PHOENIX: The principles of the new home care model are based on self-forming community nurse groups, client empowerment, high skills delivery and the use of technology.
The model is focused on self-support and working with highly qualified nurses that have skills in coaching and supporting residents to do the things that they are able to do themselves.
While the costs per hour are higher from employing registered nurses, savings are made through lower overhead costs and a reduction in the overall number of care hours required per client.
The model also demonstrates the benefits of handing control over to the nurses that run the service.
Nurses form self-organising or autonomous teams that provide a complete range of home care services supported by technology and with minimal administrative oversight. The nurses organise all the work themselves, so there is no management structure and no hierarchy.
The small teams of up to 12 nurses work in close collaboration with residents, doctors, allied health professionals and informal community networks to support the resident…