View Queensland Health’s 2019 Communique regarding the:
• provision of antiviral medication for influenza outbreaks in residential aged care facilities;
• aged care notification process to local Public Health Units.
Read more:
Have you missed any of the ‘Latest News’ released by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission?
Some of the most recent links are below.
Read more:
Aged Care Quality Bulletin #6, Jun 2019
Aged Care Open Disclosure Framework and Guidance (.pdf)
Minimising the use of restraints
Responding to non-compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards (.pdf)
Regulatory Bulletin – Exclusion of specific dates for unannounced visits (.pdf)
Regulatory Bulletin – Assessment contacts in residential aged care (.pdf)
Issue No. 2019-5
This Regulatory Bulletin outlines the assessment methodology used by quality assessors when undertaking performance assessments under the Quality Standards.
It describes the Commission’s systematic approach to assessment of provider performance as a key element of its regulatory practice.
Read more:
Regulatory Bulletin – Aged Care Quality Standards Performance Assessment Methodology (.pdf)
In Case You Missed It – Below are links to recent articles on Aged Care and Healthcare that may be of interest:
Bupa aged care home in Eden in hot water as watchdog revokes accreditation
Rate changes to make care for low-means residents more expensive
Dementia Care And The Power Of Human Touch
‘Game changer’ set to transform Australia’s aged care sector
Provider Fears Introduction Of New Standards Will Be “Trial And Error”
New standards to be introduced for the aged care sector
Changes to the Aged Care Quality Standards start today
Provider showcases quality person-centred care
Indexation rises not enough to cover costs, peaks say
Non-English speaking Australians in aged care homes risk being forgotten
Aged Care Royal Commission focus for NT and QLD hearings announced
Small SA town creates its own aged care workforce with scholarships, employment
Flu outbreak at aged home to be cleared
Nursing home bonds could add to Bupa woes
New Tool Positive Step In Helping Operators Tackle Chemical Restraint
Calls for hand sanitisers to fight flu as vaccinations urged for aged care visitors
Unvaccinated family putting elderly at risk of flu deaths, health warning
Health practitioners warned against breaching informed consent laws
The Royal Commission is on for the next 2 weeks in:
• Darwin from Monday 8 July 2019 to Friday 12 July 2019, and in
• Cairns from Monday 15 July 2019 to Wednesday 17 July 2019.
At these public hearings the Royal Commission will inquire into:
• aspects of care in residential, home and flexible aged care programs, including:
– accessibility and availability
– wound, medication and pain management
– nutrition and hydration
– continence care
– mobility
– social supports
• rural and regional issues for service delivery of aged care
• quality of life for people receiving aged care
Read more:
View live webcasts of hearings, or video recordings of previous hearings
In this issue:
• 2019 ACFA Annual Report now available
• New approved provider application forms are now available
• New Charter of Aged Care Rights resources
• Resources to promote aged care advocacy services
Home Care:
• New home care pricing requirements now in place
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP):
• Managing your CHSP service information in My Aged Care
• Outcomes of the 2018 CHSP Wellness and Reablement Report
Read more:
Today the Morrison Government has delivered a major reform package for quality and safety in aged care.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said these comprehensive reforms are designed to protect and improve the lives of senior Australians in care.
The Government demonstrates our commitment to continue to improve the aged care system while the Royal Commission proceeds.
“Senior Australians must have choice and flexibility in the care they receive and it should be really easy to understand what they can expect from their aged care service. This is why our Government has delivered these new Aged Care Quality Standards,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Today is the first upgrade to residential aged care standards in 20 years. The new Standards will improve transparency for senior Australians and their families, as well as making regulation clearer for providers.
“The Standards are centred on the needs of senior Australians and provide a solid foundation for providers’ continuous improvement.”
Read more:
Delivering safety and quality in Australia’s aged care system
Today marks the commencement of the new national Aged Care Quality Standards which apply to all aged care settings including residential and in-home aged care services.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson PSM said the new standards raise the bar by strengthening the focus on consumer-centred care which respects the dignity and identity of the individual and seeks to improve their experiences and outcomes of care.
“The new standards require aged care providers to work with each of their consumers to ensure that they receive safe, quality care that is shaped by the consumer’s needs, goals and preferences,” she said.
“The new standards are an important step in aged care reform which will help providers to clarify their responsibilities and help consumers to know what they can expect from aged care services.
“The new standards were developed following extensive consultation with consumers, service providers, experts and the wider community.”
Ms Anderson said she was impressed by the commitment shown by aged care providers in their preparation for the introduction of the new standards, and that support from the Commission will continue after 1 July.
Read more:
Commission media release: New Aged Care Standards Aiming to Lift Performance Across the Sector
The 2018-19 Budget More Choices for a Longer Life package gave in-principle support to move from allocating residential aged care places through the Aged Care Approvals Round to an alternative model that supports greater consumer choice.
A discussion paper outlining two proposed alternative models for allocating residential aged care places is now available for feedback. Suggestions for other allocation models that encourage consumer choice and promote a more consumer driven market in residential aged care are also welcome.
Read more:
Have your say on proposed alternative models for allocating residential aged care places
Consultation Hub: Residential aged care: Proposed alternative models for allocating places
Eventbrite: Consultation forums – Residential care: Alternative place allocation models
Welcome to this special edition of the Newsletter with information about the changes that take effect from, 01 July 2019, including:
• My Aged Care website
• New Charter of Aged Care Rights
• New Aged Care Quality Standards
• National Mandatory Aged Care Quality Indicator Program
• Improvements to home care pricing information
• Reductions to the maximum basic daily fee
• Regulation of physical and chemical restraint in aged care
Read more:
Information for Aged Care Providers – Special Edition 01 July 2019 (.pdf)
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