Major Aged Care Reforms in 2024: What to expect
Subscribe

Weekly Wrap 08 June 2021

8/06/21
Resources

Aged care news highlights from the week ending 08 June 2021, aggregated by CompliSpace.

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 CompliSpace.


Coronavirus/COVID-19 News

Collecting and reporting data on the COVID‑19 vaccination status of aged care workforce

According to the Department of Health, vaccination is the most effective protection against COVID-19. The Australian Immunisation Register records everyone’s vaccination history. But it does not include information about the individual’s job or employer.

Collecting and reporting data on the vaccination status of aged care workers is an important measure to provide greater health security for aged care residents and people receiving aged care services in the community.

The Australian Government today announced the introduction of new reporting arrangements for approved providers of residential aged care services, and in-home and community aged care services, for this purpose.

An online reporting tool is now available for providers to use on a voluntary basis via My Aged Care.

Approved providers are strongly encouraged to start voluntary reporting now, on a weekly basis, on the:

  • total number of workers at each aged care service
  • total number of workers at each service who have received a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
  • total number of workers at each service who have received all required doses of a
    COVID-19 vaccine.

Reporting is initially voluntary, noting weekly reporting will be a formal requirement for:

  • for approved providers of residential aged care services starting on 15 June 2021
  • for approved providers of in home and community aged care services in the coming weeks.

It is important to note that receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, and disclosing this information, is voluntary for workers.

Factsheet to support approved providers of residential aged care services on collecting and reporting of worker COVID-19 vaccinations

factsheet is available to provide guidance to providers on how to collect and report information on the number of workers at your service who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Factsheet to support residential aged care workers on the new reporting requirement

factsheet is available for aged care workers to explain the new reporting tool and why the information is being collected by approved providers. This factsheet is currently being translated into 19 languages and we will notify you when it is available.

Factsheet to support approved providers of in-home and community aged care services on collecting and reporting of worker COVID-19 vaccinations

A factsheet is available to provide guidance to providers on how to collect and report information on the number of workers at your service who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Factsheet to support in-home and community aged care workers on the new reporting requirement

factsheet is available for aged care workers to explain the new reporting tool and why the information is being collected by approved providers. This factsheet is currently being translated into 19 languages and we will notify you when it is available.

 

Victorian aged care worker tests positive for COVID-19, reports virus has spread to residents

According to Aged Care Insite, aged care has been plunged back into the centre of a COVID-19 crisis as a staff member has tested positive for the virus in Victoria. After Victorians headed back into lockdown for seven days at the end of last week, news emerged over the weekend that a worker at Arcare Maidstone in Melbourne's north west had tested positive for the virus and is worryingly, as yet, a mystery case with no known link to other positive cases. The home has since been locked down, but there have been unconfirmed reports that residents may have since tested positive.

 

Victorian aged care COVID-19 zoning and wayfinding advice

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, reminder: the Victorian Government Department of Health has produced residential aged care facility COVID-19 advice for assisting with zoning and wayfinding:

These documents are available on the Victorian Government Department of Health Infection Prevention Control webpage, under Aged Care, together with a range of other useful infection prevention and control resources.

If you have any questions about this content, please contact the Victorian Government Department of Health Infection Prevention Control team via email at: COVID19InfectionControl@health.vic.gov.au

 

Less than 20 per cent of aged care staff vaccinated, Colbeck under pressure

According to Aged Care Insite, the federal government has faced continued scrutiny this week over vaccination rates in the aged care sector and not being able to accurately say how many workers are fully vaccinated, as the number of COVID cases in the latest outbreak sits at four. Aged care services minister Richard Colbeck told the ABC on Tuesday morning that he couldn't be certain how many aged care staff had been vaccinated.

 

Optional COVID vaccine under review for aged care staff

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, medical experts are currently reviewing whether the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandatory for the aged care workforce despite the difficulty many staff report in accessing the jab. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, the key decision-making committee for health emergencies, “strongly encouraged” the COVID-19 vaccination for the aged care workforce in January but did not recommend mandating it. In a press conference on Monday, Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said he and Prime Minister Scott Morrison have asked the AHPPC to review this decision.

