Aged care news highlights from the week ending 14 July 2023, 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.
COVID-19 News
Updated code maintains visitor rights
According to Australian Ageing Agenda, released on Monday, the revised visitor code for residential aged care reiterates that residents are always permitted to have at least one essential visitor – regardless of a Covid outbreak.
Emergency leave for aged care residents extended to 31 December 2023
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, emergency leave for permanent aged care residents has been extended for 6 months. This means residents who wish to temporarily relocate during COVID-19 outbreaks can continue to use emergency leave instead of social leave through to 31 December 2023. Aged care homes will still be paid residential care subsidy when residents are on emergency leave. For information on emergency leave see:
Other News
Reminder: Quality indicator reporting via GPMS due 21 July
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, residential aged care providers are reminded that quarterly reporting of quality indicator data is due to be submitted via GPMS by 11.59pm, Friday 21 July. The new Quality Indicator application on the GPMS portal makes it easier for providers to access and report information. All existing and new QI Program reporting users are now able to log in to GPMS and can be entering and submitting data for Quarter 4 2022-23. To assist you in submitting your data, please read the Government Provider Management System User Guide: Quality Indicators application. Read and find more resources on GPMS and QI Program. For help, contact the My Aged Care Provider Helpline on 1800 836 799.
Position Paper reveals unintended consequences of Regulation on aged care workforce
According to Inside Ageing, a recently published position paper delves into the unintended consequences of excessive regulation on the delivery of aged care services and the overall well-being of the aged care workforce. The paper argues that while regulations are necessary to address instances of poor care, an environment of high regulation can lead to task-based care, diminished independent decision-making, and the development of learned helplessness among the workforce.
A new model of work to improve staff wellbeing
According to Australian Ageing Agenda, a research project aims to evaluate how work can be redesigned to improve the mental health and wellbeing of workers in aged care and other healthcare and social assistance industries.
Reforming Financial and Prudential Regulation
According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, on 1 July 2023, the financial monitoring of approved aged care providers transferred from the Department of Health and Aged Care to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. This change will give the Commission a better understanding of the risks across the aged care sector affecting financial viability and quality of care. Hear from the Commissioner, Janet Anderson PSM on the transfer of this responsibility and how it will enhance our existing functions as the prudential regulator.
Aged care financial viability and capability
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, we are rolling out a framework to build financial accountability and transparency in aged care. This will help to ensure continuity of care and quality services to aged care recipients.
Rural placement key to increasing regional health workforce
According to Hospital and Healthcare, research from the University of South Australia reveals that rural experience could be the key factor in increasing the number of health workers in Australia’s rural and remote communities.
Webinar: Q&A on aged care wage increase
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, a webinar on the aged care wage increase was held on Thursday 15 June 2023. We are preparing answers to the many questions received. You can find some questions and answers, the webinar recording, transcript and presentation slides on our website. We will include a notification in this newsletter when further answers are published. Find out more about the department’s support for better and fairer wages for aged care workers.
Provider Governance: New resources available
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released new resources for approved providers of aged care. Read and download the strengthening provider governance resources. The Commission will release more resources and supports throughout the year. For further information visit Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Research says older people’s rights to intimacy are ‘compromised’ in aged care
According to Aged Care Insite, new research suggests that residential aged care providers are compromising residents' ability to enjoy intimacy and express their sexuality.
Council of Elders seek members
According to Community Care Review, applications are open for older Australians to join the Aged Care Council of Elders. The council – which held its first meeting in February 2022 and was announced in October 2021 – provides a direct voice to the federal government about aged care reform.
Home Care News
No significant developments this week.
Legislation
No significant developments this week.
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