Aged care news highlights from the week ending 17 November 2023, aggregated by Ideagen 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 Ideagen CompliSpace .

COVID-19 News 

Government health spending increases as Covid lingers

According to Aged Care Insite, this year, Australia has spent a total of $241.3b on healthcare goods and services, which is a six per cent increase from 2021. So far from last year, a total of $241.3b has been spent on healthcare goods and services – an average of $9,365 per person, or an extra $484 per person, compared to 2021. The new Australia Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) health expenditure report also found individuals spent $33.7b on their personal healthcare.

Other News

Aged Care Taskforce: Results of the consultation on the draft aged care funding principles

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, in August 2023, we ran a public submission process for the Aged Care Taskforce (Taskforce) on the draft aged care funding principles. Key things you told us:

• you generally support the Taskforce’s draft aged care funding principles
• the aged care system needs to modernise and be made more sustainable
• funding arrangements are too complex and difficult to understand.

Read more about what we heard from your submissions. Feedback from public submissions has informed the Taskforce’s discussions and will feed into the recommended package of options for government in December 2023.

Taskforce draft principles receive thumbs up

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the government has released details of the results of the public consultation on the aged care taskforce’s draft aged care funding principles. Established in June, the Aged Care Taskforce is – among other things – considering funding options to ensure the future sustainability of the aged care sector. Released in August, its set of draft principles acted as a base for wider discussions within the industry.

Enshrine human rights in new Act, say stakeholders

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, older Australians want human rights embedded in the new Aged Care Act, according to a submission to the federal government released on Tuesday.

What do Older Aussies want from the new Aged Care Act?

According to Aged Care Insite, older Australians and those close to them want human rights to be the top priority in the upcoming Aged Care Act, according to a new submission. Thirteen organisations released the findings of their joint inquiry into the Foundation of the Aged Care Act based on information and recommendations by older Australians, their families, carers, and other key stakeholders.

Draft Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy released

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, we have released the draft Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy for public consultation and feedback. The strategy looks at how data and digital technologies can improve the care and wellbeing of older people. It will drive a sustainable and productive care and support economy through data and digital innovation.

We want your feedback on the draft strategy before consultation closes on 20 November 2023. Older people and their carers are at the centre of the strategy, but we also want to hear from aged care workers, assessors, health clinicians, service providers and technology vendors that supply software to providers. Tell us what you think by emailing: DigitalReformStrat@Health.gov.au.

Workforce aside, pain points on the way down

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, workforce remains the top issue for providers, but things are improving on this and other key areas, aged care CEOs tell Australian Ageing Agenda.

The green shoots of change are here, says aged care minister

According to Community Care Review, aged care is “back from the brink,” Anika Wells told an industry event in Adelaide. The Minister for Aged Care was speaking to more than 2,000 delegates at the national conference of the Aged and Community Care Providers Association – the largest gathering of aged care providers in the southern hemisphere.

Not enough allied care workers to meet aged care standards

According to Aged Care Insite, more than 25,000 health professionals would be needed to meet the explosive demand for aged care workers as the Australian population grows and ages.

The thought behind the aged care home design guidelines

According to Aged Care Insite, Draft National Aged Care Design and Principles are being written and trialled to meet recommendations proposed by the Aged Care Royal Commission. The report states that previously, aged care has focused too much on 'care delivery', and not enough on the 'experience of living in the home'.

Policy or pay: aged care workforces could climb back through retiree reform

According to Aged Care Guide, Australia’s ageing economy has been a concern for policymakers and care providers alike, as they have sought to address workforce shortages and rates of retention throughout the sector. Like a row of dominoes, Cameron Fancourt, Zonda Group’s director, said that recent attempts to incentivise people to join the aged care workforce have worked, but have also created other shortages in the care industry.

Consultancy firms paid $40 million to review aged care homes failed to meet standards

According to Starts at 60, four consultancy firms that were paid over $40 million to audit quality and safety in aged care homes have had their reports rejected on a number of occasions because they did not meet the standards required by the federal government.

Home Care News

Requests falling on deaf ears, say consumers

According to Community Care Review, older people receiving home care are feeling dismissed or ignored and not listened to, according to a new report from the national advocacy peak.

Updated Home Care Package pricing report now available

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the National Summary of Home Care Package Prices – 30 September 2023 is now available. The report outlines Home Care Packages Program pricing data for common home care services, care management, package management and staff travel.

At 30 September 2023, the median price for services was:

• $120 per standard hour for nursing
• from $70 to $74 per standard hour for light gardening, in-home respite, personal care, and cleaning/household tasks.

The Home Care Package – Published Pricing Schedule – 30 September 2023, which shows the full pricing data entered into My Aged Care by providers, is also available on our website.

Legislation

Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Quality Indicator Program) Principles 2023 [CTH] – commenced 8 November 2023

This instrument amends the Accountability Principles 2014 and the Records Principles 2014 to reflect recent changes to the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program Manual 3.0–Part A (Manual). The Manual specifies requirements relating to the collection and reporting of data by approved providers of residential aged care under the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program.