Weekly Wrap 27 April 2021

27/04/21

Aged care news highlights from the week ending 27 April 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

Casualised workforce ‘contributed to spread of COVID’ in aged care

According to Community Care Review, COVID-19 exposed the risks of having a casualised and insecure aged care workforce , an inquiry into job security has heard. The Senate Select Committee on Job Security held a public hearing on 19 April which looked at insecure working arrangements in the sector and the impact this had on the spread of COVID-19 in aged care facilities. The inquiry heard many aged care providers are operating with high proportions of part-time and casual employees, which often left workers juggling multiple jobs. This contributed to the transmission of COVID-19 to aged care homes, the inquiry heard.

Greens lash vaccine rates among people with disability, Hunt defends aged care progress

According to Aged Care Insite, the federal government has been accused of “forgetting” Australians with disability after “absolutely shameful” revelations over vaccine rates among the vulnerable group. A parliamentary inquiry on COVID-19 heard on Tuesday just 6.5 per cent of Australians living with disability had received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, with health department officials conceding the rollout was going “much slower” than hoped. Greens senator Jordon Steele-John on Wednesday described the revelation as “absolutely shameful” and demanded the government urgently prioritise vaccinating the cohort.

TLC on track to vaccinate all residents, staff within fortnight

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, TLC Healthcare immunisation nurses are holding daily COVID-19 vaccine clinics to ensure all 1,500 residents and 2,000 staff and contractors across the provider’s 11 homes are vaccinated in coming weeks, the CEO tells Australian Ageing Agenda. TLC Healthcare CEO Lou Pascuzzi said the provider is on track to complete all vaccinations within a fortnight. “Our team of immunisation nurses are visiting our homes every weekday from now until May 4 to ensure that we meet our target date,” Mr Pascuzzi told AAA.

Updated Queensland directions for aged care providers

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, from 6am on Thursday 15 April 2021, the Queensland Government eased the restrictions in place to protect the community from COVID-19. These changes mean there are no restricted Local Government Areas, and general visitors are permitted to enter a residential aged care facility if they comply with visitor requirements.

Read the latest advice for QLD residential aged care facilities. More details on the easing of restrictions in QLD can be accessed on the QLD Government website.

New South Wales: Updated screening advice for residential and home care services

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, the screening advice for residential aged care and home care services in New South Wales was updated on 13 April 2021. The restrictions for staff and visitors who have been to Queensland close or casual contact venues in the last 14 days, has been removed.

Residential aged care, disability and home care services are also now able to receive visitors from the Local Government Areas of:

Ballina
Byron Bay
Lismore
Tweed

However there are locations of concern in New Zealand.

Providers are encouraged to read the NSW directions in full:

Updated advice from ACT Chief Health Officer to ACT residential aged care services

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, as of 15 April 2021, the following are no longer considered geographical areas of risk in Australia:

Greater Brisbane LGAs
Gladstone Region
Ballina LGA
Lismore LGA
Tweed LGA
Byron Shire Council.

Further information is available on the ACT Government website and in the ACT Health factsheet COVID-19 Advice for high risk settings.

Update on COVID-19 vaccinations for aged care workers

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, all residential aged care facilities are requested to distribute this factsheet to your workforce to provide advice on the aged care vaccine rollout.

On 8 April 2021, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) issued new AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safety advice to the Australian Government.

For aged care workers aged under 50, given the ATAGI advice, the Government is developing options with the sector.

This means planned on-site vaccination clinics for aged care workers at aged care facilities as well as at dedicated off-site (‘pop-up’) vaccination clinics are being reviewed. Staff may continue to access Pfizer doses under the current excess dose policy following resident vaccination clinics where applicable.

For aged care workers aged 50 years and over, GP clinics and GP respiratory clinics continue to offer and provide an AstraZeneca vaccination for those eligible in line with the new ATAGI recommendations.

The Government is currently reviewing the overall COVID-19 vaccine strategy, in light of ATAGI’s advice, to ensure vaccines are delivered as quickly and safely to Australians as soon as possible, with a particular focus on aged care and disability workers.

