In this issue:
• Operational hours over the holiday period
• Reminder to participate in consultation – National Framework for Action on Dementia 2015 – 2019
• New aged care assessment arrangements webinar
Home Care:
• Home Care Provider Survey
Residential Care:
• National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator (QI) Program – data due by 21 January 2020
Read more:
In this issue:
• Operational hours over the holiday period
• Advance payments for December 2019 and January 2020
• Government funded care must have a valid ACAT approval
Residential Care:
• Entering residential care in an emergency without an ACAT approval
• Minimising physical and chemical restraint in residential aged care
• National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator (QI) Program – second quarter data collection
Read more:
This webinar will update you on the development and implementation of new aged care assessment arrangements. The new arrangements aim to streamline consumer assessment for access to aged care services.
The webinar will focus on:
• changes to the current assessment system
• benefits of the new arrangements for consumers
• implementation arrangements.
Wednesday 11 December 2019
• ACT, NSW, VIC & TAS – 2.00 pm to 3:30 pm (AEST)
• QLD – 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (AEST)
• SA – 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (ACDT)
• NT – 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm (ACST)
• WA – 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (AWST)
Read more:
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is inviting submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the future design of the aged care system.
The Royal Commissioners, the Honourable Tony Pagone QC and Ms Lynelle Briggs AO, have today released a consultation paper that explores options for future design of aged care programs. The model set out in the paper is intended to support people to pursue and enjoy meaning and quality of life whether in their own home or a residential service.
In the paper, the Commissioners ask “how could we ensure that any redesign of the aged care system makes it simpler for older people to find and receive the care and supports that they need?”
Submissions are sought on key questions about the design of the aged care system. These submissions are an opportunity for interested individuals and organisations to help shape the future of aged care. The Royal Commissioners encourage people to download and read the paper, and respond to the design questions through a submission.
Read more:
The Morrison Government today successfully secured the passage of the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (New Commissioner Functions) Bill 2019 which strengthens the independent oversight of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, from January 1 2020.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the new laws bolster the Commission through additional regulatory functions and powers ensuring a safer and quality-assured sector.
From January 1, the Commissioner’s role will be expanded to include oversight of:
• approving all residential and home care providers;
• aged care compliance and enforcement actions; and
• the administration of the responsibilities of approved providers to report assaults.
“The Government has delivered on its commitment to strengthen independent oversight across the aged care sector,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Expanding the role of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission gives older Australians and their families a single point of contact and a reassurance their concerns will be responded to.
“The Commissioner will now have the ability to approve providers’ entry into aged care, stronger powers to monitor quality of the care and broader responsibility to enforce provider compliance.
Read more:
Strengthening independent oversight of aged care
Aged Care Legislation Amendment (New Commissioner Functions) Bill 2019 (.pdf)
Review of National Aged Care Quality Regulatory Processes Report (.pdf)
An individual with decision-making capacity can document their preferences for care, values and/or appoint a substitute decision maker by completing the relevant jurisdictional Advance Care Directive (ACD) form(s). An ACD is completed and signed by a competent adult, but only comes into effect when the person loses capacity to make medical decisions. All health professionals have obligations to access and implement ACDs that comply with legislation, common law or policy, and support quality palliative and end-of-life care.
The issue
Despite comprehensive legislation, policy, forms, resources and guidelines, there is limited awareness and uptake of advance care planning across Australia, health sectors, the workforce and consumers. Nationally, the uptake of advance care planning remains low with 75% of Australians aged 65+ having not completed an ACD. In residential aged care facilities, 62% of residents aged 65+ do not have an ACD completed by them in their health record.
There are issues with the accuracy, currency and validity of advance care directives, particularly within aged care.
Read more:
ACPA Position Statement: ACDs within community and residential aged care
Since 1 July 2019, residential aged care providers have had specific responsibilities in the Quality of Care Principles 2014 relating to the use of physical and chemical restraint. These requirements put explicit obligations on the use of restraint by residential aged care providers.
The Australian Government has announced further strengthening of the regulation of chemical restraints in residential aged care.
The Government’s legislation now:
• makes it clear restraint must only be used as a last resort
• refers to state and territory legislation which regulates the responsibility of prescribers to gain informed consent for chemical restraint
• requires a review of the first 12 months of the operation of the restraint regulations to ensure aged care facilities are minimising the use of inappropriate restraint.
Read more:
Minimising physical and chemical restraint in residential aged care
Quality of Care Principles 2014
Quality of Care Amendment (Reviewing Restraints Principles) Principles 2019
Self-assessment tool for recording consumers receiving psychotropic medications (.docx)
Scenarios involving physical and/or chemical restraint (.pdf)
Regulatory Bulletin 2019-8.0 – Regulation of physical and chemical restraint (.pdf)
In this issue:
• Material change form revision and key personnel
• Invitation to participate in consultation – National Framework for Action on Dementia 2015–2019
Home Care:
• Home Care Package Survey: Live on Monday
Residential Care:
• Future Quality Indicators (QIs) pilot – Nominations are now open
Commonwealth Home Support Programme:
• CHSP Booklet now available in 18 languages
• Short-term services for older people during a period of reablement
Read more:
Canberra Community Forum – Monday 25 November 2019
• Location: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT, 2061.
• Date: Monday 25 November 2019.
• Time: 1.30pm to 4.30pm
• Book: https://aged-care-royal-commission-forum-canberra.eventbrite.com.au
Newcastle Community Forum – Wednesday 27 November 2019
• Location: NEX @ Wests City (Newcastle Exhibition & Conference Centre), 309 King Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302.
• Date: Wednesday 27 November 2019.
• Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm.
• Book: https://aged-care-royal-commission-forum-newcastle.eventbrite.com.au/
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The Canberra hearing will inquire into interfaces between the aged care system and the health care system, including both Commonwealth and state/territory programs.
It will examine whether older people, particularly those living in residential aged care facilities, are able to access the health services they need as they age.
• Date: 9 – 13 December 2019
• Location: The Vibe Hotel, Canberra, 1 Rogan St, Canberra ACT 2609
• Time: 9:30am local time
Read more:
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