 

NSW: Updated advice for residential aged care facilities and home care services

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, NSW Health has updated advice as of 2 June 2021 for residential aged care facilities and home care services. Key updates include:

NSW aged care providers can stay up to date with the latest information from NSW Health.

 

ACT: Updated advice for high risk settings

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, the ACT Chief Health Officer has issued an updated alert regarding the COVID-19 situation in other Australian states and territories. Please read the 2 June 2021: CHO alert for new information, the key information includes:

Following the new exposure sites identified in NSW, new requirements for wearing masks while working or visiting a high-risk setting for anyone who has visited the Goulburn Mulwaree, City of Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay Territory LGAs since 23 May 2021

Anyone who has been in a geographical area of risk should not visit or work in high-risk settings, including residential aged care facilities, for 14 days since leaving these areas.

Anyone who is in quarantine cannot enter an aged-care facility. This includes:

  • People who have been overseas
  • People who are close contacts of a confirmed case. This may include people who attended specific venues on the same date/time as a confirmed case.
  • Anyone who is under a stay-at-home requirement should not visit or work in a high-risk setting unless it is for an approved essential purpose.

ACT aged care providers can find out more information from ACT Government.

 

Grief and trauma support for the aged care sector

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, a reminder that with Victoria’s recent lockdown, people living, working and caring in the aged care sector may be experiencing grief and trauma due to the lockdowns. They may have past trauma that is triggered by lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions, as well as feelings of grief reacting to the loss of experiences, events, people and routines important to them.

The Australian Government has invested in a Grief and Trauma Support Program to help those impacted by COVID-19 across the aged care sector to provide:

Translations and accessibility: 

131 450 for Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS), ask for your language to connect.

1300 010 877 for Auslan Connections, email interpreter.bookings@deafservices.org.au, fax 07 3892 8511 or SMS 0407 647 591

We understand the serious emotional and psychological trauma that COVID-19 has had on people living in residential aged care, as well as their loved ones, and the staff providing care and support.

Grief and trauma comes in many forms
Many people may be suffering grief from the death of a loved one due to COVID-19. Grief can also be experienced without involving death. Many people living and working in aged care facilities who didn’t have COVID-19 outbreaks may be still feeling grief caused by the lockdowns and social distancing. This kind of grief could be from missing visitors, experiences, pets, routines, and loss of important life events. People in and around aged care may also be experiencing trauma as a response to traumatic incidents, isolation, physical distancing, COVID-19 hotspot lockdowns, ongoing uncertainty and visitor restrictions.

Free grief loss and trauma support
This grief, loss and trauma support is free and available nationally for aged care residents and home care recipients; their families, friends, family of choice, loved ones, community visitors and representatives. Please also encourage your aged care staff to make use of the support services and resources, including videos, guidance and self-care strategies.

More information
A brochure and poster raising awareness of the supports available for download are on the Department’s grief and trauma COVID-19 support services page.

Phoenix Australia, who are experts in post-traumatic mental health, have developed several fact sheets for older people, people living with dementia, older veterans, family and loved ones, and aged care workers. The fact sheets address trauma, loss and grief, and self-care. They are available in English and a range of languages on their trauma and aged care – support and information hub.

 

COVID-19 vaccine access prioritised for Victorian aged care workers

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, Victorian aged care workers have prioritised access in vaccine centres from 9am-4pm from 2 June – 6 June.

Aged care and disability care workers are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine now. Workers will be vaccinated quickly during peak periods and do not need to book.

Bring your Medicare care, photo ID and proof of occupation (such as your work ID card, letter from your employer or a completed Eligibility Declaration Form) to any of the vaccination centres providing priority access.

The vaccine is safe, effective and free. Please read information for aged care workers about vaccines, including preparing for your vaccine, consent and what to do afterwards.

 

Vaccine update from QLD Health

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, Queensland Health strongly encourages anyone working in the residential aged care sector to obtain their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

To support the aged care sector, the Queensland Government is taking a more active role in the vaccination of residential aged care workers.

