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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 6
June 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.
Index
From the CEO's desk
Award Modernisation
In the last month ACS SA&NT has sent two communiqués regarding award modernisation to all CEOs of member organisations.
Following a meeting with representatives from Minister Gillard and Elliot’s offices, in which they sought clarification from ACS regarding award detail where it was felt that inappropriate benchmarking had been set, ACS responded by letter to Minister Gillard. ACS has also written to all SA Federal representatives (and will be writing to key state politicians) alerting them to the sector’s concerns.
Home Care Award (Stage 4)
Stage 4 (Home Care) of the ‘program’ has now commenced with ACSA taking a greater lead role than was the case with the Nurses and Aged Care awards. ACSA is coordinating a national committee comprising representatives from all state offices.
The committee met on 22 June to discuss what it would like to see in a Home Care Award; committee members felt there should be three awards which should form part of State 4 covering:
- Professional and social welfare staff – social workers, community care coordinators
- People with disabilities working in supported employment
- Community care workers, domestics, maintenance staff etc.
If successful, this approach would remove home care from the Aged Care award although some provisions may be needed to cover nurses working in community care situations.
Further updates will be provided regularly.
ACSA Image Project
Arrangements have been made to forward the ACS contribution of $15,000 (endorsed by the Board Executive) to ACSA before the end of the financial year. To date the total SA contribution is about $75,000.
At recent ACSA meetings evidence suggests that at the very least the lower level campaign (magazine advertising) plus the Rudd ageing clip and Gran-o-gotchi initiative would go ahead. The ACSA Board made a decision not to proceed until the banked contributions had reached a certain level – $500,000 and pledges of a higher figure. ACSA still has fundraising activities to undertake in NSW and Victoria.
ACSA State and National Awards
I strongly encourage members to nominate in the 2009 ACSA Awards before they close tomorrow –COB Friday 26 June, 2009. These Awards promote and recognise excellence in a range of areas that contribute to the quality of life of older people, people with disabilities and/or their carers. They also acknowledge efforts to increase public confidence and community involvement in aged and community services.
The State Award categories are:
- Employee
- Volunteer
- Trainee
- Organisation
- Media
- Industry Supporter
All State Award winners will be nominated for the National Awards in their relevant categories.
Further information, including eligibility criteria and nomination forms
Advocacy (Lobbying) Federal & State
Federal
ACS has put considerable effort into articulating South Australia’s position on award modernisation (Aged Care and Nurses Awards) having met with advisers from Gillard and Elliot’s office, the Opposition (Keenan and May), Senator Xenophon and the Australian Greens.
As a consequence of the visits (and lobbying from other sectors), the Opposition tabled amendments to the transitional arrangements that sought to have the AIRC take greater account of the economic circumstances and to ensure that changes were spread over the full five-year transition period.
Discussions with Gillard and Elliot’s representatives resulted in some further work being done which highlighted the specific SA concerns and how these benchmarked against current NAPSA provisions.
ACS provided some questions for Senator Xenophon for the recent Senate Estimates session covering matters raised in the Senate Inquiry, award modernisation and other issues.
State
There is still no further advice forthcoming from Minister Lomax-Smith’s office about a meeting to discuss the Schedule 8 issue despite ongoing contact with the office. Following some additional intelligence gathering through Drug and Alcohol Services, further lobbying will be undertaken with state politicians. There is a developing view that the Minister has done all that is intended regarding this matter having deliberately chosen not to make all aged care facilities health services, thus ensuring that the status quo remains in low care. In a general sense aged care benefits from being able to use enrolled nurses for the administering of Schedule 8 drugs in high care facilities.
The state budget was very disappointing on the aged care front with the only direct benefit being withdrawing the land tax matter regarding for-profit providers – a long standing anomaly. ACS has an opportunity to work through some of the recommendations contained in its Vision document with the yet to be established whole-of-government (ageing) working party and through policy development initiatives with the State Opposition.
