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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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Snippets - Volume 8 Issue 2
February 2008
Please note, some of the articles provided will have additional papers which can be downloaded or directed 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 Julia Beckett with your contact details and she will issue you with your access details.
Index
Snippets - Proudly Sponsored by ACSure
ACSure is a range of insurance and risk solution products developed by Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Limited (JLT), in consultation with The Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) Federation. JLT is a leading provider of innovative insurance and other risk solutions in Australia . Today, employing over 700 industry professionals covering risks in all states and territories. Building upon a strong reputation of trust and professionalism fostered over many years, JLT aims to become the broker of choice in Australia 's key market segments. At JLT, we are extremely proud to be an invited National Partner of ACSA - chosen by ACSA because we are leaders in our field. As a result of our collaborative development of ACSure, these products respond to aged and community services issues and needs and are available for the benefit of the entire industry, including ACSA, state bodies, and valued members. The aged and community services environment is rapidly developing and constantly changing. Ongoing consultation ensures that JLT continues to arrange and advise on the right products for all concerned. ACSure helps you to respond to these challenges. Click here to view the products developed by JLT for ACSure.
From the CEO's Desk
ACFI
The ACS advisory committee has been very active in undertaking modeling work to look at the impact of the ACFI. While the work undertaken has not been exhaustive, the findings indicate that there are potential problems involving higher end entrants under the new ACFI too’. The modeling work has been forwarded to ACSA which has in turn been discussing the findings, as well as those from other states, with DoHA in Canberra. At this juncture the Department is advising that the assessment work associated with the modeling work has not been applied properly. Assurances have been given by DoHA that any problems will be dealt with. From the Department’s perspective they are keen to see ‘hard evidence’ of any problems before making any adjustments to payments.
The sector has, and this is a view shared by the ACSA Board, a number of things in its favour. Firstly, ACFI is a creation of the Federal department and the bureaucrats will not want to see their creation falter. It will be monitoring developments very closely. Secondly ACSA will also be monitoring matters and I can assure you that any indication of a problem(s) will be highlighted immediately.
What is crucially important is that ACS SA&NT members liaise with this office about any problems that are encountered post March 20, so that we can relay concerns to ACSA and if necessary directly to the Department. Please contact either myself or Natasha Searcy our Residential Care Manager.
We are well aware that the next 12 months will be challenging as we roll out the new funding instrument and want to assure you that DoHA will be alerted to any concerns or issues you have with the new instrument, some of which we appreciate may not necessarily be apparent immediately.
Schedule 8 Drugs
Over an extended period ACS has been lobbying the State Government, through Minister Gago, about proposed changes regarding the application of Schedule 8 drugs. While there is merit in some of what the government is proposing we have pointed out that there are consequences for smaller facilities around the state, which may not be able to employ nurses (even if they can be found) to supervise the dispensing of the drugs on 24 hour basis. We have presented alternative options for the government to consider – possible exemptions where hardship can be proven or developing an arrangement, based on appropriate training, which enables care workers to administer the drugs when necessary.
We are still awaiting a response from the Minister. In recent days the Opposition has used the opportunity to question the Minister in Parliament and the story was picked up by The Advertiser on February 20. Hopefully this additional pressure will result in a decision being made soon.
Aged Care Plan for Older People
The office has been heavily involved in providing input to the project team. Recognising the importance of the sector’s input an additional meeting was held with a selected ACS group (Board Executive, staff and representatives from our residential and community advisory committees). A draft of the plan is busily being written as we speak (due for circulation to the project Steering Group (ACS is represented) in late February for initial response. Through our advisory committee structure we will be able to provide input. Once further comments have been received the project Steering Group will consider the comments and it is hoped that a final draft document will be made available for public comment in April.
New Business Development Manager
ACS is very pleased to welcome Kellie Kulinski to the position of Business Development Manager. One of her first priorities will be to develop the ACS education and training program for 2008-9, so members can expect to be hearing a great deal from her in the coming months.
