the team and congratulate them on winning this prestigious award; I know this fantastic planning innovation will undoubtedly lead to improved patient care in the Kimberley.”