Autumn has arrived in earnest – and along with it, a rise in respiratory infections: Influenza, RSV and COVID infection rates are all significantly increasing in the broader community. If you haven't reviewed your outbreak plans and infection prevention and control measures, that needs to be a priority!
This Sunday is not only Mothers Day, but International Nurses Day!
The Australian College of Nursing has some great ideas on how to celebrate and support Nurses and the profession. For all the Nurses out there, especially those working in Aged Care including Jane and Michelle from our team, thank you for your care 
The latest ACQSC Sector Report has been released and shows a decrease in compliance for the Home Care Sector, especially against Standard 2 ‘Ongoing Assessment and Planning‘.
CDCS will be running Case Management Assessment and Care Planning workshops in June in response to provider requests on this important aspect of care.
This month has also seen Carrie's return to the very popular ‘Aged Care Answers‘ on YouTube after her forced absence as she underwent treatment for cancer. We are very pleased to see her back in front of the camera and addressing a compliance hot topic with practical tips on conversational assessment. For all the latest info, check out this month's Roundup for Busy People! 🙂
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.
Client Assessments – The Benefits of Conversational Assessment
In this video, Carrie talks about getting the assessment process right. By taking a conversational assessment approach when speaking to the person you can uncover more information about the person's needs, their background, preferences etc.
Introduction to Aged Care
In case you missed it last month, we uploaded the animated video series “Introduction to Aged Care” to our YouTube channel. The videos were developed in collaboration with East Arnhem Regional Council, iTalk and funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
To make it easy to find the videos and accompanying resources, we have set up this page on the CDCS website.
Industry News
All Sector Updates
Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
The Strengthened Standards will come into effect once the new Aged Care Act commences. It is uncertain exactly when this will be, but it probably won't be until 2025.
In the meantime, the public consultation period on the draft guidance for the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards has been extended until 19 May. The Commission has developed several resources to assist providers in understanding and applying these, so take a look and download those that interest you and provide feedback where you feel there could be improvement.
Strengthened Standards Fact Sheets
If you want a quick overview of the Strengthened Standards, the Commission has released a series of fact sheets covering each of the Standards in summary form.
Some short videos on the Commission's YouTube channel explain the changes to the Standards. You can find the videos here.
Restrictive Practices – webinar recording
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission conducted a webinar titled: Restrictive Practices Myth Busting Part 2. You can watch the recording on YouTube.
While you’re there, check out some of the other webinars recently uploaded by the Commission.
Getting ready for Winter – PPE and RAT kits
PPE and RAT tests are no longer available from the National Medical Stockpile. Providers will need to order stock from commercial suppliers. Its also important to review your Outbreak Management Plan and promote safe work practices to help keep your team and the older people you support safe from infection.
Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) Overdue Reminder
Quarter 3 2023-2024 (1 January to 31 March) is now overdue. If your organisation has not submitted a report, you should do so immediately through the Government Provider Management System (GPMS).
Sector Performance Report for Quarter 2 (October-December 2023)
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) has published the latest Sector Performance Report. This report is for October to December 2023 (Quarter 2).
While there has been improvement in home services compliance rates since Q3 2022–23, the Commission is concerned that compliance rates are lower for home services than for residential providers. The most common Quality Standard not being met in home care has been Standard 2 ‘On-going Assessment and Planning'.
If your service is overdue for a review and you are concerned about Assessment & Care Planning, then check out our latest free video where Carrie addresses the critical importance of conversational assessment.
Home Care Updates
Third-party suppliers and provider responsibilities
Something we’ve noticed recently is the focus quality auditors have on how providers are managing their third-party contractors and monitoring for both compliance and quality.
The Commission’s Executive Director of the Compliance Management Group, Peter Edwards, published a well-written article highlighting this issue and the Commission’s expectations. If you use subcontractors or agency staff it is essential reading.
Growth Funding for CHSP
The CHSP Growth Funding 2024–25 Grant Opportunity will fund up to $100 million (excluding GST) in identified Aged Care Planning Regions for the following service types:
- domestic assistance
- allied health and therapy
- transport services
- home maintenance
Current CHSP providers, as well as existing service providers across aged care, disability and veterans care sectors are eligible to apply. Applications close 2pm (AEST) 31 May 2024.
For more information refer the Grant Opportunity Guidelines on Grant Connect.
