In this edition:
• Editorial
• Case: Managing poisoning, maintaining poise
• Expert Commentary: We have seen it all before
• Resource: Poisons Information Centre
• Preventing Unwanted Sexual Behaviour in Aged Care
• Communiqué Podcasts
• COVID-19 Publications from Health Law and Ageing Research Unit
Read more:
Residential Aged Care Communiqué Volume 16 Issue 4 November 2021 (.pdf)
A new aged care assessment model incorporating a new assessment tool and assessment process is being developed as part of the new Support at Home program.
A trial to test and improve the assessment model will occur in the first half of 2022. An Advisory Group of up to 15 members will provide ongoing advice to support this process.
We are seeking expressions of interest for the Advisory Group from individuals representing:
• aged care service providers who deliver CHSP, HCP, STRC or residential respite services
• experienced aged care assessors
• geriatric and allied health professionals
• senior Australians and their family and carers who have experience with home care services.
Read more:
Technology has allowed many aged care providers to scale communications and create increased internal efficiencies. However, not every organisation believes they are able to afford, maintain, or deliver tech solutions easily. Text messaging, or SMS, is an effective communication channel that is fast, affordable, simple, and engaging.
Manad Plus’s comprehensive solution includes an SMS integration powered by Australia’s number one business messaging provider, MessageMedia. It’s easy to implement and cost-effective for aged care service organisations.
Familiar to most users (including residents), text messaging can prove beneficial and support communications and controls around the delivery of quality aged care.
Let’s look at how aged care services can benefit from text communications.
A list of new and updated resources – including apps, audio and video resources and other publications – about aged care.
Read more:
AN-ACC Shadow assessments – Frequently asked questions for providers (.pdf)
Restrictive practice use in aged care facilities – Overview (.pdf)
Types of restrictive practices (.pdf)
Informed consent for the use of restrictive practice (.pdf)
Steps to enter an aged care home (.pdf)
Your Guide to Short-Term Restorative Care Booklet (.pdf)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Grief and trauma support resources – Order form (.pdf)
COVID-19 vaccination – Priority access for Residential Aged Care Workers (.pdf)
The Department of Health, together with our medical experts and colleagues across the country, want to thank all workers across our aged care sector.
Every single day your professionalism and commitment to caring for senior Australians is appreciated.
Over the past 18 months in particular, through COVID-19 outbreaks and necessary pandemic restrictions, your diligence and dedication to caring for senior Australians, and their families and loved ones, has been simply inspiring. Your work has been extraordinary.
Read more:
Join Russell Kennedy to find out what you need to know about Asset Management Plans for retirement villages.
From 1 September 2021, retirement village operators must comply with the Retirement Villages Amendment (Asset Management Plans) Regulation 2021 (“the Regulation”).
In this webinar, our experienced retirement living team will provide an update on the compliance requirements introduced by the Regulation and how they may impact retirement village operations. Our team will provide practical insights into what operators can be doing now to manage and mitigate risks of non-compliance.
Webinar Details
• Date: Tuesday 17 August 2021
• Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM AEST
Read more:
The Department invites providers, consumers, sector representatives and other key stakeholders working in the aged care sector to complete an online survey about the Aged Care Quality Standards.
In addition, you can nominate to participate in an online focus group on the Quality Standards.
KPMG is conducting the survey and focus groups on behalf of the department to obtain feedback on the current Quality Standards, including the impact of the standards on consumers, providers and other key stakeholders.
The survey forms part of a broader evaluation of the Quality Standards.
How to participate:
The survey is open until midnight (AEST) on 3 September 2021 and only takes 15 minutes to complete.
Read more:
Survey: evaluation of the Aged Care Quality Standards
Evaluation of the Aged Care Quality Standards – Registration for focus groups
Please note the below advice provided by the Victorian Department of Health to support COVID-19 vaccination of residential aged care workers.
Currently there are priority bookings available across metropolitan and regional Victoria at both federal and state vaccination centres.
Individual Booking Options
All workers and residents in the residential aged care sector are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine (irrespective of age) and are able to access a priority booking to receive vaccination. Currently there are priority bookings available across metropolitan and regional Victoria at both federal and state vaccination centres.
Group Bookings
Registrations are now open for group bookings at Victorian vaccination centres. Residential aged care workers will be prioritised for group bookings. This provides a pathway for aged care workers to access vaccination as a group at one of the state vaccination centres.
Read more:
Vaccination for residents and workers in Victorian residential aged care facilities
Registration of Interest – Victorian COVID-19 Vaccine Group Bookings
Thank you to the large number of providers who have already responded to our survey on the sector’s current status and readiness for the new support at home program. Responses to date suggest providers are generally very positive about the reforms.
To ensure we continue to hear a broad range of provider perspectives, the survey end date has been extended to Friday 20 August 2021. Your input is valued and will help to inform program design and a strategy for change management and support.
Many providers have expressed interest in hearing the outcomes of this consultation process. If sufficient responses are received, the department will host a webinar for providers about the survey’s findings – so please take some time to complete the survey to ensure we have a robust picture to share.
Read more:
In this edition:
• Single site funding support for COVID-19 impacted areas
• ACT Restrictions
• NSW Health – Updated advice
• QLD restrictions update and PPE use
• WA Health – Residential Aged Care Worker Vaccination webinar
• Support in the event of an outbreak
• Mental health supports
• Community Visitors Scheme
Read more:
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Update – 13 August 2021
Management Advantage Pty Ltd
Suite 2, 430 Rae Street
Fitzroy North
VIC 3068
1300 62 62 32
info@manad.com.au