2020-09-08 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                             8 SEPTEMBER 2020



                          Noosa Home Assist Summary YTD Outputs
                                 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020
     Information & Referral                                        Services provided
      Total clients received info & referral                             745
     Home Maintenance/Minor Modifications
      HAS output hours                                                  2,109

The above services delivered a total of 3,771 hours of service to clients through Noosa Home
Assist Secure during this period.

3.     STAFFING
A number of staff changes occurred during the year which gave the team the opportunity to
streamline the structure to accommodate some of the QCC funding loss. The team now
comprises approximately 20 full-time equivalent positions, compared to close to 25 in 2018/19.
While group activities across NCS ceased during COVID-19, all other services continued, albeit
with some modifications to ensure staff and client safety. Staff who would normally deliver group
activities were reassigned to other NCS tasks and as such did not see a material drop in hours
during COVID-19. The team was also pleased to be able to support some local community
groups in need of assistance, including some of the Meals on Wheels services.

4.     SYSTEMS, PROCESSES AND OTHER MATTERS
     During COVID-19, the team was fortunate to be able to continue to deliver all services
       except for group activities at the centre. It was business as usual for Home Assist Secure
       and transport services, in fact the demand for these services increased.
     All staff and volunteers have been trained in infection control and have adequate access to
       personal protective equipment (PPE) to help manage the risks of COVID-19.
     CHSP funding was extended through to June 2022. This comprises approximately 86% of
       total funding for NCS. HAS funding currently runs through to June 2023.
     The team is observing changes to client wants and needs as a generational shift occurs
       and more and more baby boomers access NCS services. To meet these needs the team is
       working closely with Council’s Community Development Ageing Well Noosa program and
       have introduced wellness and fitness classes in Cooroy, Pomona, Cooran, Noosaville
       (Noosa Leisure Centre), Sunshine Beach (Noosa Aquatic Centre) and Peregian Beach.
       These classes have become extremely popular and from them we have introduced chat
       groups for clients to build social networks.
     The Centre has benefitted from some internal décor updates which have further
       modernised its appearance and appeal.
     Better integration with T1 (Council’s main software package) continues to be achieved
       thanks to efforts from Council’s ICT, Finance and Revenue teams. This has allowed for
       efficiencies and greater data integrity for NCS.
     NCS has used the COVID-19 experience to upskill and cross-train community care staff.
       This will allow more resources to backfill staff during leave as required.

5.     FUTURE DIRECTION
     Pending continued improvement in the COVID-19 environment, NCS plans to re-open the
       Centre for group activities in October. Upon re-opening there will be a renewed focus on
       connecting with carers while their loved ones are at the Centre. Services including exercise
       sessions and chat groups will be promoted to this cohort.
     Dementia-specific activities and services provided by allied health professionals will be
       some of the key focuses for clients as services ramp up over the coming months.

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