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Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
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Volume 10, Issue 8, August 2009
Please note some of the articles provided have additional papers which can be downloaded or links to another website page. In some cases these documents are linked to the ACS Members Only section of this website and will require a Username and Password. All members have been issued with a Username and Password. If you have not received this please contact the Communications Officer with your contact details and you will be issued with your access details.
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Index
From the CEO's desk
NHHRC aged care reforms to cost more
The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s (NHHRC) final report outlined 12 recommendations specific to aged care. Recently, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) developed estimates of the expenditure effects of selected proposals from the NHHRC final report. Health expenditures were projected to 2032-33. The AIHW report showed that the proposed NHHRC reforms in aged care would cost up to $1.4 billion more than the current projections by 2033.
A key NHHRC recommendation was for the allocation of subsidised residential aged care and other aged care places to increase proportionally with the growth in the population 85 years and over. Implementation of this proposal would result in an increase of funded places by about 37% from 2012–13 to 2022–23 and by about 51% from 2022–33 to 2032–33.
The AIHW expenditure estimates assumed that places would increase according to need and demography and placed no limit on the number of aged care places. The results implied an increase in the number of high care places between 2012–13 and 2022–23 of 38% and an increase between 2022–33 and 2032–33 of 44%.
The AIHW report commented that NHHRC proposal would show some savings (around $519 million) in expenditure as compared to the health and aged care projection model in the period 2012–13 to 2022–23 as the growth for funded places under the NHHRC proposal would be less than the projection model.
However, for the ten-year period between 2022–23 and 2032–33, the NHHRC proposal would result in more allocation to residential aged care expenditure than the expenditure projection model estimates. The AIHW estimates assumed that all the allocations would be use and set the cost at the upper limit. If this is the case, the proposed extra allocations would cost around $1.4 billion more during this period.
A summary of the NHHRC final report is available for ACS members.
ACSA Image Project update
ACSA has now reached its target of banked contributions and will be proceeding with the Image Project which will be launched at the forthcoming ACSA National Conference in Perth.
Collectively SA has contributed a total of $113, 250 (including the ACS SA&NT contribution) ranging from $250 to $20,000. Comparatively given the size of the sector, the SA contribution to the overall total is impressive.
The 2009 ACSA National Conference in Perth
Make sure you don't miss out on what promises to be an exciting, vibrant and informative event– the 2009 ACSA National Conference, to be held in Perth from September 13-16. There are only FOUR weeks to go.
The program committee has worked hard to deliver Conference delegates a program that will engage and challenge, while also providing networking opportunities with industry colleagues. This Conference will highlight struggles that exist within the industry, with many keynote speakers travelling to Perth from overseas to share their experiences.
View the program and book online. For enquiries, contact the Conference secretariat on 9389 1488.
ACS SA&NT staff profile: Eileen King
This year in Snippets we will profile one ACS staff member each month to provide members with a better idea of individual roles within the Association. This month features Eileen King, our Management Support Officer.
Background: Born in Scotland, raised in South Australia. ‘Once upon a time’ Eileen was a Highland Dancer but with no hint of a Scottish accent! Eileen has predominantly worked in human resources within the South Australian Public Service. She decided to change her career direction in 2003 and has since worked in the recruitment, finance and aged care sectors.
Current role: She commenced with ACS in December 2007 as a Receptionist/Administration Assistant and in April 2008 became the Management Support Officer. Eileen particularly enjoys the sense of purpose working in aged care – contributing to the quality of life of others is very rewarding.
Interests: Outside work, Eileen enjoys the company of close friends and family, visiting art galleries, long walks in the hills or by the sea, listening to music, going to the movies, travel, reading and keeping fit.
