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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 9 Issue 7
July 2009
Please note some of the articles
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Index
From the CEO's desk
Arts, Ageing and Creativity Conference (22 & 23 October Adelaide)
The registration brochure has now been finalised and circulated as widely as possible but if you haven’t seen it visit our webpage. The speaker program is very good and the conference is great value at $500 (early bird) for a two-day event. Let others in your organisation know about it and join us to celebrate what can be done to improve the quality of life for older people through the medium of art in all its forms.
Review of Accreditation Agency Process
Many of you will be aware, following the circulation of our draft response, that ACS has prepared and forwarded a comprehensive submission to the review. I would encourage you to read the submission as we have sought to challenge current thinking about what constitutes a good accreditations system.
We suggest there should be choice in the market place and that others should be allowed to undertake accreditation, not just the existing agency. We have advocated for a continuous accreditation system where accreditation is only withdrawn if providers don’t meet expectations. It is our view that a new system should be based on a risk management approach which differentiates the level of risk. Essentially we see the new system as similar to that in the auditing profession, which seeks to achieve continuous improvement by targeting areas of risk identified during the audit process.
It is time for a significant rethink of what needs to be implemented to ensure that we measure quality rather than the current emphasis on compliance.
Value for Money
I recently read an article by a local consultant that questioned whether members were getting value for money from their respective peak bodies. This is, of course, always a moot point. My response to ACS members is a simple one. If you don’t think ACS membership is a valuable proposition then tell us what you would like ACS to be doing to assist. I can assure you that everyone at ACS SA&NT is dedicated to assisting you through sharing information and intelligence, the training courses we run and the activities we undertake.
But while you are assessing the value of association membership, take the time to question whether there is value in engaging consultants to do the work that others within the organisation could do as well if not better. Sometimes all you need to do is employ someone to do a specific job for a period of time, freeing up someone within the organisation to undertake another task!
Randstad new sponsor for ACS Snippets
ACS is delighted to announce that HR services provider Randstad will sponsor Snippets for the next twelve months.
About Randstad
Randstad specialises in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services across South Australia. Randstad’s services range from regular temporary staffing and permanent placement to inhouse, professionals, executive, and HR Solutions. Since acquiring Vedior in 2008, the Randstad Group is the second largest HR services provider in the world with over 34,000 employees working from 5,200 branches and inhouse locations in 52 countries around the world. Find out more .
Randstad Updates
Retaining great healthcare employees in challenging times
Reflective of the economic slowdown and its impact on business, the Randstad 2009 Employment Trends Report reveals the biggest human capital challenges facing employers in Healthcare over the next 6 to 12 months are managing internal change (18%) and retaining staff (18%). Respondents indicate there is still a significant skills shortage, with 34% intending to increase staff over the next 6 to 12 months, and 53% planning to maintain staff numbers.
As an employer in the healthcare industry who is managing retention and internal change, it may be of value to consider:
- Ensuring you have strong internal communications and policies in place to build a happy and cohesive culture.
- Giving employees regular opportunities to discuss their career aims, and also opportunities to realise these.
- Integrity as an employer and a brand. Ensure you are communicating not only the benefits of working with your company, but also what your company gives back – what truly differentiates you from your competitors.
- Keeping abreast of industry trends so your salary and employee benefit offering is competitive.
- Look to add value through health and wellbeing, additional training and development offerings and community support programs.
- Offering your employees flexibility in working arrangements where possible.
For more information, please contact Randstad consultant, Tim Pearce, on 08 8461 4430.
ACS SA&NT staff profile: Vicky Kurbis
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 Vicky Kurbis, our Finance Officer.
Background: Originally from England, Vicky lived in Darwin for 13 years before moving to Adelaide 15 years ago. She trained in the banking industry for 10 years before specialising in small business/not for profit bookkeeping/financial management.Prior to commencing at ACS she worked for the National Trust of South Australia as Finance Manager.
Current role: Vicky commenced as our Finance Officer in May '07. Her role is of bookkeeper/financial management for the organisation.
Interests: Vicky's interests revolve mainly around her home and children. She is currently experiencing the highs and lows of a major renovation project after foolishly watching too many lifestyle programs on Foxtel and says that she can't wait to get her kitchen back!