Update on COVID-19 for aged care residents and families

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, all residential aged care facilities are requested to distribute this factsheet to your residents, their families and carers to provide further information and reassurance about the rollout.

Safety is the number one priority in Australia’s national COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

The vaccination of aged care residents and those who care for them is the most effective protection against COVID-19.

The Australian Government is committed to offering vaccinations to all aged care residents, workers and carers safely and as quickly as possible.

There is no change to the vaccine rollout for aged care residents following the new advice by ATAGI.

All aged care residents continue to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine through on-site vaccination clinics.

AstraZeneca updates available online

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, following ATAGI’s AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safety advice, new and updated resources are now available on the department’s website.

These documents include:

Visit the department's website regularly for the most up to date information.

Influenza vaccinations in residential aged care facilities

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, the timing of COVID-19 vaccination clinics and influenza clinics needs careful consideration to maintain the recommended minimum 14 day interval.

Flu vaccinations for residents and staff should occur:

14 or more days before their first Pfizer dose
14 or more days after their second (and final) Pfizer dose
14 or more days before or after their first AstraZeneca dose, or
14 or more days before or after their second (and final) AstraZeneca dose.

Where services have already scheduled an in-reach influenza vaccination program for residents and staff, this can be considered in the scheduling of a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. This is to ensure the preferred minimum interval between the two.

If your facility has already scheduled its flu vaccinations, but has not yet been scheduled for an on-site COVID-19 vaccine clinic, please immediately contact your Primary Health Network (PHN). Your PHN will liaise with the vaccine workforce suppliers on your behalf.

Guidance about influenza vaccination and the COVID-19 vaccination program is available on the department's website.

Keep up to date with trusted information
You can find more information, including translated information, and subscribe to receive the COVID-19 Vaccines Updates on our COVID-19 vaccines website.

Aged Care COVID-19 grief and trauma support resources

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

The Department of Health is continuing to create resources to help share information about the grief and trauma supports for those living, working and caring in the aged care sector, who have been impacted by COVID-19.

The grief and trauma support and advice services are available Australia-wide. Many people may be suffering grief and loss from the passing of a loved one because of COVID-19, or feeling the loss of their routines, visitors and important events. People may also be experiencing trauma as a response to isolation, physical distancing, COVID-19 hotspot lockdowns, and visitor restrictions in aged care.

A poster and tri-fold brochure highlighting the available supports are available for download and print now. Please print and share them with your residents, communities, networks and staff or with anyone who you think may need the information.

In the coming weeks, we will send printed copies of the poster and brochure to all residential and home care providers. We will also send a letter and brochure to home care recipients. The brochure is currently being translated into 63 languages, and an Indigenous designed version will also be made available. We will let you know where you can order translated versions and more copies of these resources in print.

More information about the package can be found on the department's website. For any questions please email: ageing.and.diversity@health.gov.au.

Translated industry code for visiting RACFs

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, the ‘Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19’ (Code) is now available in 20 different languages on the COTA Australia website.

The Code creates a nationally consistent approach that ensures residents can receive visitors while minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19. It also cements a human rights approach to care that both protects and respects aged care residents and their visitors, as well as acknowledges the work that providers and staff are doing to keep people safe during the pandemic.

The Code was initially released in May 2020, by 13 aged care peak bodies and consumer advocacy organisations following public consultation with both consumers and aged care providers. It was further reviewed and re-released in late May 2020 and July 2020, to include stakeholder feedback.

Residential aged care providers are encouraged to share the availability of these translations with consumers, families, advocates and staff. Peak bodies are also encouraged to share with their networks.

The Archbishop, the luxury pad, and the COVID-ravaged aged care home

According to ABC News, it was the site of Australia's deadliest coronavirus outbreak. This week, Ashlynne McGhee investigates how Melbourne's St Basil's Homes for the Aged has been funnelling tens of millions of taxpayer dollars into the Greek Orthodox Church.

