Aged care news highlights from the fortnight ending 10 May 2024, aggregated by Ideagen.

The information in the ACE Wrap is aggregated from other news sources to provide you with news that is relevant to the aged care sector across Australia and worldwide. Each paragraph is a summary of the subject matter covered in the particular news article. The information does not necessarily reflect the views of Ideagen.

Residential Care and General Aged Care News

Standards, new regulatory model start with new Act

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the delayed commencement of the new Aged Care Act also pushes back the start date of reforms that go with it, the department has confirmed.

New standards a ‘roadmap’ for the sector

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the new strengthened quality standards will clarify what is expected of aged care providers, delegates attending the Aged & Community Care Providers Association’s Queensland conference have been told this week.

Draft Act ‘half-cooked’, delegates hear

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the pushing back of the 1 July deadline of the new Aged Care Act was largely welcomed by a panel of experts speaking at an industry event on the Gold Coast on Monday.

‘We’ve a lot on our plates,’ says ACCPA chief

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, “This has been a heck of a few months,” Tom Symondson has told delegates attending the Aged & Community Care Providers Association’s Queensland conference on the Gold Coast this week. “In a great flurry and rush, a huge number of things have happened in a very short period of time.”

Study the data and act, commissioner tells delegates

According to Community Care Review, regulatory body chief Janet Anderson urged delegates attending the Aged & Community Care Providers Association’s Queensland conference to study the data compiled by the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission – particularly its quarterly performance reports. “I really do want you to use that document as a way of seeing yourself more clearly in the context of your peers,” she said.

Sector performance – latest insights

According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, our latest quarterly Sector Performance Report is now available on our website. The report includes data from 1 October to 31 December 2023 (Quarter 2). Key information in this quarter’s report includes:

• compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards
• complaints and serious incidents
• an In focus article on restrictive practices.

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards guidance consultation extended

According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, this consultation invites your feedback on our draft guidance resources for providers and workers on the new strengthened Quality Standards. The consultation closes at midday AEST on 19 May 2024.

Sector nearing ‘largest period of consolidation’ in history

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the number of mergers and acquisitions in the aged care sector over the last two years shows a steady return to 2015 peak levels and marks the early stage of a larger consolidation process “that will reshape the sector”, according to a new industry report.

Govt agencies strengthen transparency

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the information-sharing process between the office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care and the sector’s regulatory body has been formalised through a memorandum of understanding.

Government program to help nurse burnout

According to Aged Care Insite, a $25.2m government program for nurses is being funded in hopes of combatting burnout, stress, and abuse that leads them to leave the industry. The Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia is in its first phase with a support service through telehealth (1800 001 060) and a website where nurses can seek advice and referrals when needed.

Peak body calls for action to protect older Australians from scams

According to Aged Care Insite, a peak body is calling on the government to take immediate steps to protect older Australians, following an alarming rise in financial scams.

Budget boost into dementia research on the cards after sporting legend’s plea for support

According to Aged Care Insite, the federal government will direct more funding into dementia and brain injury research in the May budget following an impassioned plea from rugby league legend Wally Lewis.

Home Care News

No significant developments this week.

Legislation

No significant developments this week.