More on forums
The ACS Finance Forum, Securing Your Future, has been very well subscribed and we look forward to a productive day of information and networking, looking at the broad economic future of Australia and the specific economic outlook for the aged care sector.
It will be a great start to the ACS ‘forum season’, which includes the Community Care and Board Governance forums on April 4, the Residential forum on April 11, and the Retirement Housing forum on May 2.
General News
Aged Care Commissioner Annual Report
The Aged Care Commissioner role was established on May 1 2007, replacing Aged Care Aged Care Complaints Resolution Scheme and the Commissioner for Complaints. The Commissioner provides an independent avenue of review of decisions made by the office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance about complaints.
The Annual Report includes data from the previous Commissioner for Complaints and the Aged Care Commissioner. It includes national and state statistical breakdowns on a variety of criteria. The report includes a breakdown of complaint issues by type and by service provided.
In SA, 208 complaints (17 percent of the national total) were recorded, the third highest percentage nationally. Click here to download the full document.
Healthdirect Australia
South Australia recently launched its branch of Healthdirect Australia, a national health call centre with a single contact number, 1800 022 222.
Callers speak with an experienced registered nurse, discuss their illness or condition, receive advice and are directed to the care or treatment they need.
Healthdirect Australia is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and states and territories.
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the members only section. Click here to download National Report. Issues covered in the latest edition are:
- Rudd Summit needs stronger aged care focus
- Budget briefing
- Community Care Conference program now available
- Trained nurses back into aged care
- Community Care census update
- National prescribing service
- Disability Services communiqué
- Senior Australian of the Year
- Depression in rural areas
- Aged Care clinical fellowships
- Report on general practice activity
- Annual Report on Government services
Travelling scholarships for nurses
The Premier of South Australia is offering scholarships to nurses and midwives to explore innovative practices, within their chosen field, either nationally or internationally.
The scholarships for 2008-9 must be taken between July 1 2008 and June 30 2009. Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday March 7.
Click here for application forms and guidelines. For further information email Marcia Hakendorf at the Nursing and Midwifery Office or telephone 8226 6370.
Leadership Beyond Borders
The eighth international IAHSA conference, Leadership Beyond Borders, will be held in London July 20-22, 2009.
Conference organisers are calling for papers to showcase the most innovative programs from around the globe and contribute to an exciting forum for the exchange of both practical knowledge and new strategies, focused on the provision of care and services to older adults.
Click here for program topics.
Click here to submit a proposal.
Mental health grants
The Department of Health and Ageing has provided the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) with
$6million to assist in the development of the capacity of non-government mental health organisations and other organisations delivering services relating to mental health.
There are two opportunities: one-off grants of up to $40,000; and a free, full day workshop designed to build stronger organisations.
The closing date for grant applications is March 14. Click here for grant application forms and information.
The Adelaide workshop will be held on March 4. For more information or to book please email Rachelle Irving or telephone (02) 6285 0812.
Rural grants
The Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal has a small grants program to assist in caring for the aged in rural Australia.
Not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply for grants of between $100 and $10,000 for projects and activities that directly benefit the ageing population in their communities.
Click here for guidelines.
Consumer forum – palliative care
The Palliative Care Council will hold a forum as part of the review of the SA Health: Palliative Care Service Plan 2008-2016.
The session will include individuals, consumer representatives, consumer groups and organisations that have a vested interest in the formation of the Plan and will be held on Tuesday, 4 March 2008 in the Function Room, The Cancer Council of SA, 202 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, between 5.30 and 8.00pm. Light refreshments will be provided. (Car parking available at the back of the Cancer Council building and also the northern side of Greenhill Road).
RSVP: no later than February 28 by telephoning 8291 4137 or email with your name and contact details.
A brief discussion paper will be provided to all participants prior to the forum.
