The Geriatric Rapid Acute Care Evaluation (GRACE) service provides clinical care to Canberrans in residential aged care facilities to better manage their conditions, preventing a trip to hospital.
About this service
Geriatric Rapid Acute Care Evaluation (GRACE) is a dedicated team of nurses who provide acute care support for residents living in Residential and Aged Care Facilities. GRACE is also a point of contact for families if you are concerned about a change or deterioration in your loved one.
Who we care for
We care for people of any age who are residents of a residential aged care facility in the ACT.
How to access this service
Your General Practitioner, specialist, the Emergency Department, and our inpatient medical and surgical wards can refer you to this service.
What to expect
The service involves specialist clinicians visiting Residential and Aged Care Facilities to assess residents experiencing a chronic or acute health episode. After assessment, we develop a care plan involving your primary care provider, the aged care facility staff, and emergency health services.
We can provide assessment and management of:
- Infections, including chest, urinary tract and skin or cellulitis.
- Wound care, including treatment of minor lacerations and injuries, including gluing and simple suturing.
- Post falls assessment and management.
- Dehydration assessment and management.
- Acute deteriorations of chronic disease including chronic heart failure and chronic respiratory disease.
- Urinary catheter care or reinsertions.
- PEG tube management.
- Medication reviews.
- End of life care planning, family meetings, support and advice.
- Medicare card
- Any letters or correspondence from your GP
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have brought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
What to bring to your appointment
- Medicare card
- Any letters or correspondence from your GP
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have brought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
Where we’re located
We will usually see you at your residential aged care facility. We are based at North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary Public Hospital Bruce).
We have directions to North Canberra Hospital.
Information for referrers
Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.
