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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 7 Issue 10
November 2007
Please note, some of the articles provided will have additional papers which can be downloaded or directed to another website page. In some cases these documents are linked to the ACS Members Only section of this website and will require a Username and Password. All members have been issued with a Username and Password. If you have not received this please contact Julia Beckett with your contact details and she will issue you with your access details.
Index
Snippets – Proudly Sponsored by ACSure
ACSure is a range of insurance and risk solution products developed by Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Limited (JLT), in consultation with The Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) Federation. JLT is a leading provider of innovative insurance and other risk solutions in Australia . Today, employing over 700 industry professionals covering risks in all states and territories. Building upon a strong reputation of trust and professionalism fostered over many years, JLT aims to become the broker of choice in Australia 's key market segments. At JLT, we are extremely proud to be an invited National Partner of ACSA - chosen by ACSA because we are leaders in our field. As a result of our collaborative development of ACSure, these products respond to aged and community services issues and needs and are available for the benefit of the entire industry, including ACSA, state bodies, and valued members. The aged and community services environment is rapidly developing and constantly changing. Ongoing consultation ensures that JLT continues to arrange and advise on the right products for all concerned. ACSure helps you to respond to these challenges. Click here to view the products developed by JLT for ACSure.
From the CEO's Desk
New ACSA President
Klaus Zimmerman, a recent former chair of ACS SA&NT, was elected as the new Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) President at the recent ACSA Annual General Meeting on 16 September. Our congratulations go to Klaus in his new role and from our perspective we look forward to continuing the close association with the national office of the ACSA federation.
Annual General meeting
In what proved to be a very tight contest our congratulations go out to following individuals that have been appointed to the ACS Board:
3 Year terms
Mike Rungie, ACH Group
Klaus Zimmerman, Eldercare
Anne Suttie, St Basils
1 Year terms
Richard Hearn, Resthaven
Marion Holden, Whyalla Aged Care
Peter Wright, Anglicare SA
Ruth Roberts, Abbeyfield Society
As has been the case in recent years attendance the AGM was well attended. It was particularly pleasing to see a number of the association's industry supporters in attendance. The new Board holds its first meeting on Friday 7 December when the executive positions on the Board will be filled. A light luncheon was served following the AGM and it was pleasing that many were able to stay on for informal discussions.
Vote 1 Aged Care
To maintain political pressure right up until the election, ACS is keen for as many members as possible to beome involved.
Click here for the Vote 1 Aged Care button on the ACS homepage. Check out the scorecard and send an email to candidate about the importance of aged care.
ACFI Training Update
The extra ACFI training, scheduled by DoHA for November 5 & 6, has been oversubscribed, due to the Department's belated advice that only 10 places were available. The Department advised the fortunate 10 of their places but, judging by the phone calls to this office, those who missed out have been left in the dark. ACS has remonstrated about this lack of courtesy.
From the interest shown by ACS members around the state it should now be clear to the Department that the ACFI training so far provided in South Australia has been inadequate to the need. ACS will continue to press this point on members' behalf and certainly it is hoped that with the next round of training (February/ March 2008) that sufficient places will be made available. Click here for further details of 2008 DHA ACFI training.
ACS has secured the services of Jill Pretty and Peter McKinnon to conduct two one-day workshops on ACFI & The Financial Implications in December. These workshops are full and we will conduct another two one-day sessions in January 2008. Click here to download a registration form. Please note that due to demand priorty will be given to those organisations unable to secure a place at the December training - again places will be restricted to two per organisation. Confirmations and invoices will be issued within 24 hours of receiving the regsitrations.
General News
WorkCover SA has commissioned a research project to identify and address factors contributing to return to work following illness or injury.
The researchers are focussing on the aged care sector and are looking for interested employees and employers to take part in a survey during November.
Click here for the WorkCover website and a brief news item about the project - The article is on page 6.