General News
National Report Issue 209
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the Members Only section. Click here to download. Issues covered in the latest edition include:
- ACSA Elder Abuse Survey - Urgent Response Requested
- National Reform Agenda
- Aged Care Cost Implications in NHHRC Changes
- Ageing and Aged Care as Political Issues
- ACSA National Conference - We Lose One VIP but Gain Another
- Special Offer for Rural, Remote (including Indigenous) Services
- Change of Direction with ACSA e-Learning
- Government Funding Announcements
- Support for Older People from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
- Chronic Disease Funding
- Veterans' Support
- Homelessness Research - Microsoft's Licensing Changes
- National End of Life Framework for the Future
- Veterans' Home Care
- UN Disabilities Convention Optional Protocol
ACS Leadership Development Series
ACS is planning to offer a leadership development series in 2010 and is keen to gain member feedback about appropriate topics to offer as part of this series. Please click here for a short survey which will only take a few minutes to complete.
New osteoporosis drug now available on the PBS
The convenience of a once-a-month osteoporosis treatment is now available to more than 2 million Australians living with osteoporosis after it was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Actonel Once-a-Month is now a PBS listed medication for people:
- with osteoporosis;
- with osteoporotic fractures; and
- aged 70 years and over with low bone mineral density (BMD) who have not experienced a fracture.
Although more than one in ten Australians are living with osteoporosis with direct and indirect health care costs to the community of over $7 billion per year; Professor John Eisman of the Garvan Institute indicated that osteoporosis is still not being optimally managed or treated. He stated that current osteoporosis therapies (daily and weekly) pose challenges and increased the perception of inconvenience for patients.
According to Professor Peter Ebeling, Head of Endocrinology, Western Hospital, Melbourne, just over half of all patients prescribed daily or weekly osteoporosis therapies stop taking their medication at 12 months, which can increase their fracture risk. He also stated that patient preference is an important driver of compliance and persistence with medication.
With the introduction of a once-a-month dose, patients will only need to take 12 tablets per year, compared with 52 tablets for weekly therapies, or 365 tablets or sachets for daily therapies. This will simplify the regimen to patients and help narrow the treatment gap.
Once prescribed with Actonel Once-a-Month, patients will have access to the ‘ActNow’ patient support programme, which offers a monthly medication reminder service via mail, email or SMS. The programme also offers patients free vitamin D and calcium supplements, if recommended by a doctor, along with monthly news bulletins, tips on falls prevention and exercise and ongoing support from registered nurses.
Support for older culturally and linguistically diverse people announced
The Commonwealth government announced that more than $15.6 million will be allocated over the next three years to fund 77 projects to help older culturally and linguistically diverse people access aged care services.
Programs for older Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds are essential with nearly a quarter of Australians reporting to be born overseas during the last Census.
These projects under the Community Partners Program (CPP) will address issues faced by older people and their carers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in accessing aged care information and services. The projects will assist aged care service providers to develop and offer culturally sensitive aged care services and resources, training projects, and information sessions to promote healthy and positive ageing.
Better Practice 2010
The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency have advised the following proposed dates for Better Practice 2010:
- Adelaide: 20–21 May
- Hobart: 24–25 June
- Perth: 22–23 July
- Melbourne: 26–27 August
- Sydney: 16–17 September
- Brisbane: 14–15 October
ACSA elder abuse survey
ACSA is conducting an on-line survey about the experience of residential aged care providers with the compulsory reporting regime for alleged physical and sexual assaults of aged care residents. The results will be used by ACSA and its State Associations to lobby governments for improvements to the protection of vulnerable older people, and will be presented at the 2009 ACSA National Conference. We would appreciate it if you could complete the questionnaire by Friday 28 August 2009.
Just click here to bring up the survey; when you’ve completed it, click on ‘Done’ and your responses are returned to ACSA.
Welcome to the BDO not-for-profit fraud survey 2010!
BDO Kendalls invites you to take part and be heard in the 2010 BDO not-for-profit fraud survey. The survey provides a benchmark for not-for-profit organisations revealing the perception and level of fraud in the sector, examining specific incidences of fraud and what the sector is doing to prevent fraud occurring.