ACS and RVA have written to the State Planning Minister seeking inclusion as a participant in the development of the Plan for Greater Adelaide. Planning SA have already responded and an initial meeting is being organised for the week beginning 22 June.
Media
Two media releases were produced during the reporting period:
Following an approach from the Adelaide Hills Weekender publication, aged care articles (provided by ACAA-SA, RVA and ACS) will feature on a regular basis. The publication claims a readership of 45,000.
ACS SA&NT staff profile: Jeric Uy
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 Jeric Uy, our Research & Policy Officer.
Background: Jeric trained as a physiotherapist and has worked in academic, research and clinical settings in the Philippines and Adelaide. Prior to commencing at ACS, he worked at the Australian Bureau of Statistics and previously in Workplace Injury Management, Aged Care and teaching at the University of Adelaide.
Current role: Jeric took over from Ann-Marie Hudson in the Research / Policy Officer position. His role provides research support to the various projects within ACS and provides updates on legislation that can affect aged and community services.
Interests Jeric has a passion for travelling and musical theatre and tries to combine both if he can. Last year he went on a round-the-world trip, visiting 11 cities across Asia, Europe and North America. He also likes to read (anything from scientific journals to comic books) and tries to experiment with cooking (with some degree of success)!
General News
National Report Issue 205
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:
- Four Corners - the End of the Line
- Get Up, Stand Up! ACSA National Conference 2009 Perth 13-16 September
- Cirque de Soins des Personnes Ages
- Queen's Birthday Honours Awards
- Early End to Solar Rebate Scheme, New Scheme Could Benefit Sector
- Respite Care for People Living with Dementia: It is more than just a short break.
- New Health Parliamentary Secretary's Aged Care Link
- Review of the Residential Aged Care Accreditation Process
- Disability Parking Scheme
- Senator Xenophon's Statements on New Aged Care Award
- Senator Fifield Attacks Budget Changes to Continence Aids Supply
- Planning and Allocating Aged Care Places and Capital Grants
- May 2009 Edition of Age Matters
- The Australian Health Care System: The Potential for Efficiency Gains.
Legislative changes relevant to the Aged Care Assessment Program (ACAP)
These changes are expected to:
- Improve the timeliness of ACAT assessment by reducing the number of unnecessary assessments;
- Ensure that ACAT reassessments are only conducted for people who genuinely need them; and
- Improve the equity of access for some forms of flexible care by allowing a person to access care at a lower level in the community.
Read more here. Further information is available here.
New legislation tabled for midwives and nurse practitioners
New legislation giving 'eligible midwives' and nurse practitioners prescribing rights on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medical benefits Schedule (MBS) will allow more Australians to access quality, affordable health care according to the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF).
The Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill and a Professional Indemnity Bill covering midwives was tabled in Federal Parliament on 24 June 2009.
Once this legislation is passed, these changes will provide Australians with greater choice about their healthcare via improved access to the skilled services of our nurses and midwives.
Nurse practitioners will now be supported to work to their full potential and provide care in the most appropriate settings, such as aged care facilities, primary care settings or people’s homes.
Microsoft revised eligibility for charity licensing
Microsoft has now posted its revised definition of eligibility for ‘Charity Open’ licensing on its website. The effect will be to allow charitable aged care services with fewer than 60 beds to access these discounted licences.
The Aged Care Industry IT Council will shortly start discussions with Microsoft about volume licensing for larger aged care providers and some churches have already spoken to Microsoft about this.
New rates of payment for subsidies and supplements
Please click here for a copy of the new increased rates of payment for aged care subsidies and supplements, which will come into effect on 1 July 2009.
Aged care sector to benefit from $148 million indexation boost
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot recently announced a $148 million boost in funding to the residential aged care and community care sector during the 2009-10 financial year as a result of annual indexation.