Redress a disappointing omission by RC

According to Community Care Review, redress should be available to older people who have experienced abuse and neglect in the aged care system, a conference has heard. It was disappointing that the aged care royal commission did not contain any recommendations about compensation for those who have suffered abuse and neglect, a dementia advocate told a conference themed Governance in Aged Care: Beyond the Royal Commission.

Death rate among people with dementia down in pandemic

According to Aged Care Insite, the death rate among people with dementia was down during the COVID-19 pandemic, new data shows. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report found that the slight drop occurred over the first 10 months of 2020 compared with the average rate over the same months during 2015 to 2019 – 58 and 63 deaths per 100,000 population, respectively. AIHW spokesperson Dr Fleur de Crespigny said lower rates of death were particularly apparent during the winter months, when there is usually a seasonal peak in deaths of people with dementia.

Other News

ELDAC Newsletter

The latest newsletter from ELDAC covers:

Upcoming new resources to support aged care
Can urgent medical treatment be refused?
New COVID-19 resources
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Supporting older Australians with diverse needs
Free resources for health professionals

Expenses also rising more than revenue for listed providers

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the revenue of the three-listed aged care providers has increased but less than the rise in operating expenses, StewartBrown’s latest report shows. StewartBrown’s Listed Aged Care Providers Financial Performance Analysis released this week analyses the financial results of the aged care providers listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, Regis Healthcare, Estia Health and Japara Healthcare, for the six months ending 31 December 2020. Japara had the highest expenses as a percentage of revenue (96 per cent) followed by Estia Health (94 per cent) than Regis (85 per cent), according to the report.

NATSIFAC Program – Infrastructure and Equipment 2021-2022 Grant Opportunity

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program 2021-2022 Infrastructure and Equipment Grant Opportunity is a targeted, competitive application process. A list of eligible applicants is available on the My Aged Care website.

NATSIFAC Program service providers can apply for grant funding to address a clearly identified need that supports the delivery of aged care services. Service providers in remote and very remote Australia (geographical locations defined as Modified Monash Model 6 and 7) will be prioritised. Funding of up to $7 million is available through this grant opportunity.

Invitation to apply:

Eligible applicants currently funded under the NATSIFAC Program to deliver aged care services are invited to apply for the Grant Opportunity:

Three categories of funding are available:

Category 1

staff accommodation units
minor capital works or upgrades to existing buildings

Category 2

maintenance or renovations to existing building/s

Category 3

training
the purchase or replacement of furniture or equipment

For the purpose of the Grant Opportunity, staff accommodation is defined as essential to the delivery of aged care services and to house aged care staff only. The Grant Opportunity opened on Thursday, 22 April 2021. All applications must be received by the department by 2.00pm AEST, Thursday 10 June 2021.

For information and access to the application form, please visit the GrantConnect.

Survey – use of clinical software by residential aged care facilities

(Note: this excerpt is from the Department of Health newsletter. We cannot provide a link to the full version of this story until the Department of Health uploads it to their website.)

According to the Department of Health, the Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council (ACIITC) provides the industry with a vehicle to consider and debate innovation and technology related opportunities and to distribute lessons learned to the wider aged care industry.

In collaboration with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), the ACIITC is delivering a report investigating the use of clinical software by residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

A survey is aimed at providing a snapshot of how RACFs are currently placed with their use of clinical software. It will also help the ADHA with the planning of future projects and support in aged care. By completing this survey you are contributing to the national benchmark of clinical software approaches in Australian RACFs.

Please complete this survey by Wednesday 28 April 2021.

Urban-centric home care program falls short in rural areas

According to Community Care Review, the home care program is helping older people in rural areas live in their communities, but the system is creating challenges for rural service providers which mean their clients’ needs aren’t always met, a study has found. The study by researchers from the University of Tasmania, published in the Journal of Hospital Administration, looked at the capacity of home care packages to deliver for older Tasmanians in rural areas based on surveys of home care staff and recipients.