Fraud is an issue that effects every organisation, whether they are corporate, government or not-for-profit.
The survey will take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and will close on 25 September 2009. Please click here to complete the survey.
Halogen hazards and safe installation of downlights
Zurich recently conducted some risk management workshops across Australia for the ACSA Federation. Their involvement with aged care providers includes providing risk management advice to minimise and/or eliminate potential exposures.
Click here for an article outlining the potential issues surrounding halogen spotlights/downlights.
New Resources
New Allied Health Web-Based Training Package launched
Education and training for allied health workers is now just a mouse click away after a new web-based training package was launched. The Project was undertaken by Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health Inc (SARRAH).
This project will greatly benefit those who are moving to, working in or contemplating taking up practice in remote and rural Australia, as well as students undertaking a rural or remote clinical placement.
Find out more
Fact sheets relating to missing persons with dementia
Missing persons and dementia
Missing persons and dementia: wandering
Missing persons and dementia: safer walking
Information for families and friends of a missing person
Prescribing good oral hygiene for adults
For a very good article on oral health care, please click here.
Fall prevention booklets: ‘Don’t Fall for it’
The SA Department of Health has falls prevention booklets entitled “Don’t Fall for it” available free. These can be ordered from the SA Health Distribution Centre; however, they need to be picked up from the distribution centre either by the person ordering or a courier which you will need to arrange.
How to order:
Please email Lisa Michelmore, with your name, address details and contact no, quantity required (box contains 60). Please specify a time and day that they are going to be picked up. Pick up venue is:
SA Health Distribution Centre
60 Patricia Ave
Camden Park SA 5038
Falls Prevention in SA website
The Falls Prevention in SA website provides a one-stop-shop of falls prevention and management information for health professionals, GPs, older people and their carers. The website has now been updated to include a section on residential care including:
- Screening/ assessment/ referral
- How do I reduce falls risk in residents
- Successfully engaging older people
- Professional development & research
- SA programs & activities
This can be accessed here.
New reverse mortgage guide released
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board recently launched “Thinking of using the equity in your home? A new independent guide to reverse mortgages and other equity release products”.
A reverse mortgage allows people to use the equity of their homes as security to borrow money. This is generally only available for people aged 60 or over. Applicants don’t need an income to qualify and don’t need to repay any money while they live in their homes. This guide was designed to assist people who are considering whether such a product is right for their individual circumstances.
The guide provides important tips and warnings including useful information on:
- understanding the risks and costs of equity release products
- alternatives to equity release products
- whether equity release is right for you
- what terms and conditions to look out for and
- where to find more information
A free print or audio copy of Thinking of using the equity in your home is available from the ASIC website.
Leisure and Lifestyle DVDs for aged care and dementia patients
Designed for easy viewing and listening, these DVDs are a combination of aerial and ground images. They have been designed specifically at the request of, and for use by, diversional therapists, to connect people with past lifestyles, bring back memories and provide hours of enjoyment.
Suitable for playing on a laptop, personal computer, large screen, TV or DVD player, viewing can be for one or more people at a time. All the DVDs (in PAL or NTSC) have over 260 images (without captions), an easy listening soundtrack, last approximately 26 minutes and are $25.00 each (P&P $2.50 within Australia, $5.00 overseas).
Find out more and view snippets of the Leisure and Lifestyle DVDs or contact Fran West (phone 08 8270 6623.
News for Residential Providers
Vitamin D supplementation to help manage osteoporosis in nursing home residents
Getting enough vitamin D is important to help the body absorb calcium from our diets. Bone and geriatric specialists have recently called for vitamin D supplementation for all nursing home patients to prevent and manage osteoporosis in institutionalised older people.
In developing the first national osteoporosis guidelines for aged care, experts have also recommended that falls prevention programs should be implemented in all nursing homes, including balance retraining, and at least twice-weekly exercise sessions, however calcium supplements were not generally endorsed.