This brings total Government funding to the sector next financial year to more than $9.9 billion and is in addition to the recent Budget initiatives.
The 2009-10 Budget included the Government’s commitment to maintaining the Conditional Adjustment Payment, which will deliver $2.3 billion to the residential aged care industry over the next four years.
It also contained an additional $728 million in revenue for residential aged care over the next four years as a result of the increases in the base rate of the age pension and viability supplements.
As a result of indexation, from 1 July, payments for residential care subsidies and supplements will increase by $130 million and community care subsidies by $18 million – an increase of nearly two per cent.
Better Practice Project – more Train the Trainer sessions in 2009 
The Better Practice Project is pleased to advise that due to demand, they will be conducting further Train the Trainer sessions this year to equip HACC providers to use the ‘Living as an Older Person’ competency training package. The next Train the Trainer session is planned for the Southern region –Thursday 23 July 2009 at 9.30 am–3.30 pm. We are keen to present the training in other regions also – please contact Joyleen for further information.
The Better Practice Project is auspiced by Aged & Community Services SA & NT Inc. It provides support, information, training, resource development, mentoring and consultation to work in partnership with agencies to define, develop, inspire and assist them to embed a person-centred approach in their service delivery.
The Project is available to follow up and support agencies within their regions to implement this interactive training. There are examples where staff from a number of agencies joined together to present the ‘Living as an Older Person’ materials – this was especially embraced in the country areas. After a session one coordinator responded, “Fantastic, I am really motivated and encouraged – I realise that I can be part of the process, not leave it to someone with “more expertise”, and from another participant “the session provided me with skills and tools and increased confidence to be able to provide some training in the organisation”.
For more information please email Joyleen or Marilyn or phone 8338 7111
ACSA State and National Awards
These Awards promote and recognise excellence in a range of areas that contribute to the quality of life of older people, people with disabilities and/or their carers. They also acknowledge efforts to increase public confidence and community involvement in aged and community services.
The State Award categories are:
- Employee
- Volunteer
- Trainee
- Organisation
- Media
- Industry Supporter
- All State Award winners will be nominated for the National Awards in their relevant categories.
ACS SA & NT encourages members to nominate in the 2009 ACSA Awards. The Awards close COB Friday 26 June, 2009.
Please click here for further information, including eligibility criteria and nomination forms
Managing an outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) in the PROTECT phase
ACS has been regularly updating members regarding H1N1 (swine) Influenza 09. We recently received updated information about how to manage an outbreak of the H1N1 Influenza virus in the PROTECT phase, for residents, staff and visitors.
H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Vaccine
The H1N1 Pandemic Influenza threat to Australia has prompted the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing to request the development of a H1N1 Influenza Vaccine.
It is anticipated that the groups who would be eligible to receive the H1N1 Influenza vaccine would include Health Care Workers and those medically at risk. This includes individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and other respiratory conditions, chronic heart conditions and the immune suppressed.
In 2009 many Aged Care organisations conducted on-site Influenza Vaccination Programs for their staff and/or residents. These programs were delivered by:
- The organisational nurses, who had received immunisation training earlier in the year; or
- Other providers who were contracted to deliver the staff influenza program on behalf of the organisation.
The organisations who have immunisation trained nurses now have the ability to offer a H1N1 Pandemic Influenza vaccination program to all staff and residents in the organisation once the vaccine is available. Those organisations that do not have immunisation trained nurses may not have the option to access other immunisation providers as they may be utilised in other areas.
The Immunisation Section will be offering training sessions to up-skill nurses from all areas. This training will be targeting Registered and Enrolled nurses to provide the necessary information and resources required to provide H1N1 influenza vaccines in their workplace or in mass vaccination clinics.
For further information on training sessions please contact the Immunisation Section call centre on: 8226 7177
For up-to-date information on the H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
Tax break for new investments
The Small Business and General Business Tax Break measure has been passed by Parliament and is now law. The measure was announced on 3 February 2009 as part of the Government's Nation Building and Jobs Plan. It provides an additional deduction for business investment in new, tangible depreciating assets and new expenditure on existing assets.