The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all Phase 1a and 1b frontline workers in Queensland regardless of age via Queensland Health vaccination clinics. This includes residential aged care workers.

How to book your vaccination

Register your interest

  • Step 1: Click the link Register your Interest and enter your personal details.
  • Step 2: Select the cohort titled ‘Residential Aged Care Worker’. It is not mandatory to enter your Medicare number or a registration code.
  • Step 3: You will be sent an email confirming your registration

Book your appointment

Once you have registered your interest, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to book an appointment when clinic time and vaccine is available.

IMPORTANT: For those over 50 wishing to receive Pfizer/BioNTech they must select a vaccination clinic available to ‘all ages’ or ‘under 50’ when they make their booking.

Information about the vaccine, what to expect on the day of your vaccination and how Queensland Health is committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality can be found here.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine program, please visit the Queensland Health website.

 

Updated direction from SA Health

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, SA Health has advised that effective from Saturday 7.45pm, 28 May 2021, the Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel – Associated Direction No 14) was revoked and the Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel – Associated Direction No 15) came in to effect, these changes include:

  • People are not permitted to enter SA from Victoria after 7.45pm 28 May 2021.
  • People who have arrived in SA between 7.00pm 26 May 2021 and 7.45pm 28 May 2021, may not enter a RACF (or any prescribed high risk setting) for 14 days after arrival.

There are no restrictions on those transiting through Victorian Airports

NOTE: Cross Border Community Members – persons who are ordinarily residents in the cross border corridor (the area 70 km either side of the border between South Australia and Victoria) are without restrictions if they have not been outside this area in the 14 days prior (but not before 20 May 2021).

Due to the developing nature of the Victorian outbreak, multiple Associated Directions have been published. These do not apply retroactively and previous directions still apply to people who arrived in South Australia within the last 14 days.

Further information about COVID-19 and Aged Care is available on the SA Health website.

 

What to do if you have a confirmed COVID case

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health:

Residential Aged Care Facility
If you have a confirmed case in your facility please visit the our website for information and resources to assist in preparing and managing a COVID-19 outbreak, including what to do in the first 24 hours of an outbreak in a residential aged care facility.

The first 24 hours in the management of a confirmed COVID-19 case in a residential aged care facility (RACF) is critical to minimise the spread of the virus. Following the identification of a COVID-19 positive case in either a resident or a staff member RACFs should follow the steps in the checklist in conjunction with your COVID Outbreak Management Plan to minimise the spread of the virus

Immediately notify your state or territory PHU. It will coordinate the public health response to the outbreak.

  • NSW - 1300 066 055
  • WA - 08 9222 8588 or 08 6373 2222 (if confirmed COVID-19)
  • SA – 1300 232 272
  • NT - 08 8922 8044
  • ACT - (02) 5124 9213 After Hours: 02 9962 4155
  • QLD - 13 432 584 (13 HEALTH)
  • TAS - 1800 671 738
  • VIC - 1300 651 160

You can find contact details and websites of local state and territory health departments here.

All aged care providers (Residential, Home Care and CHSP) must also notify the Commonwealth Department of Health at agedcareCOVIDcases@health.gov.au of any care recipient or staff COVID-19 cases. The Commonwealth will appoint a dedicated case manager to connect you with resources to manage the outbreak. Resources include PPE, surge workforce, supplementary testing, and access to primary and allied health care.

Home Care Providers
There are some steps you should take to keep your staff and care recipients safe from COVID-19. Full details are in the COVID-19 guide for home care providers.

Save the contact details of your local public health unit. Contact them for specific advice about any COVID-19 cases among your staff or care recipients;

Be aware of requirements that apply when a COVID-19 case has been confirmed:

Consider how to contact care recipients who may have stopped receiving services to monitor their safety and wellbeing. Explore alternative models of care for them such as tele-health, and support networks.

 

Supporting aged care workers on COVID-19 vaccination

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, there are a range of resources available to support residential and in-home and community aged care workers to decide about, and know where to access, a COVID-19 vaccination. This includes information in 19 languages.

