Aged care news highlights from the week ending 20 October 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 

Thousands test positive for respiratory virus as spike reported in multiple states

According to Aged Care Insite, an infectious disease expert has confirmed that a viral respiratory illness is surging in multiple states.

“Worrying” antimicrobial resistance in Adelaide aged care home

According to Aged Care Insite, a small wastewater sample analysis of three Adelaide aged care homes revealed two have residents with concerning levels of bacterial resistance against antibiotics.

COVID-19: Frequently asked questions on ATAGI updated advice on 2023 booster dose

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, if it has been six months since receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, an additional dose:

• is recommended for people aged 75 or older
• should be considered for people aged 65-74, following discussion with their health care provider

Frequently asked questions are available:

• for providers: ATAGI 2023 COVID-19 booster advice - first and additional dose
• for residents: Staying protected with a 2023 COVID-19 booster

For information on COVID-19 vaccinations for aged care providers, visit the department’s website.

Other News

Workforce pressures worsen, says CEDA

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, many aged care homes are operating under capacity – some as low as 50 per cent – due to worker shortages aggravated by government reforms, according to a new report.

New agreements bump up aged care pay by 4.4 per cent

According to Aged Care Insite, workers on new collective agreements are scoring average wage increases of up to 5.8 per cent, according to fresh data released by the workplace umpire.

Star Ratings: Provider preview has commenced

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, from today residential aged care providers can preview their updated Star Ratings on the Government Provider Management System (GPMS). Star Rating previews will be available for two weeks.

Early signs providers are meeting new workforce targets

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, most aged care homes are meeting their mandatory staff requirements, says regulatory body chief Janet Anderson.

Preparedness for governance reforms patchy

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, when it comes to meeting the new aged care governance responsibilities coming into play towards the end of the year, some home care providers are more prepared than others, according to an industry insider.

Financial struggles persist, says report

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, ongoing financial instability continues to make life difficult for residential aged care providers, according to the latest industry data. StewartBrown’s Aged Care Financial Performance Survey Report for the 12 months ending June 2023 shows an operating loss of $16.54 per bed per day – $1.87 more than the previous financial year ($14.67).

Referrals open for older people to receive in-person visits from a volunteer

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, older people who may not have regular contact with friends or relatives, or are feeling isolated from their culture or heritage, benefit from a volunteer visitor. The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) supports regular in-person volunteer visits to provide friendship and companionship to older people receiving government-funded residential aged care or a Home Care Package.

Are you prepared to manage older people's health during heatwaves?

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, now is the time to prepare for managing the health of older people during heatwaves. Check our new guidance to help you review and update plans, including checklists for:

• residential aged care
• home and community care

New process for palliative entry into residential aged care

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the palliative care entry process for residential aged care has changed. From 1 October 2023 approved providers have 14 days from the date of a resident’s permanent (non-respite) entry into residential aged care to:

• ensure the resident has undergone a medical assessment by an independent medical or nurse practitioner confirming their palliative care status
• submit the Palliative Care Status Form

Providers must notify Services Australia of a resident’s entry for palliative care within 28 days of the resident’s entry to the service. To fulfill the notification requirement, complete the Aged Care Entry Record in the Services Australia Aged Care Provider Portal. For more information see the updated Palliative Care Status Form.

Home Care News

Pricing transparency improving, unspent funds rising

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, home care package providers have significantly improved the accuracy and clarity of their pricing information on the My Aged Care website, according to a government review.

Legislation

No significant developments this week.