The tax break is one of the measures implemented by the Government to support economic activity and employment and stimulate new capital investment by Australian businesses in the face of the current global economic environment.
Business can claim up to 30% deductions in the income tax return for the income year in which the eligible asset is first used or installed ready for use. Find out more.
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.
Transition Care Forum invitation and call for abstracts
Date: 24 November 2009
Venue: National Convention Centre, Canberra ACT
This Forum will be held immediately prior to the Australian Association of Gerontology Conference.
Fact sheets about the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 and Mental Health Act 1993
The Office of the Public Advocate has produced a series of fact sheets about the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 and the Mental Health Act 1993.
Australian Hospital Statistics 2007-2008
The AIHW has just released a report on Australian hospital statistics 2007-08, presenting a broad range of information on Australian public and private hospitals. In 2007-08 there were 7.9 million hospitalisations: 60% of these were in public acute hospitals; 566,000 admissions from public hospital elective surgery waiting lists with a median waiting time of 34 days; 7.1 million presentations to public hospital emergency departments, with 69% of patients seen within recommended times for their triage categories; and 1,314 public and private hospitals. Public hospital expenditure was $29 billion.
Aged & Community Services Australia
2009 National Conference - program announcement
13-16 September 2009, Perth, Western Australia
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
The ACSA 2009 National Conference organising committee are pleased to announce the involvement of Professor Naina Patel, Dr Penny Flett and The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi in a panel of prominent businesswomen and leaders, exploring the art of Balancing on the Tightrope at the ACSA 2009 National Conference.
Through informal discussion these women will explore the challenges and opportunities tackled by them during their outstanding careers, with the goal of illuminating the way for new and emerging leaders in the aged care sector. The discussion will allow the audience to delve into the personal strategies and tactics employed by these women to achieve the success and much needed change in their chosen field notwithstanding the obstacles and bureaucracy they confronted. These women have all achieved personal success while focussed on the goal of bettering services and support for their community and society. The session will share insights into these women's:
- strategies and approaches in their professional life to progress their vision and agendas
- responses and attitudes to externally applied regulation, compliance versus self management/regulation
- measuring progress towards goals and maintaining momentum
- advice to aged care leaders who are struggling with the many competing demands of consumers, community, government and internal stakeholders
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION CLOSING IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!
Early bird registration closes on Friday 3 July 2009.
Don't miss out on securing a discounted registration rate - register by Friday 3 July and you will save between $105 and $170 per registration.
To register online, please click here.
New Resources
Re-launch of CareSearch website
CareSearch promotes the evidence-based practice of palliative care, and provides good quality, practical, up-to-date information and resources.
CareSearch has provided information written to-date specifically for patients, carers, their family and friends. They have now re-launched this section following a full review, with information now presented on ‘about palliative care’, ‘living with illness’, ‘how to care’, ‘at the end’ and ‘bereavement, grief and loss’.
The pages for GPs have also been reviewed, and now include information on ‘managing symptoms’, ‘the dying patient’ and ‘following up the bereaved’ and many other topics. These pages are of interest and relevance to health professionals and consumers alike.
There are also new and updates materials that can be ordered. You can find details on the Promotional Materials page.
Australian Non-profit Sector Legal Almanac 2008 now available free
This is the only publication in Australia to summarise annual developments in the law for non-profit staff, boards and volunteers, incorporating case reports and significant legislative initiatives. Download a free copy.
News for Residential Providers
Review of the Residential Aged Care Accreditation Process
DoHA is currently reviewing the accreditation process for residential aged care facilities and is seeking comment from organisations and individuals with an interest in improving the process. The outcome of the review will inform options for improving the accreditation process for the Minister’s consideration.