If you are unable to attend the Forum you can still have your say by writing to or emailing the Palliative Care Council.
Senior staff changes at Health & Ageing
The South Australian Office of the Department of Health and Ageing has been restructured, and the Office for Aged Care Quality and Compliance and the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health are now separate entities, each headed by an Executive Level manager.
As a result three new senior staff members have been appointed to the State Office Executive Team:
Darren Clarke has been appointed Assistant State Manager,Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance and will be responsible for the complaints investigation section and the quality and review section. He starts March 31.
Allan Quire has been appointed to succeed David Kemp as Assistant State Manager, Aged and Community Care, following David’s retirement in July 2008.
Bridget Booth has been promoted to the position of Director, Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and will be responsible for the two OATSIH teams and the Whole of Government Team.
Fran Lovell will continue in her role as Assistant State Manager, Health Programs and will be responsible for two health program sections as well as the State Office's Business Management Unit.
Changes to qualifications
The final draft for changes to Certificate III and Certificate IV in Aged Care & Home and Community qualifications has been released for comment.
Click here for an abridged version of the two drafts.
This is your last chance to provide feedback and it will be another five years before they are reviewed again. Your comments can be emailed to Vanessa Dayeh, or call (02) 9270 6616, or Anita Jacobsen or call
(02) 9270 6627.
News for Residential Members
Report on movement between hospital and residential aged care
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a preliminary report on the movement of people between acute hospital care and residential aged care. For some years the Institute has been developing an event-based data linkage method to link national hospital morbidity data and residential aged care data.
Click here to download the report.
Extra service status for residential aged care homes
The Department of Health and Ageing has invited approved providers of residential aged care to apply for Extra Service status in 2008. Applications will be accepted between: 15 February 2008 and 29 February 2008. All applicants must complete the approved application form. Click here to download the form and guidelines.
Combining adjacent residential aged care services
Combining residential aged care services is the administrative process whereby two or more aged care services located adjacent to each other and operated by the same approved provider, are combined into one aged care service using one of the existing RACS ids.
The advantages of combining residential aged care services include:
- Submission of only one monthly claim for Australian Government subsidy for care recipients.
- A Simplified claim and payment process.
- Requirement for only one Certification assessment.
- The need for only one accreditation site audit.
- No need to discharge and re-admit residents when moving form low to high level care if they remain in the same aged care service.
To combine residential aged care services, approved providers need to use an Application For a Variation of Conditions of Allocation For Residential Care Places For Combining Homes, Click here to download the form and further information.
More Aged Care Places for South Australia
The Commonwealth Government’s December 2007 Aged Care Approvals Round allocated 375 additional residential aged care places to South Australia.
Fourteen aged care providers received allocations, including:
- 50 high-care places for Canterbury Close Nursing Home in Elizabeth.
- 30 high-care and 30 low-care places for the new Southern Adelaide Aged Care Centre development in Daw Park.
- 50 high-care places for the new Mannum Residential Care centre in Mannum.
The allocation brings the total number of residential aged care places available throughout South Australia to 17,627.
Ordering DDA Record Sheets
ACS has had a number of recent enquires wanting to know where to order the DDA register sheets from. These can be ordered from:
Greta Blase greta.blase@dfc.sa.gov.au
Purchasing Officer – Procurement
Department of Families and Communities
Phone: 8207 0566 or 8207 0437 Fax: 8207 0456
Resident Committee Project
ACS SA & NT is involved in a collaborative project along with Aged Rights Advocacy Services, the University of Adelaide and other industry representatives to develop guidelines for improving resident committees.
The project’s objective is to strengthen the ability of residents of aged care services (and their relatives) to present their views, and enhance their ability to participate in internal feedback processes.
The intended outcome is a series of nationally applicable guidelines and self-assessment tools for effective Resident Committees.