Associate Professor Gustavo Duque, head of geriatric medicine and program director of the Aging Bone Research Centre at the University of Sydney, stated that the group called for osteoporosis treatment in nursing homes be based on an overall fracture risk assessment, rather than using bone mineral density (BMD) values. Professor Duque argued that waiting until BMD values fall to minus three standard deviations is almost similar to waiting until a person has an infarction until they are started on aspirin. Currently, osteoporosis medication was only PBS-funded based on BMD scores.
There was a consensus that Vitamin D should be recommended in all residents at high fracture risk, unless considered inappropriate for an individual patient.
The meeting was endorsed by Osteoporosis Australia, the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, the University of Sydney and the RACGP.
Attention CEO/Directors of Care: Understanding Aged Care Admissions
Tuesday 22 September
7–8.15 pm at the Adelaide Pavilion, Veale Gardens, Park View Room
Help individuals on your residential facility’s waiting list and their family members to learn more about living in low level care (hostel) or high level care (nursing home). Encourage a smooth transition into aged care.
Natasha Forward (James Brown Memorial Trust) and Mark and James Barratt (McInerney Barratt Financial Solutions) will present at the session.
Free trade displays are available for ACS members to showcase their services at the session (LifeCare, ACH and Anglicare have already booked) - please contact Kellie Kulinski.
News for Community Providers
Do you experience feelings of fear, grief or uncertainty? Unsure of who to talk to?
The Statewide Carer Advisory and Counselling Service offers:
- Advice and support to help you in your caring role
- Links to counselling designed to meet your needs as a Carer
- Referral to services that can help you and the person you care for
Many Carers are in need of emotional support and counselling. The Carers SA (Carers Association) Carer Advisory and Counselling Service are available to listen, with a group of specially trained counsellors across the state who are familiar with Carer issues. We can help Carers to link with these counsellors in their local area and the service is free. It can be provided by phone or in person,individually or with the Carer’s family or in a group setting.
Contact the Service at Carers SA on 1800 242 636
Influenza – Info Kit for Community Care Providers
Early control measures are critical in minimising the impact and spread of Influenza. The Influ-Info Kit is a set of resources developed to assist community care providers to recognise a possible outbreak of Influenza and to respond rapidly and appropriately when an outbreak occurs. Included in the kit are:
- A community Aged Care Handbook;
- A poster outlining how to recognise and manage Influenza in community care clients; and
- Community Influ-Info Kit notices for staff and visitors.
All community care providers should have received a hard copy kit but electronic copies are also available from the Department of Health and Ageing website.
Housing
Presentation by Emeritus Professor Chris Paris, University of Ulster
Radford Auditorium, Art Gallery, Adelaide
20 October 2009, 5.00–7.00 p.m.
At this meeting Professor Paris will present his work on housing and ageing in Northern Ireland.The presentation is proudly supported by ECH Inc.
RSVP by 1 October to ACS reception (phone 8338 7111 or fax 8338 7077) and we will forward to the organiser.
Housing in a new era: building the connections
The 6th National Housing Conference will be held in Melbourne 24–27 November 2009. The theme this year is Housing in a new era: building the connections and the event will be a must for everyone involved in Australia's housing and homelessness policy and practice. The program is diverse and includes coverage of issues relating to ageing, disabilities, indigenous communities, sustainability and youth and women's needs. Meeting the demand for appropriately designed houses for an ageing population is one focus of the program. More details, including the registration forms, are available here.
The address by Andrew Jones will include discussion on housing and support for aged care. Also, two concurent sessions are relevant to ageing issues: Healthy Homes; Rethinking Design will cover adaptable design for ageing residents and Supplying the Demand will pick up on demographic ageing and hence demand. A session titled Making Socially Diverse Places Work will also be of relevance.
