After-Hours Toolkit Guide for Residential Aged Care Homes

How to use the after-hours toolkit

The after-hours toolkit has been developed following consultations with RACHs in metropolitan Melbourne about how to support after-hours processes in facilities to reduce emergency presentations. It is informed by evidence-based resources to support RACHs to enhance access and use of after-hours services.

The toolkit:

• provides guidance on creating appropriate after-hours plans for residents
• educates staff on after-hours health care options and processes
• encourages procedures for keeping residents’ digital medical records up to date, particularly following an episode where after-hours care was required
• supports engagement between RACHs and their residents GPs’ and other relevant health professionals as part of after-hours action plans.

The resources and templates are designed to be dynamic documents, meaning plans should be revised and updated regularly to reflect policies and procedures, available services, and changes in care.

This guide explains how to implement, use and update the toolkit components.