Month: November 2017

In Case You Missed It – Below are links to recent articles on Aged Care and Healthcare that may be of interest.

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ACG – Backlash over new aged care workforce taskforce members

TWS – Bupa aged care workers in VIC reject 11% pay offer over three years

AAA – Robotics expert turns his talents to aged care

AAA – Exercise physiologists winners of new therapy program

ABC – Nursing homes to be audited without warning, Government announces

ACG – Bedside dental treatments to reach more in aged care

TG – Reports of poor standards in aged care are just the tip of the iceberg

The Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce has started its work, with new approaches planned to discuss and consult on workforce issues.

Early work underway.

The first step is to hold workshops to discuss why growing and sustaining the workforce is necessary to meet the care needs of older people across Australia. A range of organisations and people are being invited to participate, with the support of Taskforce members and a number of peak organisations.

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Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce starts

The department is aware of instances where clients’ home care packages have been withdrawn after they have started care.

This was discussed at the webinar on My Aged Care operations on 31 October 2017.

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Home care package withdrawals

The Australian Government is investing $20 million to improve My Aged Care. These enhancements have been identified through detailed co-design.

The Government has also committed $2.8 million to scope future investment to keep pace with the increasing demands of an ageing population.

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Enhancements to My Aged Care

Released: 1 November 2017

The Turnbull Government today announced an expert taskforce to develop a wide-ranging workforce strategy, focused on supporting safe, quality aged care for senior Australians.

The Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM, said the work of the taskforce would be inclusive, with exhaustive national consultation.

“Everything is on the table but there are only two things that matter, safety and quality,” Minister Wyatt said.

“The Taskforce will reach out to senior Australians and their families, consumer organisations, informal carers, aged care workers and volunteers.

“It will also consult with many others including unions, health professionals, universities and the health, education, employment and disability sectors.”

The Taskforce will be led by Professor John Pollaers and will reference the June 2017 report of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into the future of the aged care sector workforce, the workforce-related observations in the government commissioned Legislated Review of Aged Care 2017 and the recently released Review of National Aged Care Quality Regulatory Processes.

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New aged care workforce taskforce to focus on safety and quality (.pdf)