Ms Stacy Doan1
1Plena Healthcare, Geelong, Australia
Biography:
Stacy Doan is a high-achieving occupational therapy student researcher in her Honours research year, with clinical experience as an allied health assistant in residential geriatrics. Through her caseload, Stacy has supported aging adults with complex acute and chronic needs. Stacy has also presented in various health conferences, including the Youth Health Conference 2024 in Brisbane, and RWAV Rural Health Conference 2024 and 2025 in Ballarat and Bendigo. For her Honours research year, she explores the association between sensory processing and executive functions of the brain in adults. She aspires to be an occupational therapist in neurorehabilitation.
Background:
Stroke is a prevalent neurological condition among older adults, particularly those in residential aged care (RAC) facilities who often require long-term nursing care. The significant effects of stroke on wellbeing highlights the role of allied health professionals (AHP) in RAC to implement effective post-stroke treatment plans. However, with the new aged care funding model introduced in 2022, hours for allied health services have been reportedly reduced, impacting the outcomes of stroke rehabilitation programs in RAC.
Objective:
To reinforce the role of allied health assistants (AHA) in co-facilitating stroke rehabilitation treatments within RAC in light of the new funding model.
Approach:
AHAs contribute to stroke rehabilitation treatments by:
– Co-facilitating exercise treatments targeting strength, endurance, mobility and transfers
– Producing education resources to enhance adherence of stroke rehab treatments
– Researching and supporting prescription of assistive technology
– Enhancing the frequency of follow-ups for ongoing re-assessment
– Collaborating for improvement of resident-centred care and multidisciplinary approach
Outcome/Impact:
Preliminary findings suggest significant improvements in residents' stroke rehabilitation outcomes, including enhanced trunk control, range of motion, muscle strength in upper and lower extremities, and pressure care. Feedback from residents and families indicates higher satisfaction and increased engagement with rehabilitation programs.
Innovation and Significance:
Given the reduction in allied health service hours, AHP-AHA co-facilitated rehabilitation programs provide an innovative, effective solution to support post-stroke recovery in RAC facilities, optimising the limited resources available.
Disclosure of Interest:
The author acknowledges the valuable contributions of clients, families, and the care team in implementing these programs.