Aged Care Rehabilitation Unit
How we can help you
Our team specialises in the care of older people with complex health needs. We focus on rehabilitation after illness or injury and set goals with you and support you in therapies that improve your function and independence. The aim is for you to return your previous level of ability.
We are located on Level 4 South of the Acute Services Building, Prince of Wales Hospital.
Acute Aged Care Extension Unit (AACE)
Also on Level 4 South is our AACE, a six bed unit specialising in care of older patients with behavioural symptoms related to dementia or delirium. The comfort and wellbeing of these patients is enhanced by the quiet environment provided and the staff with specialised skills.
The AACE is arranged like a home with a communal lounge and access to a safe outdoor area. It is a secure unit and you will need to press the buzzer on the wall just before the unit to alert staff that you have arrived.
Our team includes doctors, nurses and allied health staff who work together with you, your family and carer to meet your physical, mental and emotional needs while you are in hospital and to begin planning for when you leave hospital.
ReVive Program Volunteers
Our volunteers receive 12 hours of training to provide support, companionship and practical assistance to patients, particularly those who are feeling confused, are at risk of falling or are losing some abilities as a result of being in hospital. The volunteers spend time with patients, listening to their stories, talking about things of interest, giving hand massages, encouraging them to eat and drink or helping them walk safely around the ward. If you think your relative might benefit from a visit from a ReViVe volunteer please contact the Aged Care Volunteer Coordinator on 9382 2014.
The aged care wards offer nursing care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A doctor is always on call. Other members of the team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our nurses will try to connect you with other members of staff at your request but, depending on the time and day and the seriousness of the situation, you may have to wait, particularly when it is after hours or on the weekend. We know this can be frustrating, especially if you are worried about your relative, and will do what we can to answer questions in the meantime.
We value your opinions and know that clear communication is essential for your care. If you do not understand anything please ask us:
- Why are you doing that?
- What does that word mean?
- What does that procedure involve?
- What alternatives are there?
- What side-effects might there be?
- How will this help?
When it comes to sharing information with family and friends, it is helpful if one person takes responsibility for asking staff for updates and passing this information on to the others.
What happens if my relative is transferred to another ward in the hospital?
Sometimes, due to bed availability or specific care needs of a patient, patients may be admitted to other wards around the hospital. These patients will still be cared for by the aged care team and will be seen on a regular basis.
We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
Handbook for family and friends of patients admitted to Aged Care Wards
www.myagedcare.gov.au is an Australian Government website and national phone line (1800 200 422) with up-to-date information about Australia’s aged care system and services. It assists people to navigate the aged care system and provides referrals for assessment and service provision
The Aged Care Information Line provides information on home and community care and financial benefits. Telephone 1800 500 853 TTY 1800 555 677