Northern Territory News
Katherine Hospital opens special cultural area
In a first for the Northern Territory, Katherine Hospital has opened a new cultural area dedicated to Aboriginal cultural ceremonies. The area is shaded and secluded and features a sand-covered dancing area, a fire pit, and seating. The area is the result of a recommendation by Katherine Hospital's Aboriginal Cultural Advisory Committee.
As well as having great cultural importance for Aboriginal people, this initiative will provide an opportunity for staff to gain understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture and tradition and improve a stay in hospital for Aboriginal people.
Rural & Regional News
Rural and regional opportunity - The Brolga Project
There’s an enormous new opportunity being presented to rural and regional Australia, which will bring enthusiastic young professionals into many struggling communities. The Brolga Project places final-year university students into short-term work experience positions with rural and regional host agencies; businesses, government departments and non-profit organisations.
It’s about Building Regional Opportunities, Leveraging from Graduates in Australia, with the goal to provide an opportunity for urban-orientated students to try life ‘in the country’ for a short period of time – work experience as part of their studies. Hopefully many will enjoy the experience enough to return to the regional or rural community when they’ve completed their degree.
With a presence in a dozen universities from South Australia to North Queensland, up to five students a day are expressing a willingness to participate. With such strong student response, project managers are looking for more host agencies to offer student placements. Placements may be as short as a week of unpaid experience, or as long as four months paid, each placement is unique and is negotiated via internet teleconference after an initial introduction.
It’s a 21st century solution to the age-old problem of rural drift. And there’s enormous scope within the project, for example an organic produce group could use a marketing student to help promote their product, non-profit organisations could use an IT student to streamline on-line programs, and family businesses like accountants and lawyers can tap straight into a pool of potentially hundreds of employees.
Host agencies interested in finding out more about the project are encouraged to contact the office or complete an online Expression of Interest and project management will get back in contact.
Regional Training - ACFI in Wallaroo
ACFI Uncovered at Wallaroo, Wednesday 2 September, 9 am-4 pm, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Elizabeth St, Wallaroo
There has been a huge demand for ACFI training in regional areas and ACS is fortunate to have secured Jacqui Banham for the 2nd of September in Wallaroo. This course will be adapted to capture new knowledge as it arises and will cover:
- How it works
- What it means for you
- Validation—what you need to know
- How to prepare for an ACFI claim
- How current clinical documentation fits in ACFI, RCS and Accreditation
- Taking a deeper look at the 12 ACFI questions
Less than TWO weeks away - book now to secure your spot!
Volunteer News
2009 Volunteer Grants
Non-profit organisations, who are supported by volunteers, can apply for Australian Government grants of up to $5,000 to purchase equipment, including computers, tools and air conditioners and also help with fuel costs. Find out more on the 2009 Volunteer Grants program, including an online application form.
Workplace Issues
EMA Consulting Issue notes
EMA Note: Issue 17 – Good Faith Bargaining – FWA Issues Orders
EMA Note: Issue 18 – Majority Support for Bargaining – FWA Issues First Orders
EMA Note: Issue 19 – Enterprise Agreement Rejected by Fair Work Australia
Research, Publications & Grants
Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia Report
The National People with Disabilities and Carer Council’s report examines the barriers faced by people with disability. Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia is the culmination of thousands of views expressed through submissions, forums and focus groups across Australia, and was commissioned by the Australian Government to inform the National Disability Strategy
Find out more or obtain a copy of the report.
New drug reduces damage after heart attack
Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have developed a new drug treatment that targets and neutralises the gene responsible for inflammation and muscle death following a heart attack.
Preclinical trials of the new drug, known as Dz13, also showed a reduction in incidental cell and tissue death resulting from cardiac interventions. Professor Levon Khachigian, from UNSW’s Centre for Vascular Research said that although the drug doesn’t prevent heart attacks, it can protect the heart’s pumping action, reduce the damaging effects of the blockage and improve the patient’s chances of a full recovery.