General News
National Report Issue 207
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:
- ACAR Outcome Raises Concerns
- Productivity Commission's Annual Review of Regulatory Burdens on Business
- Two Week Extension for Early Bird Registrations
- Award Modernisation for Residential and Community Aged Care
- Grim Financial Picture for Residential Care
- ACFI Advisory Services
- Residential Aged Care Accreditation Review
- Energy Efficiency Programs
- Nursing Scholarships Target Aged Care
- H1N1 Influenza Update
- Translated Influenza Posters
- Legislative Changes from 1 July
- New Disability and Human Rights Legislation
- New Disability and Human Rights Legislation
- Grants for Culturally Appropriate Aged Care
- Police Checks - Correction
Consultation and input sought on Productivity Commission Research Report
The Productivity Commission has recently released a draft research report: Annual Review of Regulatory Burdens on Business: Social and Economic Infrastructure Services. The Commission is seeking public consultation and input on the issues and recommendations raised in the report. Aged care was one of the items reviewed in the research, with the Productivity Commission proposing 13 draft recommendations to improve the quality of aged care services in Australia.
A summary of findings of the Productivity Commission draft research paper relating to the aged care sector is available for ACS members.
Inquiry into dental services for older South Australians
The Social Development Committee, a Standing Committee of the South Australian Parliament, is currently conducting an Inquiry into Dental Services for Older South Australians. A copy of the terms of reference is available.
The Committee advertised the terms of reference for this inquiry in The Advertiser and The Australian newspapers on 16 May 2009 with an invitation to interested persons or organisations to make submissions to the inquiry.
In addition, the Committee invites specific individuals and organisations to make submissions to the inquiry. Should you or your organisation wish to contribute to this Inquiry, a submission in writing or given orally before the Committee would be welcome.
If you have any questions about the Inquiry, the Committee’s procedures, or wish to discuss how you might participate, please contact Ms Robyn Schutte, Secretary to the Committee on (08) 8237 9416 or email
ACS intends to make a submission and I am keen to hear from members regarding this issue – please email your thoughts and experiences to Neville Stephens.
ACS Legislation Update Service – keep up to date with laws, legislations and regulations impacting on aged care!
Did you know that apart from the Aged Care Act 1997 and the Aged Care Principles, there are more than 100 pieces of State and Commonwealth legislation that have direct or indirect applicability to aged care?
ACS offers a legislation update service to ensure that your organisation receives up-to-date, legislative information in a summarised format that is relevant to aged care. Most ACS members have already subscribed to this service and have been receiving relevant legislative updates. Check with your organisation to see if you have a current subscription.
ACS members who have not yet subscribed to this service can download the Legislation Update Order Form to subscribe. This service provides you with:
- A copy of the Aged Care Act 1997 and Aged Care Principles
- A summary of all legislation relevant to aged care. Any amendments to the summary will be supplied free of charge when updates are made.
- When relevant legislation is amended by Parliament, ACS will send electronic updates of the legislation, along with a written analysis compiled by ACS of the major changes and potential impacts.
- An annual statement will be provided for accreditation purposes.
The service runs on a calendar year and new subscriptions will receive all legislative updates sent during 2009 to bring you up to date. The cost of the service to members is $495.00 (including GST). The annual update fee reduces to $412.50 (including GST) after the first year.
Not an ACS member? You can still use this service. The non-member rate is $660.00 (including GST) per calendar year. The annual update fee reduces to $577.50 (including GST) after the first year.
First step taken towards national e-health system
In an out-of-session communique, the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference has announced the first step towards a national e-health system. National consultations are set to begin the legislative framework to underpin the governance, privacy and agreed uses for national healthcare identifier numbers essential to a secure national e-health system.
All Australian residents will be allocated an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) to support better communication between healthcare providers involved in patient treatment – but no patient will be forced to use it to access any health service.
Advances in disability and human rights legislation welcomed
The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed two major initiatives for human rights of people with disability and their families. Both Houses of the Federal Parliament have passed the Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2008.
The Attorney-General has also announced that the Australian Human Rights Commission will be given specific responsibilities for monitoring Australia’s implementation of the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The amendments to the federal Disability Discrimination Act respond to findings by a Productivity Commission inquiry that stronger measures to ensure economic and social inclusion for people with disability are needed and make good economic sense.
The Commissioner also welcomed the formal recognition of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as part of the human rights framework. The passing of the Bill also legally changes the name of the ‘Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’ to the ‘Australian Human Rights Commission’.
Sorting system can help streamline urgent public dental care
The demand for public dental services exceeds the capacity of available resources. Services are therefore rationed by categorising them into those seeking emergency or general dental care and then, most commonly, by chronological queuing. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has recently released a report, Relative Needs Index Study, South Australia and New South Wales, which examines how to efficiently and fairly those limited resources are allocated in the face of need for urgent dental services.