A discussion paper has been released to assist comment. However, submissions need not be confined to issues in the paper and can address other matters relevant to the accreditation process. Please email your comments to Neville Stephens, Residential Services Manager.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Recalls
Click here for a copy of the Summary of Recalls for May 2009.
ACFI Update
Information request - loss of income
In the April 2009 Snippets members were advised that the Department of Health and Ageing was currently monitoring ACFI and the ACFI Technical Reference Group had been established to provide technical advice and guidance to the Department regarding evaluating the assessment instruments underpinning the ACFI.
To assist the ACFI Technical Reference Group, members were asked to provide more detailed case studies regarding any loss of income experienced with the ACAT practices and the ACFI funding model.
ACS would like to stress to its members that it is imperative that information on this matter be provided to assist the Technical Reference Group. ACS is keen to hear from members regarding this issue – please email your experiences to Neville Stephens. Members are also reminded that when transferring residents between facilities it is important that all necessary paperwork is received by the transferee. This is particularly important for ACFI validations.
News for Community Providers
Day Therapy Centre Funding
In an earlier edition of Snippets, ACS advised that the Commonwealth was in the process of renewing funding agreements with Day Therapy Centres, but there have been some delays and the Commonwealth has provided the following information:
‘The Department is currently working towards entering into two-year funding agreements for the Day Therapy Centres for the period July 2009 to June 2011. Under new procurement and contract arrangements which only came into effect in May 2009, we are required to enter into new contracts with Day Therapy Centres rather than varying existing agreements as has been the case in recent years. This new requirement has impacted on the Department's ability to provide centres with early information.
Because of the short time until the new financial year commences, we are making arrangements for a one-off variation to existing contracts until the end of September in order to give time for the new contracts to be executed. However, providers can be assured that indexed funding based on their existing agreements will be available from 1 July 2009. It is planned that the new contracts to be negotiated before 30 September will run to 30 June 2011.
We apologise for any inconvenience or distress that this delay has caused.’
Mental health respite and carer support services
The Australian Government is providing an additional $16.7 million over three years for community mental health care, respite and increased family support services for people with a mental illness. Sixteen National Respite Development Fund (NRDF) organisations across Australia will receive new funding to help develop and deliver coordinated, flexible and responsive respite, carer and family support services for people with a mental illness. Organisations for SA and NT are:
Organisation |
State |
Funding to 30 June 2011 |
Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia Inc. |
SA |
$1,341,000 |
Carers NT Inc |
NT |
$878,590 |
Community Care Common Standards
ACS has a copy of the Draft Community Care Common Standards (Pilot), Draft Community Care Common Standards Guide (Pilot) and Draft Community Care Common Standards Self Assessment Tool (Pilot) and these are available to ACS members on request.
The Documents have been revised following consultation with peak bodies earlier this year and many of the comments from respondents to the consultation are still under consideration. These documents are still draft and for information only and should be considered likely to change once the results of the pilot are known.
If you would like a copy of these documents emailed to you please contact Peta Braendler.
Revised OHSW Guidelines for Community Workers
On Wednesday 27 May the Hon Jennifer Rankine MP (above left) launched the revised OHSW Guidelines for Community Workers. This SafeWork SA document was revised by ACS with funding from Employers Mutual Ltd. It was developed with significant contribution from Community Care Providers and contains practical ideas for managing the complex risks associated with working in people’s homes. View the document and its forms and templates.
Metropolitan Equipment Scheme – Information for HACC Providers
The Metropolitan Equipment Scheme provides access for older people to a range of basic equipment such as shower chairs and walking frames and some more specialised items such as electric chairs. Assistance with some home modifications is also available within the scheme. For more information, see the following links.
