Aged care news highlights from the week ending 24 September 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

COVID-19 Outbreak resource pack for residential aged care facilities (RACF)

This outbreak resource pack has been developed by the Department of Health infection prevention control response team to assist your residential aged care facility in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 infection.

98 per cent of residential staff jabbed before deadline

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, as some providers celebrate a fully vaccinated residential aged care workforce, 2 per cent of workers remain unvaccinated four days after the COVID-19 jab became mandatory. Aged care provider peak bodies Leading Age Services Australia and Aged and Community Services Australia want continued support to achieve full vaccination of both the residential and home care workers. As of 21 September, 98 per cent of reported aged care workers have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 80 per cent of staff are fully vaccinated, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health.

Reminder: Rapid antigen test kits available for high risk NSW Local Government Areas

The Department of Health is offering rapid antigen test kits to aged care providers across NSW in high risk Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Rapid antigen testing is proving highly successful in screening staff and visitors for COVID-19 with results in 15 minutes. Screening staff and visitors before entering an aged care environment, minimises the risk of an outbreak. During an outbreak, infectious workers and residents can quickly be isolated to contain the spread.

The Australian Government encourages all eligible aged care providers in high risk NSW LGAs to implement rapid antigen test screening as an additional layer of protection for senior Australians who are more vulnerable to COVID-19, and as a tool to ultimately protect your residents and workers.

Who is eligible for a rapid antigen test kit?

All aged care providers and workers in high risk areas. This includes residential aged care (including MPS and NATSIFAC), home care, services delivered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) who operate or have staff who live or work in a high-risk LGA.

As of 20 September, identified high-risk LGAs in NSW include:

• Greater Sydney: Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Inner West, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Shellharbour, Strathfield, Sydney, and Wollongong.
• Western NSW: Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine and Walgett.

How to order

Eligible providers can order online via the Rapid Antigen Testing Order Form.

How do the rapid antigen test kits work?

After ordering a kit, the providers will receive information, training and support to implement rapid antigen testing. Testing needs to be administered or supervised by a registered health practitioner, however, a training provider will ensure they are able to competently administer the test and advise on appropriate protocols for screening.

More information is available on the Department of Heath website.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) also sets out regulations that apply to rapid antigen test kits, conditions of supply and frequently asked questions on the supply of rapid antigen tests.

Booking a priority vaccination

All aged care workers are encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine if they have not already done so. Workers can call the COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080 to make an appointment. Vaccinations are available at NSW vaccination clinics, primary care clinics including GPs and Commonwealth vaccination clinics.

COVID outbreaks less likely if CEO has clinical background

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, aged care homes led by a CEO with a clinical background were less likely to experience a COVID-19 outbreak while homes that are large, in metropolitan areas or owned by a large chain were more likely during Victoria’s second wave, a Monash University study has found.

Other News

One in five aged care workers could resign due to stress and low wages

According to Aged Care Insite, one in five aged care staff plan to resign by the end of 2021, with two in five intending to quit within the next five years, according to a recent survey. The Perfect Storm report, published by consultancy firm CompliSpace, interviewed over 1000 nurses, enrolled nurses, managers, care workers, cleaners, caterers and support teams working in aged care. Two-thirds of respondents said that underpayment, high stress and excessive paperwork were major factors behind their desire to exit the sector.

Research questions targets on getting young people out of aged care

According to Community Care Review, a study has cast doubt on whether the government’s targets on getting young people out of residential aged care can be met. An analysis of aged care data finds that as of mid 2020 there had been a significant reduction in admissions over the last two years, but little progress in helping young people already in residential care return to the community

Legislation

Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (No. 17 of 2021) [QLD] – partially commences 23 March 2022; remainder commences 1 January 2023

The objective of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 is to establish a legal framework for voluntary assisted dying in Queensland, allowing eligible people who are suffering and dying to choose the timing and circumstances of their death.

Guardianship and Administration Amendment (Advance Care Directives) Bill 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) [TAS] – passed 21 September 2021

The Guardianship and Administration Amendment (Advance Care Directives) Bill 2021 (the Bill) inserts provisions into the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 (the Principal Act) to provide for the making and implementation of advance care directives in Tasmania.

The Bill provides that a person with decision-making ability may make decisions and give directions about their future health care by giving an advance care directive. The advance care directive may be given in writing or by any other means. Witnessing requirements are prescribed in the Bill and witnesses are required to attest that the person giving the advance care directive is not acting under any form of duress or coercion.