News for Community Providers
Community Care Forum change of date
The Community Care Forum scheduled in the ACS Event & Training Calendar for March 18 2008, at the Stables Ballroom - Morphetville Junction, has been re-scheduled to April 4.
The topic will be Palliative Care in the Community. Click here for the flyer and registration form.
Draft Community Packaged Care Guidelines
In June 2007, DoHA released the Draft Community Packaged Care Guidelines, which aim to provide a complete guide to packaged care. These Draft Guidelines superseded the CACP Guidelines and EACHD Draft Guidelines as of July 1 2007.
All stakeholders have the opportunity until March 31 2008 to provide comments on the Draft Guidelines.
ACS will provide comments on behalf of members. Please email comments to Peta Braendler by March 21.
Employers Mutual OHS&W Grant
ACS has obtained an Employer Association Cash Incentive Grant from Employers Mutual to undertake a significant revision of the Health, Safety and Welfare for Home and Community Workers – Guidelines for Managing OHS&W: Aged Care, Disability Care and Community Care (Guidelines), a resource originally commissioned by WorkCover and Safer Industries.
There is a growing trend for people to remain in their homes, along with a growing demand for services to enable this lifestyle choice. Providing care within individual homes can present complex challenges, such as working in isolation; unsanitary conditions; challenging behaviours; working in smoky or dark environments; and working with unrestrained pets or untested electrical equipment.
The guidelines revision will incorporate a considerable amount of new information reflecting not only changes in legislation, but changes in expectations around meeting legislative requirements. The primary focus will be on developing practical tools and templates which, when applied, will reduce injuries and control risks in community settings.
The revision will occur in consultation with key stakeholders and will be launched in Safe Work Week. For more information contact Carol Mohan on 8338 7111.
Home maintenance officers forum
Home maintenance officers in the community care sector are invited to a forum on Thursday March 20 at the Parks Community Centre, Angle Park.
Click here to register by March 7.
ACFI Update
Industry concerns noted
The Department of Health and Ageing has acknowledged concern within the aged care sector regarding ACFI implementation. It has committed to work with industry associations to review a small number of organisations and consider the modeling to identify whether adjustments need to be made.
While there is no specific outcome at this stage, ACS SA & NT welcomes the decision of the Department to undertake a review of some modeling.
Validations: RCS vs ACFI
It is anticipated that the current RCS validation program will continue for up to six months after ACFI commences.
If a resident enters care before 20 March 2008, or has a current RCS that is due for reappraisal before 20 March 2008, an RCS appraisal or reappraisal must be conducted. After ACFI commences, residents who are currently classified under the RCS will not require an ACFI appraisal until their RCS expires. As long as a resident is classified under the RCS, the appraisal or reappraisal may be validated under the current RCS rules.
The Department will continue to monitor RCS claiming patterns in the lead-up to ACFI implementation and will investigate unusual changes to claiming patterns. Where fraud or systemic misclassification is suspected, targeted RCS validations may continue beyond six months after ACFI commences.
News for the Retirement Sector
Get Going Stay Active
COTA (Connecting Over-50s Throughout Australia) has produced a resource booklet to assist in the development and implementation of physical activity programs for over 50s in group settings.
COTA is able to assist groups to facilitate new activities for the duration of the Get Going Stay Active Project. To order a resource booklet contact COTA on 8232 0422.
News for Northern Territory Members
Volunteers get Alice Springs office
Volunteering SA & NT has appointed Tina Adams as its Alice Springs Project Officer. Her role will be to:
- Establish and maintain a volunteer managers network
- Coordinate and run events for National Volunteers Week
- Set up/coordinate training schedules for volunteers and VIOs in Alice Springs
- Build a base for on-going presence of Volunteering Territory.
Workplace Issues
Workplace Ombudsman targets aged care
This month the Workplace Ombudsman began a national compliance campaign, targeting the aged care sector.