The study used people's self-reported symptoms (pain or other oral symptoms) and consequences of oral problems to predict the urgency with which they should be seen as judged by a dentist. The study suggested that people's experiences can be readily collected by receptionist staff and appropriate advice given about the urgency of their need for dental care. This leads to a fairer system than a 'first come, first served' approach and assists with more consistency in how requests for dental services are handled across public clinics and allows better management of appointments and clinic staff.
Dementia Care – decision-making framework of support
A recently completed study by Professor Esther Chang, a leading researcher from the University of Western Sydney School of Nursing and Midwifery, has provided a decision-making framework of support that includes guidelines for aged care staff to assist people in residential aged care facilities. Four major symptoms were targeted – pain, constipation, weight loss and agitation/confusion. These symptoms have been recognised as particularly reducing the quality of life of people with advanced dementia and as being difficult for the primary care providers to treat.
Professor Chang previously developed a guide on advanced dementia for professional, community and family carers, which provides details on the progression and symptoms of the disease and options for care.
Find out more and download a copy of the framework for health professionals.
Free Flu Vaccine Program Extended
The Commonwealth Government recently announced the extension of the free seasonal flu vaccination program from 2010. Around $44 million will be allocated over four years to protect an additional 2.2 million vulnerable Australians, almost doubling the coverage of the vaccination program.
Older Australians will be eligible for free vaccinations from 1 January 2010. The extension of the program under the National Immunisation Program will cover people aged six months to 64 years who are medically at risk (such as those suffering chronic diseases including diabetes, cystic fibrosis or cardiac disease).
Doctors will be able to provide the vaccine directly to the public, avoiding any unnecessary administrative costs. Flu vaccinations are an effective tool used to prevent the spread of influenza in the community. The program aims to provide better access of the vaccine for the vulnerable groups and increase protection against influenza.
Find out more here.
Car limit and travel and overtime meal allowance expense amounts for financial year 2009-10
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has released new information on the taxation determination for the car limit and travel and overtime meal allowance expense amounts for the 2009-10 financial year.
The updated tax determination sets out what the ATO considers as reasonable amounts in relation to claims made for:
- Overtime meal allowance expenses;
- Domestic travel allowance expenses;
- Travel allowance expenses for employee truck drivers; and
- Overseas travel allowance expenses.
The new ruling also set out the car limit for 2009-10 financial year at $57,180. Visit the ATO website to download the taxation determination for travel and overtime meal allowance expense amounts.
Better Practice Project ‘Person centred Approaches ‘Workshop
Given the exceptional response to ‘Person centred approaches in service for older people: a workshop for service leaders’ planned for August, the Better Practice Project is excited to be able to offer this workshop again on:
Friday 18 September at
Julia Farr Association, 104 Greenhill Road Unley
9.00 am–4.30 pm.
This workshop is designed for managers and key staff with responsibility for the provision of HACC services.
For further information please email Joyleen Thomas.
Attention male aged or disabled care workers
Men are set to suffer more than women as unemployment soars, a South Australian researcher says.
Flinders University PhD candidate Megan Moskos says men are hit particularly hard in recessions as job markets dry up, and their employment rates are less likely to recover.
Ms Moskos, from the university's National Institute of Labour Studies, is trying to identify areas of strong employment growth and determine ways to attract and retain men in those areas.
One area that has experienced strong employment growth is aged and disabled care.
Megan is looking to talk to men working as aged and disabled care workers about how they came to be employed in these jobs.
It is hoped that the research will generate new insights into how to reengage men in the labour market.
If you are a male aged or disabled care worker and would like to contribute to please email Megan or phone 8201 2483.
If you are a manager of aged or disabled care services and have males on your staff, it would be appreciated if you could promote this research to them by printing this flyer.
Find out more about the research
Lynch Meyer Aged Care Briefing
Articles in the latest edition include
- Are your residence contracts unfair?
- Site contamination legislation is here!
- Resident records - who owns them and when they can be disclosed
- Can payroll tax be a recurrent charge? The NSW Tribunal says "yes"!
New Resources
Prevention of Falls and Harm from Falls – E-learning package for Health Professionals
SA Health and the Repatriation General Hospital have just launched a new DVD to assist health professionals in preventing falls. The DVD is a self-directed learning package based on the Prevention of Falls and Harm from Falls in Older People – Best Practice Guidelines for Australian Hospitals and Residential Aged Care Facilities. It takes between 1–2 hours to complete the package and has been endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing Australia and is worth 1 CNE point.
The DVD is available FREE of charge. The Department of Health has provided ACS with copies of the DVD for ACS members. Due to costs ACS is unable to post the DVD to members, but copies are available at the ACS office for pick up when convenient. Alternatively, you can download the program from the Falls SA website.