AMA calls for funding to better support residents

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the peak body representing Australia’s doctors is calling for Federal Government investment in digital technology and treatment rooms in residential aged care to improve resident care and reduce avoidable hospitalisations. The Australian Medical Association launched the report Putting health back into aged care this month as part of the Care Can’t Wait advocacy campaign its running in conjunction with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation. They have estimated $21 billion in savings by addressing preventable hospital admissions from aged care by implementing a range of recommendations.

Federal Budget tipped to disappoint on aged care funding

According to Aged Care 101, with just three weeks until Budget night, hopes of serious aged care reform are in doubt. Media reports this week suggest that the Government will allocate just $10 billion over four years for aged care in its response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report in the Federal Budget – including funding for more Home Care Packages. It sounds like a lot of money – and with 100,000 older Australians on the waiting list for home care – it’s very welcome. But the reality is it will take more cash – and a longer-term plan – to make the Commissioners’ recommendations a reality.

Legislation

No significant development this week.

Resources and Upcoming Events

Governance in Aged Care: Beyond the Royal Commission – 2-day digital conference, 14 and 15 April 2021

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, with the imminent release of the Royal Commission into Quality and Safety in Aged Care, providers are at a critical turning point. Now is the time to carve out a new way forward to better support older Australians and their families, while ensuring a strong and sustainable industry.

Designed in partnership with COTA and ACSA, the Governance in Aged Care: Beyond the Royal Commission conference brings together experts, advocates and leaders from across Australia to unpack the Final Report and tackle the biggest issues for effective governance. The conference is taking place online, on 14th & 15th April 2021.

Flu vaccination poster

The Department of Health has issued this Flu Vaccination Poster. Residential aged care facilities may wish to display the attached poster at entrances, to alert anyone entering the facility of the flu vaccination requirements that came into effect on 1 May 2020.

Older Person’s COVID-19 Support Line

According to The Department of Health, a new Older Person’s COVID-19 Support Line has been set up to provide information, support and check on older Australians during the period of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COTA Australia, National Seniors, Dementia Australia and the Older Person’s Advocacy Network have banded together to deliver this service with support from the Australian Government.

Senior Australians, their families and carers can freecall 1800 171 866 if they:

would like to talk with someone about what COVID-19 means for them or a loved one
are feeling lonely or distressed
are caring for a someone and need some information or a listening ear about what COVID-19 means for your circumstances
are worried about COVID-19 means for their usual aged care service
are worried about a friend or family member living with dementia.
are unable to access information on the internet and would like up-to-date advice.

Home care services providers can also use the number and dial option 1 to refer home care clients who would like a call from an independent organisation to check on their wellbeing.

The service will include outbound and inbound calls to provide contact, reassurance and practical advice on connecting to services to maximise social engagement and wellbeing whilst at home.

Resources on diverse population groups are now available for aged care staff

According to The Department of Health, The End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) website helps you to care for older Australians at the end of life. Our new diversity resources can help health workers and aged care staff to care for:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Care leavers
Carers
Culturally and linguistically diverse people
Financially or socially disadvantaged people
People experiencing homelessness
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people
People living in rural and remote areas
People with spirituality and faith beliefs
Veterans

How people think about death, dying and end of life is different for each person. Learning about these differences can help you to provide good palliative care. Access these resources on the Diverse Population Groups page of the ELDAC website.

What Matters Most – New person centred care resources

According to The Department of Health, Palliative Care Australia, through a Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund grant, has launched a suite of resources to encourage early conversations about What Matters Most to older people, their care and their end of life preferences.

6 steps for safe prescribing antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care

Issued by the Department of Health, this infographic outlines the 6 steps for safe prescribing antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care.

Aged care video alert: Dignity of risk

According to Lexology, the concept of dignity of risk is not entirely new, however it now has a position of prominence in aged care with the Aged Care Quality Standards. In this video update, senior associate Dr Melanie Tan explains:

What does dignity of risk mean?
Where and when does dignity of risk apply?
What is the duty of care within dignity of risk?

ACE Editorial Team

ACE is published by Ideagen. CompliSpace is Ideagen’s SaaS-enabled solution that helps organisations in highly-regulated industries to meet their governance, risk, compliance and policy management obligations.

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