RESIDENTS living in aged care facilities across the Illawarra can now get more tailored and timely medical care in their home environment and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, with the launch of the Aged Care Outreach Service.

The Aged Care Outreach Service (ACOS) will help ease pressure on the Illawarra’s busy emergency departments by providing in-home medical care and clinical support to elderly people living in residential aged care facilities.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the new service will enable aged care residents to access timely, effective assessment and appropriate clinical care in the comfort of their own environment.

“The outreach service allows a team of specialist clinicians to attend residential aged care facilities and provide direct intervention to residents with acute illness,” Mr Park said.

“The service will run from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week, and means many aged care residents will avoid having to attend a hospital emergency department and can instead receive the care they need at home.

“This model not only provides faster care to older people in aged care facilities, but also helps maintain their health and independence by enabling them to remain in an environment that is more comfortable and familiar.”

The new service is modelled on South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s Geriatric Flying Squad, which has been operating successfully for over a decade.