For residential aged workers, you can access a range of material on the Department of Health’s website including factsheets, posters and a video message featuring Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation’s Annie Butler. You can video the video at  COVID-19 vaccine rollout to aged care and disability care workers in Australia - YouTube.

For in home and community aged care workers, and people receiving these services,  you can learn more about options for COVID-19 vaccination via the in-home and community aged care COVID-19 vaccine factsheet. These materials are now available in 19 languages.

 

COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

The Department of Health is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne, Victoria. All residential aged care facilities are reminded to follow and stay up to date with your state or territory public health directions as these can change quickly. All Australians are encouraged to be alert to the latest advice as issued by your state or territory health departments.

Residential aged care facilities should continue to operate under COVID-safe guidelines and remain vigilant.

Information and resources are available to assist you in preparing and managing a COVID-19 outbreak, including what to do in the first 24 hours of an outbreak in a residential aged care facility.

 

Sonic Pfizer Macquarie Park clinic now open

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, the Sonic HealthCare Pfizer clinic located in Macquarie Park is OPEN NOW for residential aged care and disability workers aged under 50 years for a COVID-19 vaccination. The Macquarie Park clinic opens today Monday 24 May from 12.00pm – 8.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am – 1.00pm Saturday/Sunday. Eligible workers can book an appointment now via the Sonic Healthcare vaccinations website or call 1300 379 878.

The Macquarie Park clinic is the third vaccination clinic to open in Sydney dedicated to residential aged care and disability workers. The Blacktown Pfizer clinic is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, seven days a week.

The Campbelltown Pfizer clinic is open from 8.00am – 6.00pm, seven days a week. These clinics are for Sydney-based residential aged care and disability workers aged under 50.

 

REMINDER: What to do if a person misses their second Pfizer dose

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, residential aged care facilities are reminded that you should contact your local PHN to report aged care residents and others who have missed their second Pfizer dose at a second dose in-reach vaccination clinic.

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are coordinating local solutions for individuals who have missed their second Pfizer dose. Options may include:

  • attending another aged care facility
  • referral to a Pfizer hub
  • a roving in-reach team re-visiting the facility.

Residential aged care facilities should work with your PHN to ensure individuals can access a vaccination.

 

REMINDER: Vaccinating residents who have not been vaccinated through an in-reach clinic

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, there may be instances where existing or new residents have not received a COVID-19 vaccination through the Commonwealth’s in-reach Pfizer vaccine clinics. This could be due to:

  • being unwell or absent for the first dose clinic
  • not giving consent to receive a vaccine at the first dose clinic
  • having moved into the facility after the first or second dose clinic.

Residents requiring two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine can receive an AstraZeneca vaccine through a:

  • general practice
  • visiting GP
  • Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic (GP respiratory clinic)
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service.

As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout progresses, advice will be given if other options for vaccination become available.

 

Aged care worker fired after reporter breathed on during anti-lockdown protest

According to Aged Care Insite, an aged care worker has been dismissed after she was captured in footage breathing on a reporter during an anti-lockdown protest in Victoria. Footage of the woman deliberately breathing at reporters and cameramen on Saturday at a protest in Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens provoked outrage when it was uploaded to social media. The woman – later identified as an employee of the residential and community care provider Baptcare – can be seen approaching a TV reporter and audibly breathing in his face before running off.

 

Other News

 

Bill aims to strengthen restraints regulation, repeal ACFA

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the Federal Government has introduced a Bill into Parliament to tighten regulations for the use of chemical and physical restraints in aged care and replace the Aged Care Financing Authority with a new advisory group. Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt introduced The Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 1) Bill 2021 on 27 May and is the first step in the Federal Government’s five-year five-pillar aged care reform plan.

 

Strengthened restrictive practice requirements for residential aged care facilities

According to The Department of Health, from 1 July 2021, aged care providers must comply with strengthened legislative obligations for the use of restrictive practices.

The Aged Care and Other Legislative Amendment (Royal Commission Response No.1) Bill 2021 was introduced into Parliament on 27 May 2021, and makes changes to current aged care legislation.

The Quality of Care Principles 2014 have also been revised and outline the detail of the amended requirements relating to the use of restrictive practices, including the limited circumstances where a restrictive practice can be used.

