Thirty care finders, managers, and service providers from across northern Queensland came together recently for a one-day Care Finder Workshop and Community of Practice (CoP) meeting held in Cairns recently. 

The professional development event provided a valuable platform for attendees from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and the Tablelands region to connect and build relationships to unify the care finder network.  

The care finder program is a Commonwealth Government initiative managed by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) with the aim of establishing a group of “care finders” to support vulnerable older persons by connecting them to appropriate services and care.  

It is estimated that 17 per cent of NQPHN’s population is over 65 years old (50 years old for First Nations peoples). As people get older, they will more likely need aged care services. However, the aged care system is complex and some people may find it difficult to navigate and access services.  

Care finders help older persons get the assistance they need. 

Workshop participants said one of the highlights was the emphasis on community engagement and patient-centred care, with discussions about understanding local needs, enhancing cultural competence, and tailoring services to meet the diverse needs of our communities.  

The Care Finder Workshop covered a range of topics essential for care finder organisations and offered providers practical insights and strategies through informative presentations and collaborative discussions.  

Presenters from a number of organisations led discussions on collaborative approaches to service planning and implementation, providing valuable perspectives on home care services, funding models, and strategies to optimise service delivery.  

Significant issues such as grief and loss, suicide prevention, and mental health services were also addressed, highlighting the significance of partnerships in supporting community mental health. 

Additionally, a variety of approaches to housing support and community education were discussed, alongside ways to effectively manage hoarding and squalor.  

These valuable discussions provided participants with the knowledge required to offer compassionate and effective care to vulnerable older persons as part of their roles as care finders. 

Attendees also gained practical insights and strategies from informative presentations and interactive workshops, with presenters including:  

• Dr Shenae Calleja, NQPHN Service Planning and Design Manager – Shenae led discussions on care finder codesign, emphasising collaborative approaches to service planning and implementation.  

• Susan Chapman, Everglow Operations Manager – showcased valuable perspectives on providing home care services and funding models, and offered practical strategies to optimise service delivery.  

• Tynan Narywonczyk, NQPHN Partnerships and Engagement Specialist – addressed important issues relating to grief and loss, suicide, and mental health services, highlighting the role of partnerships in supporting mental health within communities.  

• Jenny Brown, Queensland Statewide Tenant Advice and Referral Service (QSTARS) Community Education and Community Access Points (CAPS) Development Worker – focused on facilitating access to housing resources, discussing innovative approaches to housing support, and community education.  

• Samantha Hannah, Ozcare Assistant Coordinator Community Care – shared insights on managing challenges related to hoarding and squalor, while providing practical tips for caregivers and service providers.  

Feedback from attendees described the workshop as well organised and a great day overall. 

For more information about upcoming events, please contact the NQPHN Health Priorities team by emailing healthpriorities@nqphn.com.au.