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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 8, September 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
Fair Work Australia & Modern Awards - new web-based resource from ACSA
ACSA now has a new web-based resource to assist operators to implement the new modern awards. It comprises three detailed documents on the National Employment Standards, Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements. The information is more detailed than the existing Fact Sheets on the site and has lots of links providing additional information.
Visit the ACSA Fair Work Australia web page.
Aged Care Risk Assessment Tool
In partnership with ACSA and ACAA, WorkCover NSW has funded a project to develop an aged care-specific risk assessment tool, designed to assist organisations to meet their risk management obligations. In contrast to other tools that focus on assessment of just one issue, such as manual handling or electrical risks, this tool addresses the risks associated with the whole task.
The benefits of using this risk assessment tool are:
- it's short, but comprehensive
- it avoids duplication
- it incorporates a flowchart for determining how best to control the risks
- it's been designed specifically for use in aged care facilities, and
- it complies with OHS legislation.
Along with the risk assessment tool, there is also a checklist for assessing equipment, furniture or vehicles. A guideline is supplied with the tool to assist with implementation, along with some worked examples of the tool. There is also a handy list of OHS resources.
Guideline- Risk Assessment Tool for Aged Care
Aged Care Risk Assessment Tool
Equipment Tool
Risk Control Worksheet
National News
Day Therapy Centre ‘draft’ Administrative Guidelines
The Department of Health and Ageing has provided ACSA with a ‘final draft’ of the Day Therapy Centres Administrative Guidelines for ACSA's information and comment. If members wish to comment on the guidelines please email comments to Peta Braendler by Thursday 9 September 2010.
Let's keep services for older Australians on the agenda . . . continue the conversations . . . keep the pressure up for change . . . build support for reforms . . . so whatever Government is in place they understand the need to pursue the required actions to flow from the Productivity Commission Inquiry.
The website remains active and so do we.
Development of Oral Health Competencies for the Community Service and Health Workforce
From 13 September-7 October 2010, officers from the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CS&H ISC) will be visiting seven regional locations throughout Australia to hear your views on how you can incorporate oral health care into your daily client care.
Your comments will refine the proposed oral health competency units and ensure these new skills are:
- Work appropriate
- Able to be implemented
- Relevant to your clients
The CS&H ISC is committed to gathering industry feedback and intelligence on the workforce development needs of the community services and health industries with a view to continuously improving the training packages. This is a great opportunity to talk with representatives from the CS&H ISC regarding the Health and Community Services Training Packages and in particular the proposed oral health competency units.
Click on the flyer for further information.
Call for Papers - Tri-State Conference 27 February 2011- 1 March 2011
Local News
Please return your survey to the Residential Services Manager, Carolanne Barkla (E: residential@agedcommunity.asn.au; Fax 8338 7077 or post) by 30 September 2010.
Older Persons Clinical Network Survey
ACS encourages all residential providers to take part in the Older Persons Clinical Network Survey.
A National Framework Advanced Care Directives Consultation Draft
The Clinical, Technical and Ethical Principal Committee of the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council has published draft consultation documents (Draft Framework Complete Document and Companion Guide) and are calling for submissions by 11 October 2010.
In particular the ‘working group invites you to consider the following questions and to answer those of particular interest or relevance to you’:
- Does the framework meet its objective to provide guidance to policy makers and legislators to enable national harmonisation of legislation, policy and practice for Advance Care Directives over time?
- Would the framework assist with awareness of, and respect for, a person’s wishes?
- Would the framework make it easier to recognise and apply Advance Care Directives across jurisdictional boundaries?
- Is the structure of the draft Framework appropriate? Useful?
- Is the Code for Ethical Practice clear? Appropriate?
- Are the Best Practice Standards helpful? Practical?
- Is the decision-making pathway clear? Useful?
- Are there gaps in the draft Framework? What are they?
- Would the Framework adequately inform future review and development of policy on Advance Care Directives?
- What opportunities would the Framework provide to promote and assist with revising your State or Territory’s legislation?
The working group has also invited comment generally on the implications for implementation and practice of the:
- Code for Ethical Practice
- Best Practice Standards
- Decision Making Pathway
- National Terminology
ACS SA & NT is intending to make a submission. Please contact Peta Braendler, Community Services Manager (community@agedcommunity.asn.au; PH 8338 7111) or Carolanne Barkla Residential Services Manager, residential@agedcommunity.asn.au; PH 8338 7111) by 4 October 2010 should you wish to provide feedback or comments about the National Framework Advanced Care Directives.
ACS recently wrote to SA Health to clarify the extent of its smoke free policy. ACS received this response from SA Health.
ACS interpretation of the letter indicates that the current ban on smoking implemented by SA Health only applies to SAHealth premises and would include residents who reside in commonwealth beds within Country Health SA facilities. The Aged Care Standards & Accreditation Agency recently published in The Standard July 2010 a ‘case in point’ about smoking. Should a provider be considering banning all smoking on their premises ACS recommends that the Provider first seek legal advice to clarify any issues with implementing such a policy.
Will I have to sell my house? Understanding aged care admissions
Tuesday 12 October, 6.15–8.15 pm Adelaide Pavilion, Veale Gardens, Park View Room, Cnr South Tce & Peacock Road, Adelaide
An invaluable free information session for older people and their families to learn more about applying to, and living in, a residential aged care facility
This information session is designed for people needing information on aged care residential admissions and individuals on a residential facility waiting list and their family members, to learn more about living in low level care (hostel) or high level care (nursing home) and to help make the admission process smoother. It will add to the information you already have from your aged care provider.