General information brochure
Information for HACC Providers
Metropolitan equipment referral form
Key approval criteria list
List of equipment
ACS Community Care Forum - Monday 29 June 2009
Morphettville Junction, 470 Anzac Highway, Camden Park SA
'New Generation Community Care'
The ACS forum will provide an opportunity for members to hear about future directions for community care from a range of perspectives including the Australian Government, Aged Care Peak body and Consumer Peak body. It will look at ways members can help shape the direction. Current pressures on community aged care providers will also be addressed.
Registration Flyer and Program.
Housing
Standing Committee on Community Affairs Legislation Committee - Outcome 2 Housing
01 JUN 2009: SENATE ESTIMATES HANSARD: STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE: Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs Portfolio - Outcome 2 – Housing
Women’s housing futures conference
Women's Housing Limited and Community Housing Federation of Victoria are delighted to invite you to this groundbreaking conference.
Minister for Housing The Honourable Tanya Plibersek will officially open this conference which brings together affordable housing providers, governments, academics, property developers and other stakeholders. It aims to inform policy development and plans to better anticipate and address women’s housing requirements in the short and long-term.
Date: Tuesday 4 August 2009
Time: 9.00 am–4:00 pm
Venue: ZINC at Federation Square, Cnr Flinders & Swanston St Melbourne VIC 3000
Early bird rates: $90 (registration & payment before 23rd June)
Full rates: $115 GST inclusive
Find out more including full program and registration form.
Rural & Regional News
Rural Health Fact Sheets Available
The National Rural Health Alliance has released a series of online fact sheets aimed at highlighting the state of health in rural, regional and remote Australia.
The fact sheets contain information about ageing issues in rural or remote areas, the impact and importance of obesity and nutrition, and the incidence of cancer on those who live outside major metropolitan areas.
Rapid Intensive Brokerage Support (RIBS)
Rapid Intensive Brokerage Support (RIBS) is one initiative within the broader range of Out Of Hospital Strategies and the Better Care in the Community Initiatives for Country Health SA (CHSA). The RIBS program aims to provide a successful hospital substitution program that facilitates responsive, flexible, short-term community services and interventions for people requiring health services in country SA. This will prevent hospital and emergency department presentation or reduce time in CHSA hospitals, wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Further information is available from the RIBS Fact Sheet and the RIBS Mental Health Guidelines.
Proudly sponsored by CCI Group Purchasing & Hesta Super
Date: Friday 17 July 2009
Venue: The Monastery, Glen Osmond SA
Proudly sponsored by CCI Group Purchasing and Hesta Super
This Forum will focus on regional issues and take community care into account. ACS is pleased to present two of the keynote speakers from the recent 2009 AAG Rural Conference in Broken Hill, along with state, national and rural updates, an excellent concurrent program and a networking drinks & nibbles session.
- ' Demographic Change and Population Ageing in non Metropolitan Australia', Professor Graeme Hugo, University Professorial Research Fellow, University of Adelaide
- ' Climate Change—impact on vulnerable communities and rural health relevant to older people', Dr Liz Hanna, National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health Australian National University, Canberra.
Registrations close Tuesday 14 July 2009.
NOTE: Extra special price for members who bring two or more delegates from the same organisation. PLUS ACS now has a corporate rate with The Stamford Hotels for all members - refer to the registration flyer for full details.
Workplace Issues
Rehabilitation & Return to Work Coordinator Training
This is a final reminder to ACS members who have yet to nominate and train a “Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator”.
WorkCover legislation in South Australia requires that all organisations that employ 30 or more staff must have nominated and trained a RRTWC by 30 June 2009.
Celtic Training are approved to deliver the RRTWC Training and will be delivering one more course before the deadline.
The course will be held on 29 June –1 July. Places are still available but filling quickly!
For bookings email David or phone 8211 8272.
Industrial updates from EMA Consulting
Please click on the links for the latest updates for members from EMA Consulting.