ACS will have also copies available at the Regional Forum on 17 July for members to pick up. If regional members are not attending the Regional Forum and would like a copy please contact Ann-Marie Hudson to discuss options for obtaining the DVD.
Medicare quick reference guides to support health professionals
The latest set of Medicare Australia Quick Reference Guides to assist health professionals in claiming Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items and prescribing certain Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines has just been released
The latest MBS Quick Reference Guides will assist health professionals by increasing awareness of the availability and correct use of skin lesion excision and practice nurse items.
The PBS guides outline the prescribing criteria for those wanting to prescribe medicine to treat a number of ailments under the PBS. The new PBS guides aim to clarify prescribing criteria for medicine including Esomeprazole, Gabapentin, medicine for the treatment of osteoporosis and lipid lowering medicine.
Medicare Aged Care News
Please click here for the latest edition.
News for Residential Providers
H1N1 Influenza vaccination packs, vaccines and training sessions
The H1N1 Influenza vaccine has now been developed and is currently undergoing clinical trials. The vaccine is expected to be distributed in September and October 2009.
The World Health Organisation has identified certain groups as being vulnerable to severe outcomes of influenza, including the H1N1 Swine Influenza. Some of these groups include those with chronic medical conditions, the indigenous people and the morbidly obese individuals. Health Care Workers will also be offered the vaccine in an effort to reduce the transmission of the virus to vulnerable groups.
The aged care sector has been identified in the South Australian Pandemic Influenza Vaccination Plan as an essential immunisation provider to deliver this vaccine to the those identified to receive the free vaccine.
The sector is also well placed to provide the H1N1 Pandemic Influenza vaccination programs as they have access to Registered and Enrolled Nurses.
A number of aged care sites are already providing onsite seasonal influenza vaccination programs to their staff and residents.These sites are in an ideal position to roll out a H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Program.
However, the majority of Residential Aged Care Facilities in South Australia do not provide an onsite seasonal influenza program for staff and residents. These sites do not have the infrastructure in place to provide the H1N1 Influenza vaccination program to the residents and staff.
SA Health is developing a contact list for the distribution of H1N1 Information packs, H1N1 vaccination packs and the H1N1 vaccines. These contact lists will identify a nurse who will play a vital part in the rollout of the vaccine in each facility. This nurse will receive information, training and support from the Immunisation Section.
The Aged Care Association Australia and the Aged & Community Services SA & NT Inc together with SA Health request that all aged care facilities in South Australia complete the attached form and fax back to the Immunisation Section, SA Health 08 8226 7197 by Thursday 30th July 2009.
The Immunisation Section will then contact each aged care facility to advise of the training times and venues. This will ensure there is a prompt vaccination response for all residents and HCW's in this sector once the H1N1 vaccine is available.
Changes to Residential Aged Care Fees & Charges for Same-Sex Couples from 1 July 2009
From 1 July 2009 people in same-sex relationships, and their dependent children, will have access to the same rights as other Australian families in respect of health and ageing programs. People of same-sex couples will be treated in the same way as members of opposite-sex couples in the income and assets tests for entry to permanent residential aged care.
A Department of Health & Ageing fact sheet outlines further details.
Residential Medication Management Review Program – call for submissions
The Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) Program aims to improve the medication management for permanent residents of Australian Government funded aged care homes and promote quality use of medicines in Aged Care Homes.
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has commissioned Campbell Research and Consulting to conduct an evaluation of the Program.
The Department is now seeking comments from organisations and individuals about the RMMR Program.
Find out more about lodging submissions.
Diary Date: Admissions information session, Tuesday 22 September at the Adelaide Pavilion
Please mark this session in your diary; it will provide information for families on your waiting list and an opportunity to have a free trade display.
ACFI Update
Feedback from the Department of Health and Ageing on ACFI reviews, June 2009
This information was prepared by the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) after initial reviews in facilities across Australia; it provides advice to assist facilities improve the accuracy of funding claims under the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI).
Free ACFI advisory services
KPMG has been engaged by the Department of Health and Ageing to provide free advisory services to assist residential aged care providers in the transition from the Resident Classification Scale (RCS) to the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI).
Find out more about the services offered to eligible providers during the implementation period. Applications must be lodged directly with KPMG before 31 July 2009 to be considered.
News for Community Providers
DVA – Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) and HomeFront
The RAP assists entitled veterans, war widows and widowers and dependents to be as independent and self-reliant as possible in their own home.