Topics will include:
- Applying to an aged care facility – important hints and tips, how different residential facilities manage their waiting list, policies and keeping applications current
- What to expect when moving into residential care – preparation required, rights of residents and accepting an offer
- The financial implications – costs involved, pension/DVA impact and will I have to sell my home
- Information displays from not-for-profit aged care providers
Coming Events
NoFalls Leader Training – 15 September
Active Ageing Australia is delivering another NoFalls Leader Training in Adelaide on Wednesday 15 September, with the possibility of also completing the NoFalls Train the Trainer on 16 September. By completing the Train the Trainer you will be able to then deliver your own NoFalls Leader Trainings in your organisation/area so it is a great opportunity!
For further details on the training please visit the Active Ageing Australia website and look under ‘Events and Training dates’. The date is the link to the course information and the registration form.
Post-state budget breakfast with Health Minister John Hill – 20 September
The College of Health Service Management (SA Branch) is hosting a post-state budget breakfast with Health Minister John Hill on Monday 20 September. Details regarding the event and registration can be found here.
The ACHSM welcomes anyone along who has an interest in state health issues.
Consumer Forum on Monday 20 September
The Older People Clinical Network is holding a Consumer Forum to gather the views of older people and their carers about their experiences of the health system, and their input on what excellent geriatric care would look like to them. The Forum will include a guided tour of the facilities developed specifically for the care of older people at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Please distribute the attached invitation and registration form to any consumers and carers involved in your service who would be willing to participate in the Consumer Forum on Monday 20 September, 10 am–3.30 pm. This will be an opportunity for them to influence future health service developments for older people. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
One-day event for Health Professionals – Dementia Training 22 September
The South Australian and Northern Territory Dementia Training Study Centre is proud to present, as part of Dementia Awareness Week, a one-day event for Health Professionals on Wednesday 22 September.
Dr Belinda Goodenough will present "Smile Study - humour therapy", and Dr Susan Gilster will present "Developing exemplary Alzheimer's disease programs" and "Mechanisms for Recruiting, Developing and Retaining Staff in Dementia Programs".
For more information on this special event please refer to the flyer. Registrations are essential, and you are invited to attend one or more of these interesting sessions.
Southern regional Safety and Quality forum ‘Getting Better in the South - Delivering on safe high quality care’ – 24 September
The first regional forum on Safety and Quality in Health Care across the primary and acute care sectors.
Key outcomes from the forum include to:
- Develop a network of leaders to inform policy and drive the development of safety and quality across the acute and primary care sectors in the south.
- Promote future collaboration on Safety and Quality issues between regions.
Click here for further information.
Are you the Responsible Officer for your organisation? Training 28 September
Do you know what your responsibilities are?
The Responsible Officer training course aims to help business owners, senior directors, executives and managers to ensure that their organisations comply with the requirements of the South Australian Occupational Health & Safety Act.
- When: Tuesday 28 September, 12.30 to 16.30
- Where: Level 1, 148 Hindley Street, Adelaide
- Cost: $180 +GST
- Contact: Sue on 8211 8272 or email at celtictrain@optusnet.com.au
Occupational Therapy – Adult Perceptual Screening Tool (OT-APST) workshop – 15 October
Due to overwhelming demand, the Day Rehabilitation Centre is please to offer a second Occupational Therapy – Adult Perceptual Screening Tool (OT-APST) workshop on Friday 15 October, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm. This workshop is free of charge and open to all Occupational Therapists and interested staff involved in adult rehabilitation and perceptual screening. The two-hour workshop will be facilitated by Deirdre Cooke, Occupational Therapist (PhD).
Limited places are available for this workshop and will only be held if there is sufficient attendance, so please register you interest with Michelle Barmby, Senior Occupational Therapist, Day Rehabilitation Centre on 8222 1896 or via michelle.barmby@health.sa.gov.au
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.
Culturally Competent Assessment
Being aware of the significance and value of cultural differences is just the first step. This interactive workshop, designed for Team Leaders, Managers and Directors of Nursing is vital for identifying how cultural diversity impacts on assessment practices.
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. This session will help your organisation achieve the best ACFI outcomes and better understand validation.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by issues that people describe as ‘stressful?’ Start the new financial year with new strategies for managing your stress!
OH&S Five-day course for Health and Safety Representatives 16 September 2010
This 5-day, Safework SA approved course has been designed for Occupational Health and Safety Representatives working in the aged care sector.
In South Australia, a group of workers can elect a fellow worker to represent them on health, safety and welfare issues. The group of workers is called a ‘work group’ for this purpose, and the person they elect to represent them is
called a Health and Safety Representative (HSR).
HSRs have legal rights and functions to assist them to carry out their role. The course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand and meet regulatory obligations and responsibilities associated with the role of HSR
and have a positive impact on the health and safety of your workplace.
Course content: Introduction to H&S in the workplace:
• OH&S Legislation
• Role of HSR
• Hazard Management
• Role of H&S Committee
• Consultation and Conflict resolution
• Research, Prepare and Present a Case on an OHS&W issue
Papers 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.