EMA Note Issue 13 2009 – Right of Entry for Union Officials
EMA Note Issue 12 2009 - States Referral of IR Powers
Research, Publications & Grants
2009 National Continence Scholarship Program
The Australian Government, under the National Continence Management Strategy has provided funding for a total of ten scholarships in support of continence health professionals to attend the 18th National Conference on Incontinence, Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide SA, from 4–7 November 2009.
Find out more.
Residential Aged Care in Australia 2007–08: a statistical overview
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recently released Residential Aged Care in Australia 2007–08: a statistical overview.
The report found that, on 30 June 2008, Australia had 175,472 operational residential aged care places, an increase of 5,401 compared to the same time last year.
Click here for a copy of the report.
Still Putting In – Measuring the Economic and Social Contributions of Older Australians
National Seniors Australia has published a report on the significant contributions of older Australians to the economy and society. Still Putting In – Measuring the Economic and Social Contributions of Older Australians examined the extent and value of Australians over 55 years of age make to unpaid work, volunteerism, and civic participation, and identified barriers that older Australians face in workforce and volunteer participation.
To access the full report, visit the National Seniors Australia – Productive Ageing website.
Room for Improvement – Potential Efficiency Gains in Aged Care
The Australian Health Care System: The Potential for Efficiency Gains (A Review of Literature) was released on 4 June 2009 by the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission (NHHRC). This paper presented a comprehensive review of international and national literature that discussed issues on the efficiency of the Australian health care system and the areas for potential efficiency gains.
A summary of findings of the NHHRC paper relating to the aged care sector is available for ACS members.
Our Homes, Our Communities: The Aspirations and Expectations of Older People in South Australia
Commissioned by ECH and conducted by Flinders University, this research involved over 1200 South Australians aged 50 years and over.
The study found that most older people are not attracted to the type of housing found in retirement villages all over Australia. The majority of older people would like to live in small clusters of single-storey houses that have two or three bedrooms and are well connected to the broader community.
Click here for a copy of the report.
Manual Handling of Bariatric People
This report, commissioned by the Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations and the Office of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council, provides information about the manual handling risks associated with the care, treatment and transportation of bariatric (severely obese) patients. It contains four case studies for the ambulance, fire, hospital and funeral occupations.
The Report follows up on the previously released scoping paper on the implications of overweight and obesity for workplace health and safety and workers’ compensation.
Oral health in residential care
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has published a new report Caring for Oral Health in Australian Residential Care. They note that "More people living in residential aged care are developing complex oral disease and dental problems. This report shows that carer staff play a crucial role in helping maintain the oral health of older adults in residential aged care, including the identification and referral needed for dental care, by investigating 21 aged care facilities in three states.
Download the report.
Respite Care for People Living with Dementia
The discussion paper, Respite Care for People Living with Dementia, makes two main recommendations aimed at making services more flexible and more responsive to the needs of people living with dementia:
- a redirection of funds that are available for, but not spent on, residential respite care to the National Respite for Carers Program to purchase other respite options.
- to fund a trial of consumer-directed respite care in which clients and carers have more say in the choice of respite care they want and how it is provided.
The report also recommends a number of other ways of enhancing the access of people living with dementia to respite care.
The Executive Summary and Full Report are both available via the following link:
ACS Education & Training Events
ACS 2009 Training Program
The first six months of the 2009 Training Program is now available. 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.
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.
Personal Safety & Managing Conflict Situations in Community Care - only three places left, book now!
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: Monday 6 July 2009
Time: 9 am-4.30 pm (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
NEW COURSE: Undertaking an Internal Investigation
This one-day intensive seminar is designed for staff placed in situations where they are required to investigate unacceptable behaviour by an employee. Training staff in undertaking investigations will ensure all parties to the dispute are treated in a fair and equitable manner, investigations are contained in-house, and the number of situations normally taken to a third party for resolution are minimised. Course outcomes:
- Understand basic principles of undertaking an investigation.
- Learn how to assess a situation and determine the level of investigation required.
- Learn how to plan an investigation.
- Learn how to record evidence and ensure its validity to the investigation.