The drug also has minimal side effects as it only targets a specific gene that is turned on after a heart attack. It has also been shown to improve heart function, regardless of whether it’s administered at the time of the heart attack, or at the time of "revascularisation" intervention, such as angioplasty or stenting, to reopen the blocked artery
Further safety trials are currently ongoing ahead of the first phase of human trials. Professor Khachigian also stated that further independent trails using Dz13 are underway for the treatment of a range of diseases from skin cancer to eye disorders.
Coming Events
Arts, Ageing & Creativity Conference - 22-23 October 2009, Adelaide Convention Centre
EARLY BIRD CLOSES IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!
This Conference, the first of its kind in Australasia, will involve and engage aged care practitioners, international experts and researchers, managers, policy developers and the broader community to discuss the value of active participation in the creative arts for older people.
You and your staff will discover international findings and perspectives, national ideas and contacts, the emerging creative arts in the ageing sector and how to broaden and bring new ideas to your lifestyle program.
Expect the unexpected. The conference offers everything from Clown Doctors and Japanese Theatre to a thought-provoking art exhibition and a kaleidoscope of experts in the creative fields. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, all committed to the search for new ideas and approaches that enrich the lives of our seniors.
The program is dynamic and diverse, incorporating a range of industry professionals and specialist speakers and presenters. The Conference offers excellent value at $500 (Early Bird rate until 9 September) for the two-day event.
ACS Education & Training Events
ACS 2009 Training Program
The 2009 Training Program is constantly updated. Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, and also sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
ACSA e-learning courses
ACSA has advised that Learning Seat e-learning courses will cease from 24 November 2009..
ACSA’s highest priority is to ensure on-line students are not disadvantaged and are able to complete any courses without undue hardship. All enrollees who have not completed on-line courses will receive an e-mail shortly advising them of ACSA’s decision and the need to complete courses by 20th November 2009.
Introducing Aged Care
When you are new, aged care can be a confusing sector to work in! This session will provide you with an understanding of the key components of aged care, and information about current issues affecting the sector:
- Background to aged care
- Cultural awareness
- Legislation; Acronyms
- Current issues in aged care
- Community care; Residential care; Housing; Better Practice
- Key agencies resources and links
Date: Wednesday 26 August 2009
Time: 9 am-12.30 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
Coming Soon . . . bookings now open
Financial aspects of residential admission - Monday 31 August, 1-4 pm, ACS Training Room
Designed for CEOs, managers and admissions managers, this session will address updated specific issues relating to resident admissions.
Persuasive Presentations and Timely Training - Thursday 3 September, 9 am-4 pm, ACS Training Room
Are you confident at presenting essential information to your staff, managers and executive team? Do your staff have trouble retaining key information that you tell them? Join Sheree Lewis for an interactive and FUN day to develop your skills in presenting information in ways that are accessible and will be retained by them.
Budgeting for non-accountants - Monday 7 September, 9.30 am-11.30 am, ACS Training Room
This course is appropriate for both community and residential care managers, coordinators or team leaders who manage budgets, particularly people who have just moved into a role which includes managing budgets.
ACFI Accurate Assessments - Thursday 10 September, 9.30 am-3.30 pm, ACS Training Room
For Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses or senior care workers involved in the clinical assessment process, this course will cover what clinical assessment is, how to ensure residents get the best outcome and ensure ACFI is well supported, how to make it part of 'business as usual' and working with some commonly-used assessment tools, cognitive tools.
Upcoming RDNS clinical courses
ACS is pleased to advise that each month Snippets will provide information about upcoming RDNS clinical courses and education events.
View a selection of RDNS’ upcoming clinical courses (pdf document). Please register directly with RDNS via the links to the flyers in the pdf document.
RDNS Education services and Focus Healthcare private health and care services are now available to the Fleurieu region from their new offices in Victor Harbor. These services include nationally recognised training (Diploma of Nursing and Certificate III in Aged Care), and a range of health and care services delivered to individuals in their homes such as nursing, personal care, lifestyle support, and allied health. This is a very exciting addition to the RDNS and Focus Healthcare operations and will help to deliver a wider range of genuine choice in maintaining health independence for people, when and where they want it. For further information on these services please call 1 300 363 262 or visit the website.
