October already!
We are now into the last quarter of the year, and this month sees a flurry of reporting for most providers. To help, we have included a summary list of what’s due and key links to relevant information and updates. Some guidance has changed, so check that out in our ‘Reports’ section.
We have also been super busy in the last month, working on something new: a special compliance quiz that focuses on key areas of operations to give managers and their teams immediate insight into gaps and helpful tips to address quality concerns. You can read more about it and get access to this free initial assessment quiz in this month's newsletter.
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.
You might have noticed that we have not uploaded any new blog posts or videos lately and this is because we have been really busy working on something new…a special compliance quiz that focusses on key areas of operations to give managers and their teams immediate insight into gaps and helpful tips to address quality concerns.
Audit Readiness Assessment
We have had many requests for help with audit support, so we have developed a free initial assessment tool. The Quality Audit Readiness Quiz will help you quickly check how prepared you are for your next review – and what steps you need to take to improve compliance.
Click here to take this free initial assessment.
Industry News
All Sector Updates
Sector performance – latest insights from the ACQSC
The latest aged care quarterly Sector Performance Report is now available. The report includes data from 1 April to 30 June 2024 (Quarter 4 2023–24). Access the full article here.
New Regulatory Strategy 2024-2025
The Commission’s Regulatory Strategy for 2024-2025 defines how they will regulate the aged care sector, ensuring that people receive safe and quality care as we move to the new Aged Care Act. And if you missed the recent webinar, you can watch on-demand: A New Regulatory Strategy for Aged Care.
The new registration and renewal system
The Department of Health and Aged Care is preparing Australian Government-funded providers for the new registration and renewal system ahead of the new Aged Care Act.
Under the new aged care regulatory model, six provider registration categories will be introduced. The categories group services together based on similar care complexity and risk.
The department will contact existing providers to validate the information for their organisation to ensure they are placed in the correct category. There will be opportunities for providers to update the information the department holds or adjust the proposed registration categories if there may be an error. This validation process is expected to start in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit health.gov.au/regulatory-model.
Strengthened Quality Standards
The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will be introduced with the new Aged Care Act. The ACQSC conducted a public consultation earlier in the year and a report on the outcomes is now available. The ACQSC is finalising the guidance material for release towards the end of 2024.
The draft resources remain available on the ACQSC website, including through the new Quality Standards Guidance Tools.
Legislation Updates
The new Aged Care Act
The next phase of consultation for the new Aged Care Act has commenced. The Government is now inviting feedback on some of the Rules that will sit under the new aged care laws. The Rules will be released in stages, beginning with the Service List outlining the care and services available to older people under the new Act.
The Service List is now available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
You can make a public submission via the online form. Submissions close on 31 October 2024.
Reports Due
Aged Care Financial Report (ACFR) – All Approved Providers
Approved residential aged care providers, home care, multi-purpose services and short restorative care are required to complete an annual Aged Care Financial Report (ACFR). Providers must report on mandatory requirements for Australian Government operational approval and funding.
The report is due on 31 October and must be lodged via the ACFR online forms portal.
Quarterly Financial Report – All Approved Providers
You can now submit your Quarterly Financial Report for Quarter 1 (1 July to 30 September) in the Government Provider Management System. Reporting is due by 4 November.
Note: reports must be signed:
State, Territory and local government bodies ensure you have had an authorised member of your key personnel. For all other providers, this must be a director or a governing body member.
Contact Forms Administration on (02) 4403 0640 if any sections of the report are missing or incomplete or you are blocked from submitting.
You can check your specific requirements via the Aged Care Financial Reports Calendar 2024
Government Provider Management System (GPMS) – Report
The Government Provider Management System (GPMS) report is due on October 31.
The GPMS User Guide has been recently updated (3 October). You can access the updated version here.
NOTE: Providers operating under grant agreements only, such as CHSP and NATSIFAC, do not submit operations reporting.
Annual Prudential Compliance Statement (APCS) – Residential Care
Residential Care providers must submit an APCS as part of the Aged Care Financial Report, providing information about the refundable accommodation deposits held, managed and refunded for the financial year and their compliance with the prudential standards.
The report is due on 31 October.
Further information is also available on the ACQSC site: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/financial-prudential-standards
COVID Updates
See COVID-19 advice for people in residential aged care homes and visitors on the department website for any updates.
Home Care Updates
Support at Home Program – Update
The Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme from 1 July 2025. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will transition no earlier than 1 July 2027.
The Support at Home program now includes a service list that outlines the services that participants can access under the program. This list also describes services and support that are out of scope under the program.
About the Support at Home program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Support at Home Handbook – NEW!
