Well, we did say it was coming, but boy… neither Carrie, I, or our team thought the month of June would literally be a whirlwind of ambulances, hospitals and the dreaded ‘C' word!
I have experienced first-hand the health system in chaos and the impact on older and vulnerable people. In Adelaide, at the peak of ambulance ramping and a ‘Code Yellow' across all city hospitals, my mother was flown in via RFDS from the N.T. for urgent cardiac care. A combination of COVID, flu and a healthcare system still struggling to recover from the pandemic is not a great place for patients, their families or staff.
Our own team has also been ‘hit' with COVID and I am sure that many other people and workplaces are also experiencing similar challenges as a winter epidemic takes hold.
In this month's edition, we have updated information about COVID, resources and reporting requirements, plus key industry updates and links to save you time that is such a precious commodity.
Stay safe and we will see you again in July!
Donna
Content Summary
Latest CDCS Videos & Blog Posts
To respond to the needs of those working in the industry, CDCS has a range of blog posts on our website and videos that are freely available on our YouTube channel.
When Cancer Gets Up Close and Personal
In some of our recent videos or Zoom catch-ups, you may have noticed I have been wearing a cap or scarf. That’s because my head has been cold!
Why? Because I recently lost most of my hair…
In October 2023, I was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer that needed immediate treatment. As you can imagine, that news changed my life.
What’s the deal with Care Coordination?
When I started out in the aged care industry in remote communities, we simply received a referral and worked with the local clinic to ensure the person got the care and support they needed.
Now the expectations are much higher – but where does that mean for care coordination?
Who are Your Vulnerable Clients?
It is a requirement for all Home Care Providers to create and maintain a list of vulnerable clients, those who are particularly at risk should there be an adverse event personally or through a natural disaster or at times of climate events. If you know who these people are you are better able to plan or action a response to minimise risks to them.
Industry News
All Sector Updates
Sector Performance Report (Quarter 2)
The Commission’s latest sector performance reports have been published. Amongst other issues, compliance rates show that just under one in 7 residential care services and one in 3 home services didn’t meet all the requirements of the Quality Standards.
Strengthened Quality Standards Fact Sheets
A new suite of fact sheets on each of the strengthened Quality Standards is now available on the Commission’s website. These are useful in preparing your organisation for the changes.
Legislation Updates
New Aged Care Act Consultation Report
The Department has now published a Consultation Report providing analysis of the feedback on the new Aged Care Act. This feedback is informing the final Bill which will be submitted to Parliament.
Subject to parliamentary processes, the new Act is timed to commence on 1 July 2025 to align with the launch of the new Support at Home program.
Reports Due
2023-24 Financial Declaration Statement
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers 2023-24 financial declaration statement is due by 31 August 2024. There are usually no extensions to this.
Your financial declaration statement must:
- use the correct form
- be true and accurate
- only include acquittal of 2023-24 CHSP funds and any unspent funds approved from the previous financial year.
For more information, contact your Funding Arrangement Manager in the Community Grants Hub.
COVID Updates
The Department of Health is reminding residential providers that they must continue to report all COVID-19 cases and deaths among residents, plus any cases among workers and visitors, on the My Aged Care service and support portal.
Here are some key links for more information:
Home Care Updates
Quality Indicator Program coming to in-home care
The National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program is expanding into in-home aged care. Public consultation is now open.
To have your say:
- read the consultation paper
- give feedback by 9 July 2024.
Quality indicators measure and monitor critical areas of care for older people. The consultation is important in developing realistic and practical quality indicators for in-home aged care.
The new quality indicators will not start before 1 July 2026. They will only apply to providers under the new Support at Home program.
Residential Care Updates
Vaccination Programs
This is a reminder of residential care provider obligations related to influenza vaccination programs and supporting their residents to receive boosters against influenza and COVID-19 where they choose.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission notes that testing for viruses is particularly important in aged care homes so that outbreaks can be contained and well managed. While COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can have similar symptoms, they may need to be managed differently.
There is now a rapid antigen test (RAT) available in Australia that detects 4 respiratory infections (RSV, flu A/B and COVID-19) in a single test.
Changes to publication of Room Prices on My Aged Care
On 1 July 2024 the Department of Health will make changes to the My Aged Care service and support portal. These changes will improve room pricing information published on My Aged Care.
Residential aged care rooms priced over the Minister’s maximum accommodation payment amount (currently $550,000) will only be displayed on My Aged Care if the Department can confirm a valid refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) approval is in place.
You will have 12 months from 1 July 2024 to update your existing rooms in the My Aged Care service and support portal (MAC SSP) with the required information. After this time, rooms with missing or incorrect details will be removed from My Aged Care.
Department and Commission Newsletter Links
If you haven't subscribed for Department updates, you can do so by clicking here to subscribe.
If you’re not already signed up, we recommend clicking through and signing up for the Commission’s valuable newsletter.
Reading
Want to understand more about what consumers are complaining about with home care services? The Commission has recently released a report on this topic.
You can also watch the Commission’s webinar on this topic ‘Getting Complaints Right’ which can be found on their YouTube channel.
