Aged care news highlights from the week ending 19 January 2024, 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.

Residential Care and General Aged Care News

Draft new Aged Care Act consultation now open

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the new Aged Care Act will put the rights and needs of older people at the centre of aged care. Public consultation is now open on the draft Act and we want to hear your views. Read more about the new Aged Care Act consultation. Public consultation closes on 16 February 2024.

Provider preview of finance and operations information update

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the provider preview of finance and operations information, that will be made available through the Government Provider Management System (GPMS), has been delayed. Residential care and home care providers will be advised of an updated date for the preview shortly. We apologise for any inconvenience. For enquires about the preview see finance and operations resources or email ProviderOperationsData@health.gov.au.

Feedback from Aged Care Regulatory Model consultation

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, we’ve published the A new model for regulating aged care: Consultation Summary Report which captures stakeholder feedback received during consultations on the new regulatory model. The new model will put into practice the rights based and person-centred foundations of the new Act. It has been designed to focus the sector on embracing continuous quality improvement to make sure older people can feel confident that the care they access is safe and high quality. Read more about read more about what we heard in the consultation feedback. 

Refreshed membership for the National Aged Care Advisory Council

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, a refreshed membership has been announced for the National Aged Care Advisory Council. The Council provides independent advice to government about the aged care reforms from the perspective of the aged care sector. Nine new members have been appointed and 9 members return to Council, including Andrea Coote, who remains as Chair. Members include people receiving aged care services, aged care workers, providers, health and allied health professionals, specialists in training and education, and independent experts.

Five stars awarded to Australian aged care homes failing safety and care standards

According to The Guardian, almost 150 aged care homes that did not meet minimum standards for safety and care were awarded four- or five-star compliance ratings last year, leading to concerns families are potentially being misled. Two former advisers to the aged care royal commission believe a “flaw” in the star rating system – launched in December 2022 to help families make informed decisions about where they send loved ones – has prioritised providers over consumers.

Home Care News

Additional funding for CHSP ad hoc grant opportunity

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, an additional $15 million in funding is now available for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) ad hoc proposals extension grant opportunity (GO5672). This funding will support the large number of outstanding ad hoc grant applications for 2023-24. An addendum to GO5672 has been published on GrantConnect. Applications for the grant close 2:00 pm (AEDT) on 30 June 2024.

New Quality Indicators for home care in development

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, we are expanding the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program (QI Program) to include services providing care at home. HealthConsult will work with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and the University of Queensland. Together, they will design a pilot of quality indicators for services providing care at home. The work will start in 2024 and include extensive consultation. This change will enable providers to capture and monitor the quality of care they give to older people living independently in their own homes. We will give updates as this work starts. If you would like to know more, please email QPSec@health.gov.au. 

Legislation

Aged Care (Leave from Residential Care Services) (Situation of Emergency—Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Amendment (Extension to situation of emergency period) Determination 2023 [CTH] – commenced 20 December 2023

This instrument amends the Aged Care (Leave from Residential Care Services) (Situation of Emergency—Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Determination 2020 to provide for the situation of emergency to be extended and provide emergency leave to residential aged care recipients across Australia until 31 December 2024.