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Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
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Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2010
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.
Late Breaking News
A review of the Aged Care Act is being undertaken by Hynes Lawyers at the request of the Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA). This is an important piece of work which ACAA will use to advocate and promote reform to this twelve and a half year old legislation.
An online survey asks for your views on a range of issues related to the Act. The survey takes approximately 30 minutes and is your opportunity to contribute to this important work.
ACS encourages members to take the time to complete the survey. Please click here for more information.
The Survey can be accessed here. Additionally, a paper copy can be downloaded from the link and sent by post to ACAA at PO Box 335, Curtin ACT 2605.
Investing in the aged care workforce – $9.5 million for nursing scholarships
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot has announced $9.5 million in nursing scholarships to train or upskill up to 680 people as part of the Rudd Government’s investment in the aged care workforce.
Addressing representatives of the aged care sector in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia at the 19th annual Tri-state aged care conference in Mount Gambier, Minister Elliot said that the scholarships would play an important role in improving quality of care in aged care today and help to build the aged care workforce of the future.
The scholarship funding includes:
- Up to 560 scholarships worth $8.7 million for tertiary students who will commence their studies this year; and
- Up to 120 scholarships worth $800,000 which open for applications on 6 March 2010.
The application process for this scholarship initiative is administered by the Royal College of Nursing Australia.
Community aged care nurses interested in the scholarships to be advertised on 6 March 2010, should contact the Royal College of Nursing Australia on 1800 116 696 or scholarships@rcna.org.au. Applications close on 16 April 2010.
Click here to read the full media release.
Please click here for a copy of the Health Report 2010
National News
Changes announced to Home Insulation Program and Solar Hot Water Rebate
This information first appeared in the Community Housing Council of South Australia Inc newsletter:
On Friday 19 February 2010, the Government announced a series of changes to the administration of the environmental programs to boost safety and improve environmental performance.
The changes include the establishment of a new household Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme to replace the Home Insulation Program and the Solar Hot Water Rebate, which have been discontinued. The Government’s focus is on the safety of households and tradespeople who will both benefit from the operation of this new scheme.
Electrical safety checks recently announced for homes with foil insulation will continue. Householders and installers can contact 1800 808 571. Installers can also call 1800 029 686 for more information relating to payment for work undertaken.
There are also changes to other energy efficiency programs including the Green Loans scheme.
- Media release: Significant changes to Commonwealth environmental programs
Details for individual programs are on the relevant pages linked below:
New ACS SA & NT Industry Supporter can help you or your residents/clients to obtain ceiling insulation
Comhouse Co-operative Ltd can assist those wishing to obtain Ceiling Insulation under the Renewable Energy Bonus scheme which comes into effect on 1 June 2010. Only installers who have worked in the industry prior to the previous scheme have undergone our vetting to ensure they are properly qualified, insured and have valid police checks. Because Comhouse engages the contractor we do not pay until the client reports the job has been done satisfactorily.
The Government has expanded the Home Sustainability Assessments (without the Green Loan element) which provides a comprehensive assessment of the energy usage of a household, together with advice on areas of savings. A report is provided by the Government following the assessment together with a $50 voucher to purchase energy saving items. The assessments are Free to householders and take about 1.5 hours to complete.
For further information or to book a Home Sustainability Assessment please call Comhouse Co-operative Ltd on (08) 8235 1422 quoting Aged and Community Services.
Local News
Aged & Community Services SA & NT Inc State & Territory Aged Care Awards now open
A reminder that the Inaugural State and Territory Awards for Excellence are now open for nominations. These Awards will recognise and promote excellence across all fields of the aged care industry. They celebrate significant contributions to the quality of life of older people, people with disabilities and/or their carers.
We encourage all members to be involved in these Awards and to nominate worthy recipients. Attached is an overview of the Awards, including information about nominations, eligibility criteria and nomination forms for each category in the Awards.
The State and Territory Awards will be presented at a Cocktail Party on Thursday 17 June, 5-7 pm(venue TBA). The winners of these awards will automatically be nominated for the National Awards in their relevant categories (with the exception of the Design Award).
Nominations are now open and close Friday 16 April 2010. Should you have any inquiries, please contact Kellie Kulinski on 8338 8004. 
Our thanks to principal sponsor Health Super.