A new Support at Home Handbook was released on 3 October and outlines the core components of the Support at Home program design and arrangements from 1 July 2025
Home Care Packages – Excluded Items Review
A report on the Home Care Packages Program Assurance Review on excluded items is now available. The public summary report outlines the key learnings and outcomes.
The department will hold a webinar in November to discuss the findings of the report. Registration details will soon be available on their website.
Residential Care Updates
Increase in Care Minutes
From 1 October 2024, the care minutes responsibility will increase to a sector-wide average of 215 care minutes per resident per day, including 44 minutes of direct RN care.
Also, from this time, providers will have the flexibility to meet up to 10% of their service‑level RN targets with care time provided by ENs. This adjustment recognises the important role of ENs in aged care and aims to improve the recruitment and retention of these skilled workers as well as help providers deliver care requirements when facing workforce shortages.
Introduction of Voluntary Monthly Care Statements in Residential Care
From 1 October 2024, residential providers are being encouraged to commence implementation of monthly care statements that provide residents with an easy-to-read snapshot of well-being activities they have participated in, nutrition, weight and medication changes, appointments attended and are a way of prompting further conversations about a person’s care needs.
The care statements also allow providers to review and adjust care plans and improve communication with residents about their needs or address concerns.
Monthly care statements will become mandatory in the future however, there is currently no firm date for this.
Quality indicator reporting
Reporting is open for Quarter 2 (October to December). Providers should use the file upload template in the Government Provider Management System (GPMS). You must not include residents’ personal information. If you do, this breaches reporting obligations and residents’ privacy.
For help, see additional guidance on reporting via GPMS or refer to GPMS and Quality Indicator Program resources.
Residential aged care funding reform update
In late September, the Department provided a comprehensive update for Residential Care providers on funding, the care minutes responsibility, the 24/7 registered nurse responsibility, and care time reporting. Key links:
Webinar Update and Slide Deck
Reading
New infection prevention and control guide
The new IPC Guide outlines the basic principles of infection prevention and control and explains how to apply these principles using a risk-based approach in an aged care setting.
You can access the guide here.
Scam Prevention and Safety
Unfortunately, Aged Care providers and consumers are seeing increased scam activity.
The ACQSC has promoted key tips for providers to share with consumers and families to help them protect themselves:
- Always stop and check suspicious links before sharing personal details and transferring money.
- If they are unsure, they should call the provider using contact details from their official website.
- Before they transfer money to their provider, they should contact the provider, using details from their official website, to confirm the correct bank account details.
- If something feels wrong, act quickly. They should contact the local police and their bank, then report the scam to ScamWatch and ReportCyber.
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
CHSP 2025–27 extension
A webinar for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers.
When: Tuesday 22 October, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (AEDT).
The webinar will provide an update on:
- 2025–27 grant extension process
- changes to the design of CHSP under the new Aged Care Act
- new reporting obligations
- upcoming grant opportunities
- new aged care regulatory model.
You will have the opportunity to submit questions during the webinar.
Working with a Diverse Workforce
The Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care NSW/ACT) is holding a free webinar for people working in aged care.
The webinar will help you build competence and reduce discrimination and racism in the workforce. Making services culturally inclusive is a requirement of the Aged Care Quality Standards
When: Monday, 28 October, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm AEDT.
You can register here.
Recent Webinars and recordings
Support at Home program update – Webinar recording
This webinar in late September gave aged care providers, older people, families and carers an update on the Support at Home program. To watch the webinar or access the slides, follow this link
Delivering high-quality, person-centered palliative care.
The webinar discussed palliative care programs and training opportunities that build skills and confidence in caring for people at the end of life.
Watch the webinar recording and read the answers to questions.
Digital Transformation Tech Talks
The Department has been providing updates following recent aged care reform announcements, including Support at Home, and an update from the Business to Government (B2G) project.
To see previous tech talk webinars, click here
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
Alice Springs – MacDonnell Regional Council
20 October 2024
Millingimbi – East Arnhem Regional Council
Until filled
Casual Relief Positions, Various – 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.
Recent resource updates
Home Care Policies & Procedures
Service Management
Complaints and Feedback Policy V5 – updated
Incident Management Systems Policy V3 – updated
Incident Management Procedures V2 – updated
Client Service Provision
Client Agreement V2 – updated
Client Intake Procedures V2 – updated + renamed from ‘Client Intake Pathways’
Assessment & Reassessment Policy V4 – updated
Assessment & Reassessment Procedures V1 – new
Residential Care Policies & Procedures
Service Management
Complaints and Feedback Policy V5 – updated
Governance Policies & Procedures
Open Disclosure (Home Care) V2 – updated
Health & Safety Policies & Procedures
Responding to a Serious Incident (SIRS) in Home Care 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
- October 2024 - October 10, 2024
- September 2024 - September 10, 2024
- August 2024 - August 13, 2024