- Understand the various forms of evidence that are acceptable in an investigation.
Date: Monday 13 July 2009
Time: 9 am-4.30 pm (morning tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
NEW COURSE: Bereavement Support Workshop - Assisting Staff and Volunteers in Aged and Community Care in Coping with Death and Grief
All staff and volunteers in residential and community aged care and retirement living have to cope with the death of residents and clients, and support family members after the person has passed away. This one-day workshop will assist all staff to reflect on their relationships with residents/clients, feel comfortable talking with and supporting relatives and look after themselves and colleagues. This course will include:
- exploring the assumptions we may have about death and grief
- responding to someone who is hurting is easier than we may think
- steps we can take to potect ourselves and help each other when someone's death affects us at work
- clarifiying any misinformation staff or clients may have about funerals and gaining accurate, current knowledge
- a range of useful materials.
This course will be presented by Ann van der Zwaag, who is a Counsellor and Educator with Alfred James Bereavement Educational Services. For the past 12 years, Ann has conducted courses around loss and grief issues and is extensively involved in counselling individuals whose lives have been affected by the death of a friend or family member.
Date: Monday 20 July 2009
Time: 9 am-4 pm (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND with Mike Fenwick, If Looks Could Kill: Dealing with Difficult Behaviours in Clients, Residents and Others
Whatever your role, it may be your responsibility to defuse serious situations between yourself and other staff members or with difficult or aggressive clients, residents, family members or advocates.
Learn how to:
- Understand the basic principles of managing your personal response to anger and conflict in self and others;
- Understand what is happening to you and what to do about it;
- Identify and develop personal strategies to mediate angry situations;
- Understand boundaries and when to disengage.
Date: Wednesday 22 July 2009
Time: 9.30 am-12.30 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
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
Postgraduate programs for aged care
Flinders University offers flexible programs of postgraduate study for people working in health and aged care. Their programs are based on contemporary research on the needs and priorities of employers and students; they include:
- Master of Health Administration
- Graduate Diploma in Health Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Health Administration with a rural focus.
Free Seminar: ‘The Psychology of Exercise for the Older Person: Engagement and Self Management’
This Seminar will be held on Wednesday 8 July, 1.30-4.30 pm at UniSA City East. Registrations are limited; find out more here.
Find out more about Active Ageing Week activities or phone 8232 9077.
Industry Supporters
Last chance! HBA and Mutual Community corporate health offer for ACS members
If you take out health insurance through the ACS corporate health plan before June 30, you’ll be in with a chance to win one of four Indulgent Weekend Escapes for two worth $2,800. Plus, if you take up both hospital and extras cover, HBA and Mutual Community will give you one month’s premium free.
Hurry! Offer ends 30 June 2009.
Call 1800 649 406 or visit your local Retail Centre.
Your Nursing Agency (YNA)
Your Nursing Agency (YNA) is proud to be an ACS industry supporter and looks forward to a long-lasting professional relationship with ACS members. They are Adelaide based, located at 250 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton (next door to ACS). YNA recruit only experienced and highly skilled staff who offer a superior service to the Aged Care community in Adelaide.
As a special offer to ACS members, YNA has provided discounted introductory rates. The rates are the most competitive in South Australia and are applicable until 31 July 2009. As a further incentive, those members who book a shift during the offer period will be eligible for an extension until 30 September 2009. YNA are committed to providing the best agency staff and most competitive rates for ACS members.
Please call them on 08 7129 5000 or email to discuss this special offer.
The Senior Health Check List
Recent sponsors of the ACS / RVA Retirement Forum, The Senior has alerted ACS that in their August issues readers will be reminded to take a health check test. The following events will be promoted: Dental Awareness Month, National Healthy Bones Week, Cancer Awareness Week. Continence Awareness Week and Hearing Awareness Week.
If you are interested in advertising in the August edition, find out more here.
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