Geriatric services in South West provide close to home care
(L-R: Enrolled Nurse Rebecca Wallace and Consultant Geriatrician Dr Shannon King)
WA Country Health Service’s (WACHS) South West Geriatrician Service is supporting older community members to stay at home for longer.
Inpatient and outpatient services are provided by a specialist doctor skilled in comprehensive geriatric and memory evaluations, care for Parkinson’s and other movement disorders as well as delirium consultations.
The service aims to optimise patient’s overall care when living in the community and help patients receive a safe and measured transition when discharged from hospital.
The team is supported by Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) nurses, with the service operating weekly on Friday, alternating fortnightly between Margaret River and Augusta Hospital, along with visiting outpatient services for residents at Baptistcare Mirrambeena Village and Augusta Lodge.
Consultant Geriatrician Dr Shannon King says she is ably supported by teams who assist her in providing exemplary care to South West residents, including the GEM nurses and continuing care with the exceptional local General Practitioners.
“The GEM teams at both Augusta and Margaret River are amazing at what they do,” she said.
“Seeing how grateful the South West community is for the team’s dedication to close to home care is very rewarding.”
Executive Director South West Kerry Winsor said the staff providing specialised geriatric services are doing a fantastic job assisting those navigating the next stage in life.
“This service was borne out of community feedback, so to hear the positive responses from South West residents is wonderful,” Ms Winsor said.
“The South West has an ageing population – some of whom have lived in the region their whole lives others who are choosing to move to the South West when they retire.
“This age group often has specific health needs and this specialised service gives us an opportunity to support older people to remain at home for longer.”
If you’re interested in using the service speak to your General Practitioner.