COVID-19 advice for in-home aged care providers
COVID-19 infections are increasing in the wider community and this is likely to continue as we move into winter. The Department of Health and Aged Care has updated advice on minimising COVID-19 risks for older people and staff.
Residential Care Updates
Menu and Meals Review opportunity
If you’re seeking assistance to review and improve your meals, the ACQSC and Department of Health and Aged Care are offering a free national Menu and Mealtime Review Program for residential aged care services.
The program:
- is free and confidential
- is done onsite by an accredited practising dietitian
- has an educative focus, providing customised feedback and recommendations to each participating provider.
Expressions of interest close May 10th so get in quick!
Flu Season – Provider obligations
All residential aged care providers are required to have a flu vaccination program in place and support residents' access to both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The provider is also required to offer free flu vaccinations to staff and volunteers and keep a record of these, as well as demonstrating:
- how they have promoted and informed staff and volunteers about the benefits of vaccination
- the steps taken to encourage staff and volunteers to get vaccinated.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has a consumer fact sheet on the 2024 Influenza vaccination that can be provided to residents and staff.
Those of you who have a membership for the CDCS Total Quality Package can find the resource ‘Vaccination and Immunisation’ ToolBox Talk, which can be used to educate your staff on this topic.
Your Role in Infection Prevention and Control
The Commission recently released a short animated video highlighting ways visitors to a residential care home can reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Providers might find this useful to circulate to family and regular visitors to minimise risks to residents this flu season.
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.
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
Understanding Translating and Interpreting Services for aged care
When: Tuesday, 14 May 2024, 2pm – 3pm AEST
(1.30pm – 2.30pm ACST | 12pm – 1pm AWST)
If you want to understand more about this program and how to access it for consumers or residents, this webinar is for you.
Click here for more information or to register for the webinar.
ACQ&SC Medication: It's Your Choice Update
When: Tuesday, 21 May 2024, 12.30pm – 1.30pm AEST
(12pm – 1pm ACST | 10.30am – 11.30am AWST)
This webinar will explore how these rights will be supported by a new clinical standard.
Click here for more information or to register for the webinar.
Getting complaints right
When: Tuesday, 21 May 2024, 2pm – 3pm AEST
(1.30pm – 2.30pm ACST | 12pm – 1pm AWST)
This webinar will focus on the Commission’s upcoming complaints report: Complaints about aged care home services – Insights for people receiving care.
Click here for more information or to register for the webinar.
ACQ&SC Environmental, social and governance (ESG) and climate sustainability in aged care
When: Wednesday, 22 May 2024, 12pm – 1pm AEST
(11.30am – 12.30pm ACST | 10am – 11am AWST)
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a framework designed to help executives, leaders and governing body members adopt sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact and prioritise social equity.
Click here for more information and to register for the webinar.
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
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Funding Extension 2024-25
Eligible CHSP providers with a current 2023–24 grant agreement will receive an invitation to apply with details on the application process and steps to be taken.
CHSP providers will need to lodge their application via email to CHSPextension@health.gov.au before 2pm AEST on 14 May 2024.
14 May 2024
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
Ramingining – East Arnhem 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:
Code of Conduct V3 – updated
Aged Care Financial Management & Delegations Policy V1 – new
Client Service Provision:
High Impact and High Prevalence Risk Management V1 – download link was incorrect, error fixed
Service Management:
(CHSP) Client Contributions Policy & Procedures V1 – new
Risk Management & Service Provision:
Heat Management Plan Procedure In-Home Care V2 – new
Purchase of Client Aids and Equipment V1 – new
Residential Care Policies & Procedures
Governance:
Code of Conduct V3 – updated
Aged Care Financial Management & Delegations Policy V1 – new
Resident Service Provision:
Heat Management Plan V2 – updated
Care & Case Management Tools
Health Condition Planning Guides:
Cancer – Assessment & Planning Guide V2 – updated
Cancer – Care Provision Information V2 – updated
Toolbox Talks & Info Shares
Toolbox Talks:
Restrictive Practice in Home Care V2 – new
Management & Planning Tools
Planning:
Aged Care Workforce Plan – Home Care (Example) V4 – updated
Risk Planning & Operations Guides
Risk Assessment:
Community Care Off-Site Activities Risk Assessment Checklist V3 – 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
- December 2024/January 2025 - December 11, 2024
- November 2024 - November 11, 2024
- October 2024 - October 10, 2024