CDCS Roundup for Busy People Newsletter
If you have others in your team who would benefit from our monthly aged care roundup for busy people – they can sign up here.
Industry Training, Webinars & Events
Mastering Case Management – Home Care Providers
CDCS will be running Case Management Assessment and Care Planning workshops in Alice Springs and Darwin this month of June in response to provider requests on this important aspect of care. Topics will include:
- Understanding Case Management / Care Coordination
- Communication – The Foundation of Good Case Management
- Identifying, Understanding & Documenting Individual Needs
- Working with Family Dynamics & Case Conferencing
- Identifying and Managing Risk for Clients & Staff
- Identifying & Supporting Goals and Aspirations
- Care Planning and Coordinating Support within Budget
- Monitoring Outcomes and Adjusting Care & Service Delivery Plans
When:
- Alice Springs – Tuesday 18th June 2024 (filling fast)
- Darwin – Thursday 20th June 2024 (limited places left)
Governing for Reform: Co-Design in Aged Care
Aimed at governing body members, executives and management, this webinar aims to help participants understand and apply strategies and tools to support co-design that places consumers at the heart of care.
Numbers are currently oversubscribed but you can register to receive information on replays, etc.
Date: Thursday 13th June
Time: 2pm – 5pm AEST
National ACQSC Conference Recordings and Resources
In April, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission held a National conference and the slide decks and recordings are now available.
Residential and home care providers came together to discuss upcoming reforms, including:
- the new Aged Care Act
- a new regulatory framework
- Strengthened Aged Care Quality standards – what to expect and how to be ready
- provider registration unpacked – registration and renewal
EOFY Financial Reporting Webinar
The Institute of Community Directors is running a webinar on changes to the EOFY reporting requirements for Community Organisations which may be useful if you are a smaller not-for-profit or community organisation.
Date: Monday, June 17, 2024
Time: 1pm to 2pm AEST | 12.30pm to 1.30pm ACST | 11am to noon AWST
Register here.
Diversity Mentoring Program Open Call for Applications
The Centre for Cultural Diversity in ageing is currently accepting applications into the Diversity Mentoring Program for the 24/25 financial year. This program helps providers build capacity in supporting culturally diverse aged care recipients.
Ongoing workshops provided by the ACQ&SC
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission develops a range of educational resources and workshops for aged care providers, in-home services and residential services that assist in understanding what compliance looks like.
You can find these courses listed on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website under the Education tab.
Funding Opportunities
Grant Reference
Name of Grant
Closing Date
For more information on any of these grants, refer to the GrantConnect website.
SDAP – Services Development Assistance Panel
Don’t forget, if you are an aged care provider (residential or community care) operating in rural or remote locations, you may be eligible for support through the Service Development Assistance Panel (SDAP).
CDCS has been a panel member since the inception of this program in 2010 and has supported over 40 aged care services with compliance, business development, training and resource development.
Get an idea of what can be done with SDAP.
Further information is available on the Department’s website, including the application form, or by emailing sdap@health.gov.au.
Jobs in Aged Care
Position
Organisation & Location
Closing Date
Various – East Arnhem Regional Council
until filled
Ramingining – East Arnhem Regional Council
until filled
Alice Springs/Hermannsburg / Areyonga – Macdonnell Regional Council
until filled
NOTE: If you have a position that you would like us to promote, please hit ‘reply’ to this email so we can include it in the next newsletter and/or post on our Facebook page: CDCS – Culturally Directed Care Solutions.
New In The TQP Members Resource Area
You’ll find a full list of the updated policies, procedures and other helpful resources that have been updated in the last month below. We're committed to helping your organisation meet compliance and deliver quality outcomes.
If you don't have access to the TQP and you’re looking for comprehensive, industry-specific policies, procedures and work instructions that have been used successfully by dozens of aged care providers, helping them to easily pass quality reviews and stay compliant, then take a look at the Total Quality Package.
Resource updates in the last month
Home Care Policies & Procedures
Governance:
Aged Care Financial Management & Delegations Policy V1 – new
Service Management:
(CHSP) Client Contributions Policy & Procedures V1 – new
Risk Management & Service Provision:
Purchase of Client Aids and Equipment V1 – new
Residential Care Policies & Procedures
Governance:
Aged Care Financial Management & Delegations Policy V1 – new
Care & Case Management Tools
Health Condition Planning Guides:
Cancer – Assessment & Planning Guide V2 – updated
Cancer – Care Provision Information V2 – updated
Management & Planning Tools
Planning:
Aged Care Workforce Plan – Home Care (Example) V4 – updated
TQP Live Training & Replays
TQP Members get complimentary access to regular LIVE training and education sessions. These are aimed at the coordination and management level and address trending issues and topics. Recordings are available in the TQP to revisit whenever you need – just like having your very own ‘Aged Care Netflix!’ 😁
We hope you have found this edition helpful; feel free to share it with others who may be interested. If you have any feedback or questions, please let us know by emailing us at info@cdcs.com.au.
Please get in contact with us if you need support and we’ll catch up with you again next month.
Donna, Carrie & the CDCS Team
- August 2024 - August 13, 2024
- July 2024 - July 9, 2024
- June 2024 - June 7, 2024