Fact sheets describe how the veteran community may obtain home modifications and household adaptive appliances if they have a clinical need and what aids and appliances they can access through the program. The HomeFront fact sheet describes HomeFront, a falls and accident prevention program
Veterans’ Home Care services (assessment, coordination and service delivery)
DVA will extend current Deeds of Standing Offer (contracts) between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) assessment agencies and service providers beyond their expiry on 30 November 2009 for a further two years.
ACS Forum: New Generation Community Care 29 June 2009
ACS recently held a community care forum to give members a ‘big picture’ policy update and to explore the future direction for community care. Delegates were provided with an excellent overview of current issues and policy directions.
The forum was well attended, with 96 registrations, and feedback was positive.
There remains further work for ACS to undertake on behalf of members, in partnership with other key players such as COTA, to lobby for a new generation community care to enable older people to age successfully. Feedback from participants has identified a number of issues for ACS to progress as priority for community aged care in 2009/10. ACS will keep members informed of activities in this area via Snippets, the website and future workshops.
Funding focuses on postgraduate community aged care
A series of nursing scholarships will assist aged care nurses in continuing their professional development. The Postgraduate Community Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme, which is funded by the Australian Government and administered by Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA), will offer aged care nurses the chance to engage in a variety of professional development activities that are directly related to community aged care.
The scholarships are open to registered nurses (division 1) across Australia who are working in the community aged care sector and have a current practising certificate. Applicants may apply for assistance towards more than one professional development activity under this scholarship program. The funding is aimed at nurses who can demonstrate that receiving a scholarship will allow them to make a significant contribution in community aged care.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 25 September 2009. Find out more here, phone 1800 551 201 or email.
Office for the Ageing newsletter
Please click here for the latest edition of the Office for the Ageing newsletter, June 2009.
Housing
National Housing Supply Council State of Supply Report
The National Housing Supply Council released its first State of Supply Report on Wednesday 11 March 2009. The report focuses on:
- projections of underlying demand and of land and housing supply over 20 years from 2008 to 2028
- the gap between housing demand and supply and implications
- a number of current influences on supply and demand, as well as the need for research
- discussion of data collection and methodology
Click here to access this document. (Source: CHASA)
National Housing Conference - Deadline Extended!
Great news for those yet to register for the 6th National Housing Conference, 'Housing in the new era: building the connections'.
24-27 November 2009
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
This event will provide a platform for exploring the essential connections between housing, people, place, community and nation
Please click here for the 4th National Housing Conference Newsletter and information on the deadline extension.
New reports for the housing sector
The ‘Apartments for Life’ Housing, Care & Support Concept for Older People
ACSA National Housing Report
Please click here for the latest edition of The National Housing Report, 22 June 2009, Issue 3.
Northern Territory News
Better Hospital services in Alice Springs
Residents of Alice Springs and surrounding communities will benefit from a $15.2 million boost to emergency and medical infrastructure at Alice Springs Hospital. The new two-storey emergency department will include 35 treatment cubicles, a ten-bed short stay unit, paediatric and psychiatric assessment areas, and areas for isolation and other medical procedures.
Alice Springs Hospital has a catchment area of 1.6 million square kilometres servicing a population of 55,000 people in Central Australia, including the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, in addition to the 40,000 tourists that visit the region each year.
Redevelopment work is expected to begin this year and be completed by 2012.
Changes to NT pensioner and carer concession scheme
The Northern Territory Government recently introduced changes to concessions for senior citizens, pensioners and carers. The Northern Territory Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme (NTPCCS) aims to provide incentives for Territory senior citizens to remain in the Territory during their retirement and to assist pensioners and carers (low income earners) with the cost of living in the Territory.
The NTPCCS will offer subsidies and rebates to eligible members for urban bus travel, motor vehicle registration, drivers’ licences, council rates, water, sewerage, power, garbage charges and spectacles. A 50% concession on a standard economy airfare will be available to eligible senior citizens, pensioners, carers or war veterans every two years for interstate or overseas travel. The 50% maximum cap for concessions on power accounts has also been removed.
The NTPCCS will also provide for:
- Free travel on the Territory public bus network for all seniors, pensioners and carers from 1 January 2009.
- Free Drivers’ Licences from 1 July 2009.
- Increases to Motor Vehicle Registration concessions for eligible members from 1 July 2009.
For further information, you can download the NTPCCS booklet from the Department of Health and Families website.
More Health Professionals for NT Communities
A significant milestone has been reached with the Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) placing its 100th health professional in a remote Indigenous community in the NT.
Since its first placement of a registered nurse last December, the RAHC had provided additional health professionals such as doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to health services in the NT. The RAHC is an important part of the Australian Government’s $99.7 million initiative to reform primary health care in the Northern Territory which started in July 2008.
