Aged care news highlights from the week ending 9 June 2023, 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.

COVID-19 News 

2023 COVID-19 vaccination booster dose

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, it is important that residents have every opportunity to receive a 2023 COVID-19 booster dose. A recent study by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), showed that COVID-19 vaccinations are particularly beneficial for people living in aged care homes. Read more about the study and book your COVID-19 vaccination now with your GP or pharmacist or by using one of the easy steps below:

Text ‘Hey EVA’ to 0481 611 382 for a call back to book an appointment with Easy Vaccine Access (EVA). Call 1800 020 080 to find a vaccine clinic near you and get contact information to make a booking. Use the Online service finder.

Top 3 Questions from aged care COVID-19 Webinar on 26 May 2023

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care:

Question 1 – Why is it important to support conversations with older people, residents and their families about vaccinations, including the 2023 COVID-19 booster?

Having early conversations with older people and their families about the importance of vaccinations and how they will help them protect themselves their families and their communities, against serious illness and potential hospitalisation is often highly valued.

Question 2 – Do I need the 2023 COVID-19 booster if I am an aged care worker?

If you are aged 18 to 64 years and have no risk factors for severe disease, including aged care workers, your doctor or immunisation provider can help you decide whether you need a booster based on your individual circumstances. Aged care workers who provide close personal care in residential aged care or home care settings should consider the 2023 booster dose and we encourage workers to discuss vaccination options with their GP or pharmacists. For more information on the 2023 booster recommendations, please visit our website: COVID-19 booster vaccine advice.

Question 3 – Why should older people and residents in residential aged care homes get a COVID-19 booster dose?

COVID-19 is a serious disease that can cause severe illness and hospitalisation. Older people, including those living in residential aged care homes and with underlying medical conditions are at the highest risk and can get severe disease.

COVID-19 Infection Control Online Training for Aged Care Workers

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Department of Health and Aged Care along with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have put new arrangements in place for education based on the COVID-19 Infection Control Online Training Modules. This training is available for approved aged care providers and employees of approved providers.

Users can access the training at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s aged care learning information system – Alis. Alis accounts are currently provided free of charge for all approved aged care providers and employees of approved providers. You can sign up or log in to Alis at: learning.agedcarequality.gov.au. Learners can download a completion certificate from Alis once the modules have been completed, and administrators have access to completion data for their staff. Additional online IPC training that is suitable for the aged care sector is available at:

• Infection prevention and control for aged care | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care – suitable for all aged care workers
• Infection prevention and control - advanced education eLearning modules | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care - suitable for health care workers and organisations, aged and disability care workers and organisations, and workforce groups such as beauticians
• Partnerships in care | Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission - suitable for partners, or potential partners in care, or for other visitors to aged care homes.

COVID-19 Oral antiviral treatments

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, continued strong uptake of oral antiviral medications remain important in residential aged care settings. The oral antivirals Lagevrio^® and Paxlovid^® are available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for all people aged 70 years or older. Please ensure your COVID-19 positive residents have access to oral antivirals, prescribed by a medical practitioner as a priority.

If you need assistance accessing a prescriber, consider HealthDirect’s free helpline 1800 022 222 or the online Service Finder. The Find a Pharmacy website is available for sourcing antivirals through community pharmacy channels, your Primary Health Network may also be able to assist connect you to a local prescriber. If you are in outbreak and are unable to access antivirals quickly, please contact the Department via email: AgedCareCOVIDEnquiries@health.gov.au.

The invisible work: Public views on caring through Covid-19

According to Aged Care Insite, an overwhelming majority of caregivers in Australia reported increased stress levels, isolation and a lack of support during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to recent survey. Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) looked at the perspectives of over a thousand people on caregiving and care work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other News

Aged care task force looking at new taxes, and more self-funding for wealthy elderly Australians

According to ABC News, Australians could be required to pay more tax to help fund aged care — and rich, older Australians could be forced to pay even more. Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has announced the details around a new task force that has been asked to recommend how best to fund aged care. Speaking at the National Press Club, Ms Wells acknowledged that pressures on the system, both in capacity and costs, would increase in the years ahead.

Roadmap reveals upcoming activities for aged care reform

According to Inside Ageing, in a bid to enhance transparency and allow stakeholders to adequately prepare for upcoming changes, the govt has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap outlining key activities to July 2025. The roadmap, subject to potential adjustments, provides valuable insights into the future of aged care and aims to facilitate engagement and readiness among industry players and service recipients.

Direct care workers to receive increase in minimum wage on top of 15 per cent pay rise

According to Inside Ageing, the Fair Work Commission has announced a 5.75% increase to all minimum award wages effective July 1, 2023. This means minimum wages for employees affected by the 15% aged care sector decision will also increase. Direct care and some senior food services employees in the aged care sector will receive a 15% wage increase from 30 June 2023.

Sector sustainability front and centre of discussions

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the federal government has suggested co-contributions as a potential way to fund the aged care sector in the future.

Chemists and doctors clash over prescribing in aged care homes

According to Aged Care Insite, a new study has emphasised a need for better teamwork between GPs and pharmacists to curb medicine-related harm in residential aged care homes. Nearly 98 per cent of people in aged care experience at least one medicine-related problem, with up to 80 per cent being prescribed potentially inappropriate medicines.

‘Few homes’ can achieve key staffing requirements

According to Aged Care Insite, a recent aged care report has identified that only one in ten residential care facilities in Australia could meet all three staffing requirements needed to meet quality care standards. Last week, the UTS Ageing Research Collaborative published a mid-year report mapping key issues facing the aged care sector. The report's lead author Dr Nicole Sutton said while roughly 80 per cent of aged care homes are able to have registered nurses on staff 24/7, the figure was 'much lower' in terms of care minutes.

HACPA releases aged care pricing advice and framework

According to the Weekly Source, the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) has provided the Government with its first advice about the pricing of aged care services in Australia.

Home Care News

No significant developments this week.

Legislation

No significant developments this week.