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The changing needs of healthcare

Access CEO, Graeme Titcombe discusses the changing needs of healthcare and outlines the benefits and strategic value of the home support sector.

The home support sector has the expertise to make a major contribution to one of today's most recognised health issues - our aging population. The sector's proven ability to deliver efficient and cost-effective services could make a substantial difference to both the health of clients and the finances of the wider health sector.

So, why isn't the strategic value of the home support sector being acknowledged?

It is recognised that the aging process is not a linear progression and that the impact on individuals differs markedly. Equally, clients receiving older persons or disability services also often have other needs relating to long-term conditions.

The wider benefits in providing tailored solutions to meet individual's needs are well understood - as are the benefits of integrating these services within the home and community setting. The home support sector is capable of providing such integrated services and already delivers individual components to clients.

Home support providers' experience and expertise, in a home and community setting, spans both health and social support. These providers are in an ideal position to offer services that maximise independence and promote, where appropriate, self care.

So why isn't this transition occurring? I believe there are two key reasons: 

1. Although there's recognition that the future depends on this transition, there's a reluctance to divert funding away from secondary services.

2. The lack of appreciation of the home support sector. Its origins in the voluntary sector left a strong impression that the home support sector requires guidance from more professional organisations. This is a false impression and remains an obstacle to any transition.

The challenge for the home support sector is to project its professionalism with pride. The challenge for the wider health sector is to look to the home support sector with some respect - for the achievements it has made and the solutions it can bring.

Graeme Titcombe

Chief Executive Officer