Rural & Regional News
Rural & Remote providers: attend the ACSA National Conference for free!
- REGISTRATION
- DINNER TICKET
- AIRFARE
- ACCOMMODATION
could be yours…
If you are a rural and remote, including indigenous, service provider and would like the opportunity to attend the upcoming National Conference as a sponsored delegate then apply now!
ACS Regional Forum
Setting out early for a day of meetings in Adelaide is nothing new for ACS rural members. Last Friday, 59 rural and regional delegates were rewarded for their efforts with a day of excellent speakers, great food and helpful networking. The Regional Group heard about the mysteries of government, that climate change is REAL, that the profile of aged care professionals and their work is about to be considerably raised. The concurrent sessions featured a useful discussion with Nancy Morelli, tell-tale signs of fraud in your workplace and how to avoid car accidents and incidents.
Special thanks to the interstate & local speakers, sponsors CCI Purchasing Group & Hesta and host Barry Graham.
Workplace Issues
Lynch Meyer Workplace Relations Briefing
Articles in the latest edition include:
- Record payout for sexual harassment against a South Australian employer
- Code of Practise to manage sexual harassment
- South Australia refers Industrial Relations Power to the Commonwealth
- Changes to Unfair Dismissal Laws from 1 July 2009
- Discrimination... The employee does not always win!
EMA Consulting Issue notes
EMA Note Issue 16 2009 - Australian Fair Pay Commission Wage Decision
EMA Note Issue 15 2009 - Enterprise Agreements - Critical Procedural Rules Apply
Research, Publications & Grants
Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released an information paper on the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). This was brought about by the Pensioner Review Report released in February 2009 highlighting the need for an alternative measure of price change, other than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), that was more responsive to changes in the pensioner’s purchasing power.
The PBLCI specifically reflects changes in the living costs of pensioners and other households receiving income support from the government. The Commonwealth Government has indicated that it will use the PBLCI to index base pension rates where it is higher than the CPI. The PBLCI will be published quarterly by the ABS commencing on 24 August 2009.
Further information is available by accessing the ABS website - Information Paper: Introduction of the Pensioner Cost Living Index (PBLCI) (cat. no 6466.0.0).
Saffron: key to prevention of loss of sight in old age?
Researchers have shown promising results in using the culinary herb saffron in preventing loss of sight in old age and in improving vision in people with certain eye diseases.
Preliminary studies by Professor Silvia Bisti of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Vision Science (The Vision Centre) and University of L’Aquila, Italy, showed how saffron was having effects on the genes which regulate the performance of the eye’s key vision cells.
The study demonstrated the potential of the expensive herb in protecting vision cells (photoreceptors) from damage and slow down and possibly even reverse the course of blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa.
Early findings from a clinical trial with patients suffering AMD in Rome found that treatment with a dietary supplement of saffron may cause damaged eye cells to recover. Apart from its anti-oxidant properties, saffron appears to affect genes which regulate the fatty acid content of the cell membrane resulting in tougher, more resilient vision cells.
Single in middle age – a risk for dementia
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal showed that living in a relationship with a partner might have a protective effect against cognitive impairments in later life.
The Finnish study showed that people who live alone in middle age face nearly double the risk of developing cognitive problems in later life compared with married or cohabiting counterparts.
The risk was almost triple among those who had been widowed or divorced in mid-life and were not living with a partner in later life.
The study factored in education, smoking habits and other variables that are known to affect cognitive impairment in their analysis.
There was also a big difference between the sexes. Compared with co-habitants, men who lived alone in mid-life were two and a half times likelier to develop cognitive impairment later in life. The risk for women, though, was lower at 1.87 times.
The study also found a higher risk of for Alzheimer’s disease in people living alone and had a variant of a gene called apolipoprotein E-e4 (a protein associated with this disorder).
The authors of the study suggested that living with a partner “might imply cognitive and social challenges” that help shield against dementia. The results of the study contribute to the body of knowledge that links the importance of social factors in sustaining health brain function.
The full article is available for download from the British Medical Journal website .
Workforce planning for the community services and health industry
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released a paper on Workforce planning for the community services and health industry. The paper provides an overview of the various occupations in this industry and discussed the outputs of specific vocational and educational training (VET).
The paper recommended that workforce planning should concentrate on occupations within the community services and health industry, specifically highly skilled occupations. The paper also showed that most graduates from community services or VET courses find employment and that the qualification levels have dramatically increased over the last decade.
The full report can be accessed from the NCVER website.
Older People Benefit From Progressive Resistance Strength Training
Researchers from the Department of Occupational Therapy at Indiana University found strong evidence that progressive resistance strength training not only helps older adults become stronger but also makes their everyday life easier.