An exposure draft of the proposed amendments to the principles is available to assist aged care providers to prepare to meet their enhanced responsibilities.

The amended principles are a result of the Independent review of legislative provisions governing the use of restraint in residential aged care and consultations with key stakeholders across the aged care sector and clinical experts on the use of restrictive practices.

The revised legislation:

  • emphasises individualised care and reinforces the rights of aged care recipients
  • strengthens and clarifies the definitions of restrictive practices
  • clarifies consent requirements to ensure providers understand their obligations, and
  • ensures restrictive practices are only used as a last resort to prevent harm after best practice behaviour supports and plans have been considered and applied.

For more information visit the department’s website.

Should you have any questions or concerns with the legislative amendments please email qualityagedcare@health.gov.au.

 

Updated Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) guidance for residential aged care providers

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, in response to feedback, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has updated the SIRS: Guidelines for residential aged care providers to assist providers in better understanding their reporting obligations. 

The updated guidelines includes additional information about a number of issues including:

  • the categorisation of reportable incidents as either Priority 1 or Priority 2
  • reporting unexpected deaths
  • an additional example of ‘rough handling’
  • the Commission’s process for requesting further or missing information

The Commission has also updated the 8 fact sheets covering each type of ’reportable incident’ under the SIRS.

 

‘Providers will struggle financially again unless needs-based funding introduced’: analysts

According to Inside Ageing, aged care industry analysts have labelled the Australian Government’s Budget funding as “nothing transformational”, arguing the record spending will not bring needs-based structural reform and providers will again become unprofitable within a few years.

 

Survey: Most Australians would support an aged care tax

According to Aged Care Insite, most Australians support paying more tax to fix the nation’s scandal-plagued aged care system, a survey has revealed. The Australian National University study involved 3200 respondents, with 85.4 per cent backing an aged care improvement levy. “A third of those in favour, 33.5 per cent, said this levy should be paid by all taxpayers,” study co-author Nicholas Biddle said. “This would seem to imply Australians back any effort to improve aged care with extra funding.” Twelve per cent of respondents said they had no confidence at all in the current system, while only 1.8 per cent said they had a “great deal” of confidence.

 

Inflexible aged care hinders support for Forgotten Australians

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the aged care sector’s one size-fits-all approach to care services and heavy regulation are barriers to providing tailored and safe care to Forgotten Australians, a Flinders University study has found. The study, published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing, explored service provider and advocate perspectives on the barriers to appropriate and safe care for Forgotten Australians and care leavers.

 

Study backs face-to-face aged care navigators

According to Community Care Review, a study has confirmed what appears to be self-evident: older people like having expert face-to-face support to navigate aged care, which boosts their knowledge and makes it easier to access the system. The Evaluation of the  aged care system navigator measure final report looked at a set of trials run at 65 locations across Australia over the last two years, including information hubs, special support officers and financial advice.

 

Expression of Interest: CHSP, HCP, STRC or residential aged care providers

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

The Department of Health is seeking an additional 40 in-home aged care providers (CHSP, HCP, STRC) and five residential aged care providers to participate in a data study that will shape the development of the new support at home program.

In November 2019, the Australian Government announced its intention to establish a new support at home program to deliver a seamless system of care that provides timely and flexible services that are tailored to consumer’s needs. This program will replace the CHSP, HCP, STRC and residential respite, as well as potentially adding new services to the program’s scope.

The expression of interest provides greater detail on the study and requirements to participate.

To nominate, please complete the online survey. The short survey seeks information about your service size, what services you deliver and where, client volumes and other characteristics to ensure we recruit a representative sample of aged care providers. Questions can be emailed to ACFstudy@healthconsult.com.au.

 

Legislation

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 1) Bill 2021 [CTH] – introduced and referred to committee 27 May 2021

The Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No.1) Bill 2021 will make urgent amendments to the Aged Care Act 1997 (Aged Care Act) and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 (Quality and Safety Commission Act) to implement three measures in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (Royal Commission), and in the case of restrictive practices, in response to the Independent Review of Legislation Provisions Governing the use of Restraint in Residential Aged Care. These legislative amendments deliver the first stage of aged care reform developed to respond to the Royal Commission’s final report, Final Report: Care, Dignity and Respect (final report).