Gain a Certificate III in Aged Care and a Certificate III in Home and Community Care at tafeSA by enrolling in CARERS: piu personnel
This is a new and exciting community-inspired course that results in two qualifications. It is offered in 2010 by tafeSA with Italian Government funding to train aged and home and community care workers specialised in working with people of Italian background and offering an international perspective in aged care.
If you have or qualify for Italian citizenship you may be eligible for:
- Free study at tafeSA
- Free Italian language classes
- Allowance for study expenses
- Support to find work
- Support for work experience in Italy
Course applications must be made by 5 pm 19 March. Click on the links for further information and the registration form.
National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) new state contact
For the National Rental Affordability Scheme, any enquiries or queries you may have regarding its implementation in South Australia can be directed to Peter Stojanovich on 7424 7366 or email
Please click here for the latest edition – February 2010.
Articles in the latest edition include:
- Vendors beware - further changes to the form 1 vendor statement commencing 1 March 2010
- Regulated Trees
- Site contamination update
Coming Events
2010 Community Care Forum - Friday 19 March
Stables Ballroom, Morphettville Junction, 470 Anzac Highway, CAMDEN PARK SA
Aged Care/Health Interface – ‘Current excellence and future opportunities’
The ageing of the population, the greater focus on enhancing wellness, primary health care and sub-acute services in the community and the concern about the impact on the acute health system, have been the subject of a number of major reports and plans, both at the national and state level. Although aged care providers already support older people in these areas, and do this really well, the reports and plans focus on the health system for such community-based services for older people. Aged care providers have a great deal of expertise in providing a diverse range of supports and it is important for the aged care system and the health system to work in partnership to maximise outcomes for older people.
This Forum will showcase a number of initiatives where the aged care is currently bridging the aged care/health interface very successfully and explore the potential, from a policy perspective, for aged care to be a partner with health in supporting older people to age well.
Sponsored by Health Super 
and Liquid Property 
Institute of Hospitality in HealthCare National Seminar
Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from two international experts in the field of meal service delivery: Neel Radia and Era Varellas. Their presentation will cover a variety of issues that they have encountered in the delivery of meals to frail and aged recipients.
Wednesday 24 March 2010
AAMI Stadium Function Complex
Magarey Room AAMI Stadium
Turner Drive, West Lakes, SA 5021
IHHC / ACS Members $99.00 (online) $115.00 Cheque /EFT
Non Member $125.00, (online) $140.00 Cheque /EFT
Refer to flyer for further information, contact Kathy Manning on 08 8294 5555 or go to the IHHC website, www.ihhc.org.au
Cancer and older people : Establishing the First Geriatric Oncology Service in Australia -
Tuesday 30 March, 5.30 pm at The Cancer Council SA, 202 Greenhill Road EASTWOOD
Speakers
- Robert J Prowse, Senior Consultant Geriatrician, Royal Adelaide Hospital
- Nimit Singhal, Medical Oncologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital
- Jeanette Prouse, Geriatric Oncology Nurse, Royal Adelaide Hospital
This seminar will describe the pioneer service in Australia for older people with newly diagnosed cancer. Cancer is more common with increasing age, yet older people are often excluded from clinical trials of cancer therapy, are less often treated with current methods used in younger people and when treated, often receive sub-optimal doses. Internationally, specific programs of care have been established for older cancer patients. The Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre took the opportunity to open the first such service in Australia and to date has assessed 400 patients. The presenters will explore the rationale for these programs, describe the program at the RAH as it is now, provide data on its early operation and look at future development and evaluation.
Cost: Members & concession $10.00; Non-members $20.00 Click here for further information.
Residential Forum - Friday 16 April
Stables Ballroom, Morphettville Junction, 470 Anzac Highway, CAMDEN PARK SA
Enhancing Your Service Delivery in a Changing Environment . . .
This Forum will focus on changes within the aged care industry and ways in which the industry can improve service delivery. The Forum is designed for both residential and community aged care providers in the non-profit sector and topics will be of interest to CEOs, managers, directors of care and other senior staff who oversee the general performance of service delivery within their organisations.
