Aged care news highlights from the week ending 06 October 2023, aggregated by Ideagen.

The information in the Weekly 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.

COVID-19 News 

COVID-19: Aged Care Support Program Extension grant

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, we are processing the remaining applications for the COVID-19 Aged Care Support Extension grant. Each application requires an assessment. Providers with outstanding applications should submit all required information within the timeframe provided. The closing day to ask for an extension for requests for information was 31 August 2023. Requests received after this date were not accepted.

From 31 August 2023, if the requested information has not been returned within 14 days, we will finalise assessments based on the information we have. Incomplete or incorrect information causes delays in processing. It may also mean the application is ineligible for the grant. Advise us of any changes to authorised contacts details by emailing acspgrantpolicy@health.gov.au.

Grant information, including eligibility requirements, is available on GrantConnect (GO4863).

Other News

Reminder: Quality Indicator reporting opens soon

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, residential aged care providers are reminded that Quarter 1 reporting for all 11 Quality Indicators (QI) opens on 1 October and is due by 11.59pm (AEDT), 21 October. We appreciate some providers experienced issues with submitting data via GPMS last quarter. To assist you further this quarter, please refer to the QI Reporting via GPMS - Additional guidance.

You can also refer to the GPMS - User Guide: Quality Indicators Application.

We encourage providers to report early and allow time to resolve any submission issues before the due date. Late submission of QI data will impact your Star Ratings. If you need assistance, please contact the My Aged Care Service Provider and Assessor Helpline on 1800 836 799.

Webinar: Quarterly Financial Reporting - what’s changed

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, they are hosting a webinar for aged care providers to discuss up-coming changes to the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR).

When: Thursday 5 October at 2pm to 3pm (AEDT)
 
This webinar will explore:

• changes to the form for Quarter 1/2023-24
• publication of wages information
• updates on labour costs/hours and validation processes
• new ICT solution for QFR reporting
• publication of sector, provider and service-level information.

Register for the webinar now. For those unable to attend, a recording will be made available on their website.

Complaints, non-compliance fall, says performance report

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the number of complaints about residential aged care services has fallen slightly – as has the number of providers failing to comply with standards – according to the latest sector performance report.

Changes to governing body membership requirements

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, Aged Care providers need the right mix of people to deliver the high-quality care and services that older people deserve. This includes having an independent governing body that has the appropriate skills and experience. Providers must ensure their governing body: 

• has a majority of independent non-executive members
• at least one member with experience in providing clinical care.

The changes relating to the composition of governing bodies come into effect 1 December 2023. For providers approved since 1 December 2022, these changes are already in effect. Providers unable to meet the governing body membership requirements can apply to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for a determination. Visit the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website for further information.

New national aged care design guidelines released

According to Aged Care Insite, new draft aged care design principles and guidelines were released to make aged care homes less clinical and more community-oriented. In response to the royal commission, the Albanese Government released the final draft of the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines, which encouraged flexibility and innovation in accommodation design and supported providers in creating environments that promote independence, function, and enjoyment.

National Dementia Data Improvement Plan and updated Dementia in Australia report now available

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released the National Dementia Data Improvement Plan 2023–2033. It aims to improve dementia data across all settings from community to residential aged care and hospital environments. The Plan is a 10-year roadmap to monitor dementia and provide an evidence base for effective policy development and service provision and planning.

Read the National Dementia Data Improvement Plan 2023–2033 report.

The AIHW have also released an updated Dementia in Australia report. This provides the latest statistics on the impacts of dementia in Australia, including mortality, hospitalisations and prescriptions under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and aged care assessments. Read the Dementia in Australia report.

It's time to get prepared for high-risk weather season

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, high risk weather season (HRWS) generally runs from October to April every year. Official predictions suggest that weather will be hot and dry with severe fire danger in most parts of Australia.

Update and test your Emergency Management Plan now. Make sure you are connected with your local emergency services and establish relationships early. The Aged Care Quality Standards require providers to have effective risk management systems and practices in place, especially for the HRWS. Your plan must consider:

• possible risks to staff, residents and visitors
• how you will mitigate risks, especially in the event of evacuation.

Regularly updated information, guidance, FAQs and helpful contact details are published on the department’s website. The National Emergency Management Agency are also organising a HRWS sector briefing in the coming month. Details will be promoted through this newsletter and on our website.

Reminder: Supporting older people to vote

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, a message for aged care providers from the Australian Electoral Commission. All Australians need to vote in the 14 October 2023 referendum on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. Information is available on supporting aged care recipients to vote:

• Factsheet: Guidance for providing assistance to voters
• People living in residential aged care webpage (includes information on supporting someone with dementia).

There will be mobile polling in most residential aged care homes. Information will be provided by facility managers, including alternatives if mobile polling is not available. For more information visit the Australian Electoral Commission website or call 13 23 26.

Aged care volunteers ‘desperately needed’

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the aged care sector is experiencing “significant difficulty” in the recruitment and retention of volunteers, a government survey has found.

Aged care, nurse workforces grew the most this quarter

According to Aged Care Insite, the labour market update for 2023's September quarter found employment grew the most in the aged and disabled carer, registered nurse and child carer workforces in the year to June 2023. The Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) report recognised these top three jobs as caring services, which it says "underscores the continued need for the range of skills required to provide affordable, efficient and equitable access to care.

New study reveals concerning prescriptions for dementia patients

According to Aged Care Insite, a new study by Monash University found that vulnerable patient groups, such as those with dementia and patients over 85, are more likely to be prescribed older anti-seizure medications after an ischaemic stroke.

Government reveals pension changes to get more Aussies to work

According to Aged Care Insite, older Australians wanting to work can earn up to $11,800 before their pension is affected as stated in the new employment white paper released Monday. The 252-page paper outlined 190 policies with 70 already implemented and 80 underway; 31 with long-term reform directions and nine with immediate actions.

Paper calls on migrants to plug aged care shortfall

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, a well-targeted, skills-focused migration program is one of several policies in a government white paper designed to address critical labour shortages in sectors such as aged care. Released on Monday by Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the white paper – Working Future – is, in part, a roadmap to future-proofing Australia’s aged care system and ensuring there are enough workers to care for Australia’s ageing population.

RN supply pool crucial to hitting targets, says insider

Recruitment of registered nurses will need to accelerate dramatically if aged care providers are to meet the 1 October care minutes deadline, an aged care executive tells Australian Ageing Agenda.

Home Care News

No significant developments this week.

Legislation

No significant developments this week.