The Workplace Ombudsman is the independent agency responsible for protecting and enforcing the rights of workers and employers under Commonwealth workplace relations laws. The campaign focuses on the employment conditions of vulnerable workers, and will specifically audit compliance with provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 1996, the Workplace Relations Regulations 2006 and relevant industrial instruments.
Stage 1 began during February with distribution of an information pack. Stage 2, in March, will involve compliance audits with a targeted number of employers.
Workplace Inspectors will audit compliance with employer and employee rights and obligations in relation to issuing payslips, and time and wages record keeping. They may also audit some of the following:
- Correct rates of pay.
- Loadings and penalty rates.
- Non-remunerated additional hours of work (including unpaid trial work).
- Employers’ obligations when negotiating workplace agreements.
- Apprentice and traineeship arrangements.
- Payment of district allowance.
- Sleepover allowances.
Employers who would like general information on rights and obligations in the workplace should contact the Workplace Infoline on 1300 363 264.
Click here for more information about the national campaign.
From discussions with other state associations and ACSA it appears that organisations will be selected randomly, although they may also be targeted if there have been previous complaints. The principal focus will be residential care, particularly ANZSIC categories of Accommodation for the Aged and Nursing Homes, with dual purpose staff also captured. Questions will be posted to selected organisations with an expectation that hard copy responses are returned for analysis. Notice will be given of any site visits conducted.
Audits will include questions relating to correct application of pay scales including the timeliness of paying increments and public holiday pay, obligations around 457 visa arrangements and outsourcing/contracting practices.
In order to better assist member organisations, ACS will meet with Carolyn Barnett from the office of the Workplace Ombudsman on February 28.
ACS would like to hear from organisations that have been approached for a compliance audit. Contact Carol Mohan on 8338 7111, to provide feedback or to discuss the campaign.
Call for small grant applications
The SafeWork SA OHS&W Small Grants Program provides grants for projects addressing priorities in the OHS&W Research Framework for South Australia, to contribute to reducing work injuries, diseases and fatalities in South Australia.
Applicants must conduct the project in SA and must hold a current ABN. Each project may receive funding of up to $50,000. Projects are expected to be completed within one year.
Applications close 5.00pm, Friday 29 February 2008. For further information email Bev Hodge, Senior Project Officer Grants, SafeWork SA or telephone 8204 9587.
Nursing and Midwifery Labour Force Report
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released the Nursing and Midwifery Labour Force Report containing national and state profiles of the nursing labour force.
Click here to download the full report.
Aged & Community Care Workforce Project
ACS has received approval from Office for the Ageing to use Home and Community Care funding to develop two resources aimed at attracting and retaining staff.
The resources will be suitable for residential and community care applications. The first resource will provide an overview of the type of work (paid and unpaid) available within the aged and community care sector; promote the benefits of working in this sector; outline training expected and desired and any training incentives available; and describe where job seekers can go to find employment/voluntary opportunities. This resource will be distributed to job networks and training providers.
The second resource will contain a package of information for employers about how to retain staff that includes ideas and best practice examples of flexible, family friendly work arrangements; mentor systems; job share initiatives; and leadership training.
For more information about the Aged & Community Care Workforce Project, email Carol Mohan or telephone 8338 7111.
ACS Education & Training Events
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.
The full events program for 2008 is available for viewing on the ACS Website Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, as well as being sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
Leadership Series
Being a leader takes skill, patience and perseverance. This tailored series
will provide participants with a comprehensive look at what it takes to be a
leader, how you lead and provide you with some very helpful tips to be the leader
that inspires, participates and respects others. All sessions can be attended
individually or if you wish to attend 2 or more sessions a 10% discount is provided
- a 20 percent discount is provided to attend all nine. Become the Leader you
want to be.
Module 7 - Working Styles - March 14, 2008 (9.00am - 1.00pm)
Module 8 - Project Management - April 4, 2008 (9.00am - 5.00pm)
Module 9 - Time Management - May 9, 2008 (9.00am - 5.00pm)
Click here for a registration flyer and program outline.