Flyer and full program available soon. Sponsored by MBFS, Health Super, CCI Group Purchasing, Mutual Community and NASANSB
21st May 9th annual RVA & ACS Retirement Living Conference
8.45 am - 5.00 pm (including post event cocktails)
Adelaide Pavilion - Veale Gardens
Cnr South Tce & Peacock Rd, Adelaide
The Conference offers a diverse and stimulating program with excellent speakers addressing topics such as:
- The economic climate and its impact on retirement villages
- Planning for future resident lifestyle (what residents want)
- Shaping your workforce for the future (award modernisation and workforce planning)
- Quality management systems for the future (the benefits of a legislative and marketing perspective) and Surviving the future (‘selling on a shoestring’)
- Intellectual property and the Implications of the Federal change to the COAG Agreement
- Duty of Care in independent living (handling dementia, isolation and loneliness)
Click here for the registration form.
Regional Forum - Friday 18 June
Note this date in your diary - Friday 18 June, 9.30 am-4pm. The Regional Forum has been scheduled the day after the Aged Care Awards Cocktail Party to enable rural members to attend both events.
ACS Education & Training Events
ACS 2010 Training Program
The 2010 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.
Tuesday 16 March, 9.30 am–3.30 pm, ACFI Where are we now?
Success in ACFI claims requires strategic decision making. This session is a must for senior staff involved with ACFI (Site managers, Directors of Care, Clinical Nurse Consultants, Clinical Nurses and finance staff who work with ACFI). It will cover:
- Planning when to re ACFI
- Validation: what do we know now?
- What should the completed ACFI pack look like?
- How can I achieve the best ACFI outcome?
- Refresher on accurate completion of ACFI assessment tools and records
- Unlocking the CHC domain
- How to ensure my ACFIs will hold firm under validation
Friday 19 March, 9.30 am–12.30 pm Maximising ACFI Funding: Things You Need to Know
The connection between clinical and finance staff is essential to ensure ACFI funding works well for your organisation. Learn how to:
- Achieve the best ACFI outcome
- Ensure claims will hold firm when validated
- Plan when to re ACFI and maximise your income
- Set realistic ACFI KPIs
- Track and deal with lost income resulting from default lows and late submissions
- Better understand validation—what do we know
Monday 22 March, 9.00 am–4.30 pm, 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 and where the outcome could be disciplinary action against the employee.
- 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
- Understand the principles of Natural Justice and how they influence an investigation
- Learn various interviewing techniques
- Understand the roles of Witnesses and Support Persons
- Learn the principles of Record Keeping/ File Management in relation to investigations
- Learn Report Layout and Closure of an investigation
Tuesday 23 March, 9.00 am–4.30 pm, Personal Safety and Managing Conflict Situations in Residential and Community Care
The course is specifically tailored to the aged care environment. It 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. Learn how to:
- Undertake a risk assessment of your role to identify risks of violence and aggression;
- Apply the SAFER approach to dynamic risk assessment of workplace situations;
- Recognise the range of human responses to threatening and aggressive situations
- Adopt a proactive approach to service delivery;
- Identify blocks to communication within the working environment;
- Signal non-aggression, control and maintain personal space;
- Recognise an escalating situation and defuse and calm a high-risk situation;
- Apply the win-win approach to resolving conflict;
- Report and record an incident of violence.
Upcoming RDNS clinical courses
ACS is pleased to provide information about upcoming RDNS clinical courses and education events.
Mental Health First Aid
This award-winning course delivers critical skills in supporting people with mental health conditions or experiencing mental health crises. Delivered by Andy Kelly, a mental health nurse with more than 30 years experience, this interactive and stimulating 2-day course is a must for anyone involved in front-line services in health and community services. Book now (registration form attached) on 1300 364 264, fax to 8208 5311, or via email
When 22 & 23 March 2010
Where Education Development Centre, Milner St, Hindmarsh
Cost $225 (inc light lunch)
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 Supporter News
New Industry Supporter – welcome HenderCare
HenderCare offers nursing and support services across South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales. It provides a responsive, client focused service delivery, matching individual customer needs to appropriately qualified and experienced staff.
HenderCare’s coordinators come from a range of nursing and agency backgrounds and bring a variety of professional skills and years of experience to the agency. They work in a consultative, collaborative manner to ensure service delivery meets the expectations of the agency’s customers. Services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
HenderCare’s mission is to meet the immediate and on-going staffing needs of health units, aged care providers, community and disability organisations by placing appropriately qualified, trained, skilled nurses and support workers in a responsive, timely manner. Providing at all times a service that meets the highest, measurable standard of performance.