Papers and Presentations from ACS Forums
Papers and Presentations from some of the recently held ACS Forums are available for members-only access. Click here to view the list of presentations available.
Visit the ACS Training & Events Program
Industry Education & Training
Health Professionals' Role in Advance Directives for People with Dementia
September and October 2009
The course is available to health professionals from a variety of disciplines including nurses, physios, occupational therapists, and social workers.
There is no cost to participants.
Wellbeing in Dementia
Friday 9 October (full-day seminar) and
Friday 23 October (half-day workshop – note that attendance at full day seminar is a prerequisite to attending the optional half day workshop).
The course is recommended for health professionals from a variety of disciplines including nurses, physios, occupational therapists, and social workers.
There is no cost to participants.
Easy Moves for Active Ageing®-EMAA
9–10 September
- is a practical two-day training course for people working in the field of aged care
- provides participants with a sound framework from which to conduct a safe and suitable exercise program
- caters for the needs of less active, older persons living in residential care facilities and in the community
Industry Supporters
New ACS Industry Supporters
ACS is excited and delighted to welcome the following new Industry Supporter:
Adelaide Care Solutions
Adelaide Care Solutions is an Adelaide-based, locally owned nursing agency specialising in residential aged care. Since 2004, Adelaide Care Solutions has been successfully supplying quality nursing and personal care staff to the residential aged sector. We have a reputation for employing excellent staff and for providing a personalised service to our many valued clients. All Adelaide Care Solutions staff are fully trained and recruited specifically to work in aged care. Adelaide Care Solutions understands the aged care industry and is proud to be an Industry Supporter of Aged and Community Services SA & NT
McInerney Barratt Financial Solutions new website
Visit the new website, which has very useful information for residential facilities’ waiting list clients and their families.
HealthSolve Newsletter July 2009
Please click here to access the latest edition.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT has entered into arrangements with a range of businesses to provide cost effective and quality services to its members. Please be advised that ACS SA&NT has entered into these arrangements with a financial benefit for the Association. Currently arrangements have been made with:
Access OCAR – Employment Assistance
Program
EMA Consulting – Industrial
Advice Service
Do you have an Employee Assistance Program?
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and opportunities for Members, ACS SA&NT is pleased to be able to provide members with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). ACS SA&NT has entered into an agreement with Access OCAR Workplace Consulting to provide an EAP to members at a substantially reduced rate. (Payment is made on a quartlery basis)
An EAP is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being. Employees have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside of their workplace and are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems. It has been advised that the Unions are in favour of EAP in businesses and often quality and standards accreditation also favour EA programs.
Access
OCAR Workplace Consulting will provide the services of the EAP to members
who join this service.
Click
here to download an expression of interest form. Upon completion of this
form Access OCAR will contact you to commence
the service.
Industrial Advice Service
Since 1 July 2006 EMA Consulting has been providing ACS Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA consultants are highly qualified, trained, experienced and are contemporary leaders in their profession. As an ACS Member, you have access to EMA for the following services:
Telephone Advisory Service
- Unlimited access to discuss any Industrial Relations topic
- Deal with IR Consultants
- No charge per call ~ generally limited to 15 minutes per issue. If it does take longer than this, it generally means the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary
- Nurses (ANF ~ SA Private Sector)
- Nurses SA
- Clerks SA
- Health Service Employees
Consultant Service
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $175 per hour, which is a saving of $50 per hour. This includes access to a full range of user pays services such as AWAs, training, workers compensation, disputes and collective agreements.
Telephone (VIP toll free number) 1800
632 812
Advisory Service (08) 8221
6565
Telephone (08) 8221 6665
Facsimile (08 8221 6660
Website www.emaconsulting.com.au