Module 7: Understanding different Working Styles
Date: Friday March 14 2008
Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton
One of the key aspects for people working together is their ability to use the diversity of members constructively. By using the Myers-Briggs personality styles as a foundation to understand different working styles, participants will
- gain insights into how different personalities think and approach problems and thus ensure that people
- respect and learn from these different ways of thinking and seeing.
- create a profile of the various teams and make explicit some of these team¹s potential blind-spots so
- members can build-in processes to manage these blind-spots.
- gain insights into how these personality differences play out and practice valuing the diversity team members bring.
Module 8: Project Management
Date: Friday April 4 2008
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton
This module will be broken down into the following sections:
- Introduction to Project Management
- Defining the Project
- Planning the Project
- Implementing the Project
- Completing the Project
Date: March 3 2008
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Registration Fee: Members $176, Non Members $246.40
Venue: Academy IT, Innovation House, Cnr Mawson Lakes Bvd & 1st Avenue, Mawson Lakes
Click here for the flyer
Date: March 4, 2008
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Registration Fee: Members $176, Non Members $246.40
Venue: Innovation House, Cnr Mawson Lakes Blvd & First Avenue Mawson Lakes
Click here for the flyer.
Financial Aspects of Resident Admission - Board Session
Date: March 25, 2008
Venue: ACS Training Room
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Registration Fee: Members $55, Non-Members $110
Conducted by: McInerney & Barratt Financial Solutions
Click here for a registration form
This information session will provide an opportunity for CEO’s and Board Members to gain important information on the specific issues relating to resident admissions.
Date: April 1 2008
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Registration Fee: Members $176, Non Members $246.40
Venue:Academy IT, Innovation House, Cnr Mawson Lakes Bvd & 1st Avenue, Mawson Lakes
Click here to download the flyer.
Implement the food safety program & procedures
Date: April 7 2008
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Registration Fee: Members $110, Non Members $154
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton
Click here for the flyer.
Zero Tolerance - Recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people
Dates: April 14 2008 - 1.00-4.00pm
May 21 2008 - 1.00-4.00pm
June 16 2008 - 1.00-4.00pm
Venue: ACS Office, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Time: See registration form
Conducted by Anglicare SA
Registration fees: Members $88, Non-members $154
Click here for a registration form.
Ideal for all staff, Board members, key personnel and new managers. Anglicare SA's Zero Tolerance - recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people program assists individuals and agencies to meet their legal and moral obligations for notification of abuse of the elderly. The training program provides essential education in recognising and addressing the broader scope of elder abuse to ensure a preventative approach is adopted within all service delivery settings. The training also provides strategies to effectively deal with instances of elder abuse that may occur. The training program covers:
- The attitudes and values of participants and the impact when considering whether behaviour is abusive.
- The definitions and context for what constitutes abuse of the elderly.
- The legislative context in Australia for reporting abuse and neglect, including the responsibilities of individuals.
- The importance of collaborative practices in responding to the abuse of the elderly.
The Training package is presented as an interactive workshop, utilising case scenarios and applies the adult learning principles as well as having the tick of approval for its Learning, Literacy and Numeracy content.
Comprehensive Assessment and Case Management/Understanding ACFI
Two day workshop
Dates: April 16 & 17, 2008
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Registration Fee: Members $275, Non Members $357.50
Venue: ACS training room
Click here for the flyer.
E-learning
The following recruitment courses are offered online via the ACSA e-Learning system:
- EEO – Best Practice Recruitment Guidelines
- Privacy For The Onhire and Recruitment Industry
- Effective Reference Checking
- Workchoices – Fundamentals
- Recruitment and Selection
- Develop Business Strategies To Source and Assess Candidates
- Develop Employment Management Services For Candidates
- Manage The Recruitment Process For Client Organisations
Formal Qualifications:
- Certificate IV in Business (Employment Services)
Click here for full details.