The purpose of Schedule 1 of the Bill is to amend the Aged Care Act and the Quality and Safety Commission Act to further strengthen legislation on the use of restrictive practices in aged care.

Schedule 2 of the Bill amends the Aged Care Act to allow the Secretary to conduct reviews (assurance reviews) to assure the arrangements for the delivery and administration of home care are effective and efficient. Assurance reviews will inform the continuous improvement of home care policy and the education of approved providers in relation to home care and home care services.

Schedule 3 of the Bill removes the requirement for the Minister for Aged Care to establish a committee known as the Aged Care Financing Authority.

 

Resources and Upcoming Events

Flu vaccination poster

The Department of Health has issued this Flu Vaccination Poster. Residential aged care facilities may wish to display the attached poster at entrances, to alert anyone entering the facility of the flu vaccination requirements that came into effect on 1 May 2020.

 

Older Person’s COVID-19 Support Line

According to The Department of Health, a new Older Person’s COVID-19 Support Line has been set up to provide information, support and check on older Australians during the period of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COTA Australia, National Seniors, Dementia Australia and the Older Person’s Advocacy Network have banded together to deliver this service with support from the Australian Government.

Senior Australians, their families and carers can freecall 1800 171 866 if they:

  • would like to talk with someone about what COVID-19 means for them or a loved one
  • are feeling lonely or distressed
  • are caring for a someone and need some information or a listening ear about what COVID-19 means for your circumstances
  • are worried about COVID-19 means for their usual aged care service
  • are worried about a friend or family member living with dementia.
  • are unable to access information on the internet and would like up-to-date advice.

Home care services providers can also use the number and dial option 1 to refer home care clients who would like a call from an independent organisation to check on their wellbeing.

The service will include outbound and inbound calls to provide contact, reassurance and practical advice on connecting to services to maximise social engagement and wellbeing whilst at home.

 

Resources on diverse population groups are now available for aged care staff

According to The Department of Health, The End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) website helps you to care for older Australians at the end of life. Our new diversity resources can help health workers and aged care staff to care for:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Care leavers
  • Carers
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse people
  • Financially or socially disadvantaged people
  • People experiencing homelessness
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people
  • People living in rural and remote areas
  • People with spirituality and faith beliefs
  • Veterans

How people think about death, dying and end of life is different for each person. Learning about these differences can help you to provide good palliative care. Access these resources on the Diverse Population Groups page of the ELDAC website.

 

What Matters Most – New person centred care resources

According to The Department of Health, Palliative Care Australia, through a Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund grant, has launched a suite of resources to encourage early conversations about What Matters Most to older people, their care and their end of life preferences.

 

6 steps for safe prescribing antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care

Issued by the Department of Health, this infographic outlines the 6 steps for safe prescribing antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care.

 

Aged care video alert: Dignity of risk

According to Lexology, the concept of dignity of risk is not entirely new, however it now has a position of prominence in aged care with the Aged Care Quality Standards. In this video update, senior associate Dr Melanie Tan explains:

  • What does dignity of risk mean?
  • Where and when does dignity of risk apply?
  • What is the duty of care within dignity of risk?
Share this
About the Author

ACE Editorial Team

ACE is published by Ideagen. CompliSpace is Ideagen’s SaaS-enabled solution that helps organisations in highly-regulated industries to meet their governance, risk, compliance and policy management obligations.

Resources you may like

Article
Recommendations of the Aged Care Task Force: A Summary for Residential Aged Care Providers

In June 2023 the Government established an “Aged Care Taskforce” to review the aged care system and...

Read More
Article
The ACE Wrap 15 March

Aged care news highlights from the fortnight ending 15 March 2024, aggregated by Ideagen.

Read More
Article
24/7 Registered Nurses (RNs) in Aged Care: Update March 2024

With so many aged care reforms looming in the near future, it’s easy to lose track of the daily...

Read More

simplify the way you meet your obligations, get in touch today.

Contact Us