Allied Health

HOME CARE SERVICES

The Home Care program is aimed at assisting frail aged people, people with disabilities and their carers to remain living independently at home in a community setting. Services encompassed by the Home Care program include: Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Respite Care, Community Transport, Home maintenance, Meals on Wheels. The program is facilitated by a team of community based support workers.

PLANNED ACTIVITY GROUP (PAG)

Held weekly on Tuesdays. PAG provides a structured opportunity for isolated older persons in the community to come together and join in a program that includes a shared lunch, activities and outings. The program is facilitated by two workers. Transport is available and sessions are provided from a variety of community based locations depending on the varied program.

TRANSPORT

A supported community transport program is coordinated from ODH HACC program is aimed at assisting clients with limited transport options to access essential medical, allied health and support programs.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Services are provided two days per week, including a fortnightly clinic operating from the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre. The service provides clinical assessment and treatment of various musculoskeletal, neurological and cardio-respiratory conditions; rehabilitation following surgery, education on management of conditions and development of personal exercise programs. This service is supported by an Allied Health Assistant.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Services enable people experiencing injury, illness, developmental delay or the effects of ageing to maximize independence, wellbeing and quality of life. Interventions include: home safety and home modification assessments, specialist equipment, specific therapeutic treatments, increasing physical access to public facilities, advice on management of particular disorders, support for carers and case management.

HEALTH PROMOTION

The role of Health Promotion aims to improve health outcomes of individuals and the community by enabling people to take control over the factors that influence their health. This is done through providing access to health information and education, delivering programs and activities, identifying and advocating for community needs and working in partnership with key organisations (locally and regionally).

DIETITIAN

Dietetic services are provided quarterly on a contract basis through “Eat Up Nutrition”. The service provides advice on general nutrition and nutritional issues related to illness and specific conditions. In addition, the Dietitian provides health promotion activities and educational presentations to schools, ODH staff and community groups.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

The speech pathology service is provided 2 days per fortnight. The service has a strong focus on Pre School and school age clients and works closely with the primary schools and kindergarten services. The service provides speech pathology assessment, management of communication, language and literacy development and management of swallowing difficulties for children and adults.

SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELLING

The social worker provides a broad range of counselling and social support to individuals and families. The role includes: generalist counselling and case management, advocacy, community mental health support, relationship counselling and child and adolescent work, particularly in the school setting. An outreach service is provided one day per week from the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre.

CHRONIC DISEASE CARE / PRACTICE NURSE

This role provides an integrated model of chronic disease care addressing targeted high risk conditions of: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. The role has a client centered focus and encourages a self-management approach. Consultations can occur in the clinical setting or at client’s homes. The position is combined with the practice nurse role, supporting medical services and follow up from the Omeo Medical Centre

DIABETES EDUCATOR

Visits on a monthly basis, providing management advice and follow up, information and education concerning diabetes to people who have diabetes or carers of people with diabetes.

FOOT CARE

Attendant provides clinical services to assist in reducing the impact of foot conditions. Services provided include fingernail and toenail trimming and foot massage. The service visits the district one day per month, alternating between Swifts Creek/Ensay and Omeo.

PODIATRY

The services of a visiting qualified podiatrist are available for appointments quarterly at Omeo District Health. The priority areas for podiatry are clients with diabetic conditions and older clients who have difficulty accessing podiatry services available in Bairnsdale.

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NURSE

Visits ODH the 2nd Wednesday of every month providing assessment, information and advice to parents of children aged 0-6. This may include: advice on children’s growth and development, nutritional needs, lactation advice and assisting with parenting and family issues.

KINDY GYM

operates Thursday mornings from a dedicated outreach location at Omeo Recreation Reserve. The program is facilitated by an allied health assistant and is targeted at children aged 0-5. The program provides a range of fun physical activities and play, aiming to develop healthy bodies, sensory awareness, perceptual awareness, and social skills.

MEN’S SHED

A Men’s Shed facility has been established on the shared site of the Omeo Country Fire Authority. The purpose of the Men’s Shed is to provide a venue for a range of community based activities that support and promote Men’s Health, particularly mental health. ODH provides a facilitator for the program which generally operates 2 days per week.

COMMUNITY GYM

A gymnasium is available for community members use with two locations on site at Omeo District Health, and at the Swifts Creek Hall. Membership includes an assessment and development of a personal exercise program.