Month: October 2018

In this issue:

• Macular Disease Foundation Australia digital training tools

Home Care:

• NATSIFAC Program – 2018-19 Home Care Expansion Grants round now open

Read more:

Information for Aged Care Providers – Issue 2018/19 (.pdf)

The regulation of aged care in Australia is set to undergo a major review, as the Royal Commission into Aged Care looks at how to evolve towards a safer, more consumer-driven system that delivers high quality outcomes.

One of the Royal Commission’s key terms of reference is the findings and recommendations of previous relevant reports and enquiries. The release of another report into residential aged care facilities (Report) this week will further inform the Commissioners’ minds over the course of their enquiries.

The Report, released by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport (Committee), foreshadows some of the shortcomings in the aged care sector the Royal Commission may identify. It also gives some insight into the Committee’s current thinking on a number of service-related issues. The following recommendations in particular are relevant to the Royal Commission.

Read more:

New report into aged care a sign of things to come

Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia

Today marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a better, safer aged care system, with Australia’s first aged care quality and safety Commissioner appointed to lead the new and independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Highly respected and experienced health sector leader Janet Anderson will oversee establishment of the Commission, as it prepares to start intensified compliance monitoring from 1 January 2019.

The new Commission will have a budget of almost $300 million over four years, employing dozens of additional senior compliance officers.

While the Royal Commission into the aged care sector undertakes its critical review, the formation of the Quality and Safety Commission highlights our Government’s absolute commitment to continuing reform.

The new Commission will immediately integrate and streamline the roles of the current Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency.

From January 2020, it will also incorporate the Department of Health’s aged care compliance responsibilities.

Read more:

New Era in Aged Care Begins with First Quality and Safety Commissioner Announced (.pdf)

In anticipation of the Commissioners releasing a scoping document which defines more precisely the areas the Commission will cover, Russell Kennedy has reviewed the Terms of Reference.

They have analysed each Term to assist providers to understand from a high level, what the Commission is likely to enquire into.

Read more:

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – Terms of Reference explained

Royal Commission into Aged Care – RK Terms of Reference Diagram (.pdf)

Under the terms and conditions of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) grant agreement, providers (except in Victoria) are required to submit an annual CHSP Wellness and Reablement Report to the department.

Providers must work towards embedding a wellness approach in their service delivery practices. However, the department is aware that providers are at different stages of implementation.

Read more:

Wellness and Reablement Report for CHSP providers

Russell Kennedy has published several documents relating to the Royal Commission into Aged Care as well as their unique position to provide expert advice and representation to aged care providers in relation to the Royal Commission.

Read more:

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – Terms of Reference released

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – Guidance

Russell Kennedy – Summary capability statement (.pdf)

The Royal Commission into Aged Care – Checklist – General (.pdf)

Aged care – Three Year Review (.pdf)

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

PM says royal commission will usher in ‘culture of respect’

Providers buckle up, pledge to co-operate with royal commission

Committee told more detail required in proposal to publish staffing ratios

Opinion: Royal Commission will not be about exceptional cases

Grassroots movement to end ageism launched

Conversation once again turns to CCTV cameras in aged care

Royal Commission ins and outs announced

Calls for staff ratios to be included in Royal Commission

The Five Changes That Could Fix Aged Care

RIP the fax: Successful secure messaging trials solve final problems heralding fax-free future for healthcare, ADHA says

Here’s what the future of aged care could look like in Australia

In these issues:

• My Health Record supporting better health outcomes for older Australians
• Reminder: Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grants closing soon
• Changes to the ‘means not disclosed’ process

Residential Care:

• Quality Indicator Program: data submission closes 30 September
• Quality Indicator Program: opportunity to join

Read more:

Information for Aged Care Providers – Issue 2018/17 (.pdf)

Information for Aged Care Providers – Issue 2018/18 (.pdf)

For a home care package client to successfully take-up their package they must enter into a Home Care Agreement with an approved provider by the take-up deadline. The take-up deadline is 56 days from the date a package is assigned to the client.

To enter into a Home Care Agreement the client and provider must jointly agree to:

• receive/deliver the services
• the client’s rights and responsibilities
• the services to be provided by the provider
• the fees and other charges to be paid under the agreement
• all other administrative details.

Read more:

Help your home care package client start their package successfully

Managing home care packages (.pdf)

The department is currently inviting applications from existing approved residential and home care providers in regional, rural and remote areas. Commonwealth Home Support Programme services will also be considered, where there is exceptional need.

The Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grant opportunity is a competitive application process, to apply for grants up to $500,000 per service.

The application form, guidelines and FAQs can be accessed via GrantConnect.

Read more:

Aged Care Regional, Rural and Remote Infrastructure Grants closing soon

GrantConnect