Progressive resistance strength training uses free weights, exercise machines, or elastic bands to strengthen muscles. An essential component of training is adjusting the resistance, or weight, as the individual’s strength improves.
With older age, muscle strength naturally declines and can affect the performance of daily activities. Progressive resistance strength training can be used to help older adults gain the strength necessary to carry out everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, bathing or doing housework.
The researchers conducted a Cochrane review of 121 trials and found that people over the age of 60, who trained two to three times a week showed:
- a large improvement in muscle strength;
- a moderate to large improvement in doing simple activities such as getting up from a chair or climbing stairs; and
- a small but statistically significant improvement in doing complex daily activities, such as bathing or preparing a meal.
The studies also reported no severe adverse effects associated with progressive resistance training apart from muscle soreness and some pain. Although the long term effects of training were not reported in the studies reviewed, the researches still recommend older adults to consult with a health professional in developing a progressive resistance strength training program.
Primary healthcare research update
“Snapshot of Australian primary healthcare research 2009” was recently launched to highlight 12 primary health care research projects funded through the Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development Strategy.
Results from the various studies showed promising results in a broad range of health issues aimed at providing evidence to guide future health policies and initiatives. Of particular interest are the outcomes of projects that researched chronic disease management. The study conducted by Professor Mark Harris demonstrated how enhancing the role of nurses and practice staff in chronic disease care increased the proportion of patients with a care plan, decreased referral to external services and patients reporting a better quality of care.
A systematic review of chronic disease self-management by Dr Sarah Dennis also found that self-management support such as patient education and motivational counselling improved disease control and quality of life. The review also presented a wide range of interventions that can be used in managing chronic disease.
Other studies included in the booklet covered topics in depression, heart disease and child and youth health.
Whole body vibration training for older people
Research findings from Belgium found whole body vibration (WBV) training to be an efficient alternative for conventional exercise training in older individuals. The study published in Age and Ageing in July 2009 compared the cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in a community dwelling population following one year of conventional fitness training, WBV training and a control group.
Conventional fitness training consisted of cardiovascular, resistance, balance and stretching exercises. The WBV group exercised on a vibration platform and the control group did not do any form of training. After one year, the fitness group and WBV group showed significant improvements in muscle strength and time-to-peak exercise. The fitness group improved significantly more in time-to-peak exercise than the WBV group.
The researchers concluded that WBV can be a safe and effective training alternative in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength of older people.
Coming Events
4th International Conference on community health nursing research
Veterans Health Week Expo – Wednesday 26 August
The Expo will be held at the Torrens Parade Grounds, War Memorial Drive, 10 am–3 pm on Wednesday 26 August. It is being planned as a fun day out for all family and friends of Veterans.
There will be free on site parking, give-aways, exhibitions, free health checks.
Please click here for a poster to print off and put in your workplace, or to send to veterans you have contact with.
For more information please contact the Veterans Advisory Network on 82900301.
The 10th annual SA Gerontology Conference - Friday 28 August
This Conference will be held at the Stamford Grand, Glenelg on Friday 28 August 2009 and will bring together a wide range of people with an interest in Ageing, and offers a great opportunity to share innovative work and recent knowledge in this field.
Keynote speakers include
- Professor Robert Newton, Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University WA
- Dr Lynn Arnold, Chief Executive, Anglicare SA
- Professor Jennifer Abbey, Consultant ACH Group
- Robbi Williams, CEO Julia Farr Group
- Professor Esther May, Head,School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia
- Professor Julianne Cheek and Megan Corlis, ARC Linkage Project: Alone in a Crowd - Supporting older Australians managing loneliness
To register for the 2009 SA Gerontology Conference CLICK HERE
School of Nursing and Midwifery Sixth Annual Research Summit - 25 September
ONLY 9 DAYS UNTIL CLOSE OF ABSTRACTS
The School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University invites you to the Sixth Annual Research Summit – 'Showcasing Research Partnerships', which will be held on 25 September 2009, at the Education Development Centre, Hindmarsh, from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
This year they are calling for abstracts for presentations at the Summit which showcase a research partnership project or address any aspect of research partnerships. Please note the deadline for abstracts is Friday, 31 July 2009.
Find out more
Carers’ Workshop: care of the client in residential care and in the community - Wednesday 4 November
'Caring for Carers' workshop
18th National Conference on Incontinence
Wednesday 4 November 2009
8 am–12 pm
Adelaide Convention Centre
Scholarships to support health professionals to attend the 18th National Conference on Incontinence are also available. Applications close 7 August 2009. Find out more.
