In this issue:
• Expansion of coronavirus testing criteria
• Flu vaccination requirements for Aged Care facilities
• Individuals wanting to cease Home Care Package Services
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27 March 2020 – Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Update
With considerable resources from the Aged Care sector and Government now required in the campaign to keep Senior Australians safe during the COVID-19 outbreak – several long term measures will be put on hold for at least six months.
The Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) assessment trial, the 2020 Aged Care Approval Round and the implementation of the home care payment alignment project will all be postponed as the Morrison Government deals with an unprecedented health emergency.
But Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the support for our loved ones would remain a priority.
Additional funding of $444.6 million is expected to strengthen the industry, with specific mechanisms to reinforce the aged care workforce and training.
An online infection prevention and control training module is among measures and has been completed by over 25,000 staff so far.
“Making sure aged care providers can continue to provide safe, quality care for residents is our combined goal,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases with age so we want to make sure Senior Australians are not at increased risk by exposure to non-essential visitors, including assessors.”
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The Chair of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Hon G T Pagone QC, calls upon all in the Australian community, including the Australian Government and aged care providers, to be vigilant about the many and varied impacts of, and responses to, COVID19. The pandemic affects the entire country but affects each of us differently. The aged in our community are amongst the most vulnerable and are affected both by the potential to be infected with the virus as well as by the unintended consequences of the otherwise understandable and reasonable steps which have been taken to ensure for their safety.
We have heard, and continue to hear, of many unfortunately unintended consequences flowing from the measures which have been taken to comply with the reasonable restrictions which have been imposed upon us by Government to protect the health and wellbeing of those intended to be protected. Many older people have been restricted in the number and length of family and other visitors who have been allowed to visit them.
We understand the importance of these measures and support them having been undertaken. They are designed to help all, including those for whom the impact may be harsh. We must all bear in mind, however, the vulnerability of this part of the community to be protected and that a consequence of the measures taken to protect them may be causing them harm. There is, therefore, a need that the measures put in place to protect frail older people also deal with the negative aspects of the measures designed to protect them.
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In this issue:
• FAQ on Personal Protective Equipment
• Compliance with Commonwealth and State legislation
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26 March 2020 – Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Update
To find out if you meet the Australian Government guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, answer a series of questions.
These include information about:
• your age and gender
• any emergency symptoms you may be experiencing
• your state or territory
• whether you’re a healthcare worker
• any recent foreign travel
• whether you’ve been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
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In this issue:
• New e-learning module now live
• Senator Colbeck’s Thank You to Aged Care workers
• Further arrangements for CHSP providers
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25 March 2020 – Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Update
Latest links to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from the Department of Health.
Read more:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for workers in residential aged care facilities (.pdf)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for older Australians (.pdf)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups
Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines for outbreaks in residential care facilities (.pdf)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – frequently asked questions (.pdf)
Information for health care and residential care workers Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) (.pdf)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what you need to know (.pdf)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation guidance (.pdf)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information on social distancing (.pdf)
Resources for health professionals, including pathology providers and healthcare managers
The Government has produced a suite of educational videos as part of its COVID-19 resources. Click on the links below to view.
Watch:
Coronavirus video – Older Australians
Coronavirus video – Social distancing
Coronavirus video – Help Stop The Spread
Coronavirus video – Recent Traveller
The Australian Government will provide funding for registered nurses to undertake online education to enable them to re-enter the clinical workforce and assist with the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite swift action by Australian governments, the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to grow.
It is likely that unprecedented demand for health care will put pressure on our health system and health professionals, especially doctors and nurses whose work is vital to protecting and saving lives.
The Government will provide up to $1 million to the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) to provide an online refresher course with up to date information about acute nursing care, including latest evidence based guidelines on COVID-19 infection control.
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MindSpot offers a ‘Wellbeing Plus’ online course for people 60+ years. It aims to help older adults learn to manage stress, anxiety, worry, low mood and depression. The course was funded by a grant from beyondblue.
What is involved?
The Wellbeing Plus course consists of five lessons over an eight-week period. It is designed to provide you with the information and skills that you would normally receive from a mental health professional. You can choose to receive weekly therapist support during the course, or you can choose to contact us when you need to. The course aims to help people break unhelpful habits and learn the following core psychological skills:
• How to recognise the cycle of symptoms involved in anxiety and depression
• How to recognise and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs
• How to recognise and manage physical symptoms of anxiety and depression
• How to gain confidence by learning to safely confront things you have been avoiding
• How to stay well once the course has finished
Who is this course for?
The Wellbeing Plus Course is recommended for people who:
• Are 60 years of age or older
• Are Australian residents
• Experience low mood, depression, stress, social anxiety, panic attacks or general worry
• Have at least four hours a week to spend working on the course and practising the skills
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Management Advantage Pty Ltd
Suite 2, 430 Rae Street
Fitzroy North
VIC 3068
1300 62 62 32
info@manad.com.au