How Catholic Healthcare is delivering better Aged Care outcomes with Optus
Working in partnership with Optus, Catholic Healthcare has embarked on a transformative journey in aged care provision, leveraging state-of-the-art mobile solutions to elevate client outcomes. The aged care provider has identified the need for innovative technological solutions to deliver efficient and effective client and employee experiences.
Across a network of 41 residential aged care homes, 13 retirement living communities, and around 7,000 in-home care clients, Catholic Healthcare has utilised Optus' mobile services to redefine its commitment to Australia's ageing population and employee experience. With streamlined processes and enhanced connectivity, the partnership has enabled innovative client care and monitoring methods, while allowing caregivers more time to build meaningful relationships with their clients.
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The Situation Costly inefficiencies hampering client experience
Upon partnering with Optus, Catholic Healthcare recognised a need for technology solutions that deliver enhanced connectivity and speed, expand capabilities for IoT, and provide transformative improvements for their business and clients. Ineffective technology across a disparate network of devices was hindering carers in providing the best customer experience.
The shift to telehealth during the pandemic and a subsequent rise in demand for in-home care demonstrated a need for more advanced mobile technology. In order to service their existing network of 7,000 clients receiving in-home care, including some in regional locations, Catholic Healthcare looked towards a mobile ecosystem that supports carers as they work.
With a growing workforce, they needed to get employees onboarded and up and running as quickly as possible. Previously, employees needed to wait four days to get their device management set up, and this has now reduced to less than one day.
"Our industry is a human-focused industry that centres on caring for older people. Our frontline employees thrive on making connections with people, taking the time to listen to their stories, and getting to know them. If technology can help us maximise their time to provide care, then that is the best outcome and Optus is aiding us in achieving this."
Moet Sela Manager of Technology & Cloud Services, Catholic Healthcare
The Solution Reliable mobile services deliver a vital foundation for a better care experience
Optus' award-winning 5G network* played a pivotal role in bolstering Catholic Healthcare's mobile infrastructure. A managed mobile phone fleet provides seamless connectivity in urban and regional areas. The ruggedised Samsung mobiles used by the carers are as easy to use as their own smartphones, while being suitable for regular disinfecting and capable of withstanding drops or chemical spills.
Expanding a previously underutilised messaging platform for vital communications with clients allows SMS to play an active role in care through reminders and urgent messaging, while making carers more accessible. Consolidating these communication systems on a single platform allows simpler and more reliable contact with clients, resulting in a greater economy of scale for Catholic Healthcare.
Optus, as Catholic Healthcare’s provisioning partner, has enabled Catholic Healthcare to improve their device management and asset control. This enhancement allows frontline employees to concentrate on what truly matters – providing high-quality care to clients, and reduces the time spent on mundane tasks.
"As a not-for-profit organisation, we are here to serve older people in our community and our focus is on the wellbeing of our clients. We're lucky with Optus to have a partner that understands that dynamic and makes it work for us."
Moet Sela Manager of Technology & Cloud Services, Information Services, Catholic Healthcare
The Future Preparing for the future of aged care with a strong foundation
The rapid improvements in client care and service optimisation that Optus' mobile solutions have facilitated allow Catholic Healthcare to look to the future. They aim to expand their operations in home care services due to the preference for older Australians to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. .
Catholic Healthcare is evaluating the Optus Frontline Worker Solution (FLW) to further equip carers with the tools to better manage the administrative demands of their roles. From location tracking and inventory management to communication tools, FLW could enhance the efficiency gains and capability of carers' fleet of rugged mobile devices, transforming them into powerful multitools
With the strong foundation of Optus' 5G network, Catholic Healthcare is looking to emerging technologies, such as Microsoft's HoloLens virtual reality technology, to provide more human-centric and hands-on care to clients in remote locations. Improved process efficiencies will continue to allow carers to spend less time on administrative tasks or navigating frustrating, outdated technology and more time focusing on what they do best: delivering world-class, holistic care.
"What's important about our partnership with Optus is that we have the right network coverage that gives our care workers the tools and information they need. It's right there at their fingertips, whenever they need it."
Brett Reedman Chief Information Officer, Catholic Healthcare
Further information
To find out more about partnering with Optus, contact your account manager or request a call back below.
Customer profile
Catholic Healthcare
Catholic Healthcare is a trusted not-for-profit aged care provider celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. It provides tailored care solutions across NSW and South East Queensland. It operates a network of 41 residential aged care homes and 13 retirement living communities and provides home and community services to around 7,000 people.
Industry: Aged care
Website: www.catholichealthcare.com.au
Location: NSW & South East Queensland
Goals
- Improve connectivity across residential aged care, retirement living and home and community services
- Improve end-user computing devices (mobile phone and laptop)
Solutions
- Fleet of mobile devices on Optus' 5G network
- Optus Mobile Device Management
- WAN services
- Optus SMS services
- Hardware procurement
Outcomes
- Increased employee satisfaction and better client experiences
- Reduced mobile device network complaints
- More streamlined workflows
- Greater efficiency of technology spending