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.
ACS Members-Only Business @ Breakfast: The Housing and Community Expectations of Older South Australians - Current Research Evidence
This Breakfast will present further information about the research commissioned by ECH Inc. and discuss what the implications are for the ILU/retirement industry.
Date: Thursday 6 August
Time: 7.30-9 am
Venue: Gill Langley Room, Adelaide Oval Function Centre, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide
We have to talk: crucial converations or confrontations
Designed for all staff who need to manage disagreements and difficult behaviours constructively before they turn into confrontations. This course is stand-alone but will provide more in-depth information following on
Learn how to:
- Understand basic principles of managing anger and conflict in a myriad of situations
- Understand what a “Crucial Confrontation” is
- Stay focused on what you really want
- Make It Safe to Talk about almost anything
- Stay in dialogue when you are angry, scared or hurt
Date: Friday 14 August 2009
Time: 9.30 am-12.30 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
Dale Carnegie Course: How to Build Trust, Credibility and Respect
In this new course designed for managers, supervisors, team leaders, project leaders, you will learn how to:
- Recognise the power of trust, credibility and respect in the workplace
- Capitalise on our core values and attributes to develop self-respect and a code of ethics
- Apply principles and tactics to build trust-based relationships
- Break the fear–distrust cycle and restore broken trust
- Build a workplace culture of trust, credibility and respect
Date: Wednesday 19 August 2009
Time: 9 am-4.30 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
The ACS member cost for Dale Carnegie seminars is $297 per person - a significant discount on the cost of public Dale Carnegie seminars. ACS is offering additional savings for member organisations that register three or more individuals in any one course - $276 per person. All prices include GST.
Personal Safety & Managing Conflict Situations in Residential Care
This course has been specifically designed for team leaders, coordinators, care workers, case managers, allied health and volunteers. It will be relevant to anyone providing Commonwealth or State funded community care programs - HACC, CACPs, EACH, EACH-D, DTC, VHC and NRCP.
The course offers unique models to provide practical solutions for assessing risk as it unfolds and signalling non-aggression, and is supported by a detailed participant workbook. As this workshop is highly interactive, numbers are limited to 12 participants. Further sessions will be run if sufficient demand.
Date: 24 August 2009
Time: 9 am-4.30 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
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
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
Free Dementia workshops by international guests
The SA & NT Dementia Training Study Centre (SA & NT DTSC) invites you to attend three free Dementia Workshops to be presented by two international guest speakers, Ms Joyce Simard and Dr Ladislav Volicer, on Monday 3 August and Wednesday 5 August 2009 at Alzheimer's Australia SA.
“Quality of life for people with mild and moderate dementia” – three-hour workshop
9:30am to 12:30pm on Monday, 3 August 2009
“Quality of life for people with advanced and terminal dementia” – three-hour workshop1:30pm to 4:30pm on Monday, 3 August 2009
“Quality of Life for People with Dementia” - Informal evening workshop/cocktail event.5:30pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Find out more about the workshops.
Industry Supporters
Mutual Community Corporate Health Plan: Join today and you could win a 42 inch plasma TV valued at $1,200
Join us through your corporate health plan, and not only will you enjoy all the benefits of belonging to your corporate health plan, you'll also go into the draw to win a 42 inch plasma TV!
Simply join HBA or Mutual Community before 31 August to go into the draw to win.
To find out more or to join, simply call 1800 649 406.
New website for CCI Group Purchasing
CCI Group Purchasing has launched a new website! Click here to view
Statewide Appliance Spares and Distributors specials
Statewide Appliance Spares and Distributors is the official Speed Queen Laundry supplier in South Australia. We also distribute commercial Vacuum Cleaners, Polishers, Scrubbers and Sweepers.
As a long standing member of Aged and Community service we are committed to provide the best products at the best prices and we back all this up with our quality after sales spare parts and service.
Feel free to come and inspect our goods at our display outlet at 178 Sturt Street Adelaide
Statewide Spares can also supply all your spare parts requirements for most major electrical brands such as LG, Panasonic, Fisher & Paykel, Whirlpool, Hitachi, SpeedQueen washers and dryers, Maytag, Samsung, Mitsubishi, Electrolux , Sanyo, Miele, Sharp, Nilfisk and many more. We also have a large range of non genuine parts.
So if you require any fridge seals, shelves, remote controls, vacuum bags, elements, hoses or any spare part do not hesitate to call on 0882313369 or email or visit our new website for a comprehensive list of companies and products or come and visit us at 178 Strurt Street Adelaide
Please click here to view our current monthly special list.
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