Industry Education & Training
Seminar on Cognitive Impairment
A two day seminar on Improving the Management of Cognitive Impairment for Older People will be held in Sydney on April 17-18.
Click here for program details.
Value adding with Easy Moves for Active Ageing® - EMAA
EMAA is a nationally accredited training program that provides aged care workers with the skills, knowledge and confidence to conduct safe and effective physical activity programs for older people in aged care facilities or in the community.
EMAA consists of an interactive, two day training format of lectures, demonstrations, brainstorming, discussions, practical sessions, assessments and feedback. The training is conducted by physiotherapists experienced in the fields of exercise, health promotion and aged care.
For further information or to obtain a booking form, please contact Marie Talbot at Active Ageing Australia® on (08) 8232 9077.
Upcoming training sessions for 2008:
February 26 and 27 - Kapunda
April 7 and 8 - Office for Recreation and Sport, Kidman Park
NoFalls Leader Training
Active Ageing Australia® has received funding through the SA Department of Health to run NoFalls Leader Training for health and fitness professionals in South Australia at no cost to participants.
The Leader Training and manual provide a successful exercise program to promote safety for older adults, by reducing the risk of falls. It assumes a basic level of training in the delivery of physical activities.
The NoFalls training will be held on the following dates in 2008:
April 2 - Adelaide (ACS)
April 11 - Port Augusta
April 30 – Adelaide (Office for Recreation and Sport)
May 7 - Port Pirie
There are very limited funded places available for the NoFalls training under the grant and certain criteria must be met. For queries or booking forms contact Tracey at Active Ageing Australia (08) 8232 9077.
RDNS training program
There are still places available in RDNS training courses running between now and the end of June 2008.
Click here for details.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT have 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
Message Media - SMS Messaging
OCAR - Employment Assistance Program
Mutual Community - ACS Health Insurance Plan
Jardine Lloyd Thompson - ACSure Insurance
EMA Consulting - Industrial Advice Service
SMS messaging
Does your organisation waste countless
hours every week, trying to fill gaps in staff rosters? messagemedia
solves this problem. Harness the speed, convenience and cost effectiveness of
SMS messaging, which is unrivalled by any other communication medium. Faster
than email, less intrusive and cheaper than phone calls - SMS has become an
essential business tool.
Instead of phoning members of staff one by one to see if they want an extra shift, send an SMS to the staff from your PC instantly. Sending the group SMS from your PC takes seconds, you include a phone number in the message so that staff that want to work the shift can call you. In our experience the whole process including the staff member calling in takes approximately 5 minutes.
Through a joint arrangement established between ACS SA&NT and messagemedia ACS SA&NT members are able to purchase the SMS messaging product at a reduced rate of $349.00 (saving $100.00). Call 1300 767 903 to discover more about the incredible impact messagemedia will have on your organisation.
Click here to download an expression of interest. Upon completion of this form messagemedia will contact you.
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 OCAR will contact you to commence the service.
ACSure - meeting your insurance needs
JLT Health & Aged Care has been servicing those operating and living in aged care facilities nationally for almost a decade and utilising this experience have developed ACSure in consultation with the management and membership of ACS SA & NT. JLT Health and Aged Care offer a range of ACSure product packages which ensure compliance with the Aged Care Act and structures packages for both small and large operators, including aged care facility operators, retirement living services and community care providers. ACSure are now online - click here to view their website.
For more information contact Bronson Justus or call 8418 0288.
As of 1st July 2006, EMA Consulting (EMA) has been providing ACS SA&NT Inc (ACS) Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA's 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 longer than this, it generally means
the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary ~ will be forwarded from ACS - 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 $175.00 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.
Simply contact EMA with your organisation's name and provide your client access number as shown on your client card (sent with your renewal of membership for 06/07). If you do not know your client number please contact Eileen King.
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