If you indicate interest, without necessarily making a commitment to be part of the survey sample, The Australian Institute for Social Research (a unit of the University of Adelaide ) will provide more detailed information and arrange for one of the team to liaise with your nominated contact for further discussion.
For more detailed information about the project, please contact Eric Parnis Ph 08 8303 8253, or Dr Kate Barnett Ph 08 8303 3391 Mob 0418 848 762.
The contact for the project from WorkCover is Margaret Swincer, Research Consultant.
COTA submission on Abuse of Older People
COTA Over 50s (Council on the Ageing) has provided a submission Older people and the law to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
The submission highlighted that the issue of financial exploitation and abuse of older people by family and other trusted people is only now emerging as a mainstream issue in Australia .
Older Australians increasingly have recurrent legal needs in the areas of fraud, financial abuse, general and enduring power of attorney provisions, family agreements, barriers to accessing legal services; and discrimination.
Click here to access the report.
The Independent Living Centre of SA provides an information and advisory service to the general community about equipment and modifications. Visitors to the Centre can obtain printed information including product description, product suppliers and approximate cost. It maintains an extensive database on availability of equipment, manufacturers and suppliers within South Australia, along with details on design and access and the relevant Australian Standards. Click here for the website and follow link to Information and Advisory Service .
Medicare-funded comprehensive health checks for people aged 65+
The Commonwealth Government has announced new Medicare-funded comprehensive health checks for people aged 65 and over. Medicare items for comprehensive geriatric assessment and management of patients aged 65 and over have been introduced from 1 November 2007 for patients who have been referred by a GP to a geriatric specialist.
Geriatricians will be remunerated for an initial comprehensive assessment, the development of a patient care management plan and a review of this plan. The assessment will have a particular focus on cognition, polypharmacy, incontinence and falls, which often lead to older people prematurely entering an aged care facility or ending up in hospital.
Palliative care - the story collection
This year, one in ten Australians will be involved directly in caring for someone with a terminal illness. Half a million Australians will feel the impact of terminal illness from someone close to them. The story collection is a way of recording these experiences. Sharing stories and memories of palliative care experiences can assist others who might be caring for someone with a terminal illness.
Palliative Care Australia , as part of the National Education Initiative, has launched the Aaron McMillan national palliative care story collection 2007 - aiming to foster and develop the awareness of palliative care across Australia . The stories were released to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care day on October 6 - an international day of unified action to celebrate achievements in palliative care, to highlight that everyone has a right to access highest quality care at the end of their lives, and to profile what needs to be done to make this aim real. Click here or here to access the story collection.
Disability Support Services report
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has just released the Disability Support Services 2005-06 report, which presents information collected from more than 9,000 service outlets throughout Australia . Approximately 217,000 Australians, or one in every 100 people, access disability support services, with service users most likely to be males aged around 30 years. Click here for the report.
Older
People and the Law
The House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Committee has released its report on older people and the law. The report makes
a total of 48 recommendations, with a particular focus on fraud, financial abuse,
substitute decision making, and family agreements.
Key recommendations of the report include:
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National industry-wide protocols for banks and financial institutions to report alleged financial abuse.
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Uniform legislation on powers of attorney across states and territories.
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A nationally-consistent approach to the assessment of mental capacity.
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A national register of enduring powers of attorney.
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Awareness and education campaigns for powers of attorney; advance health care planning and advance care directives; and family agreements.
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Nationally-consistent legislation on guardianship arrangements.
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A rebate scheme for legal fees for older Australians.
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A review of retirement village contract arrangements.
Click here to access the report.
Quality and Equity in Aged Care –the Australian Government Response
In June 2005, the Senate Community Affairs References Committee released its report Quality and equity in aged care, with 51 recommendations relating to overcoming aged care workforce shortages and training; the performance and effectiveness of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency; the appropriateness of young people with disabilities being accommodated in residential aged care facilities; the adequacy of Home and Community Care programs; and the effectiveness of current arrangements for transition from acute hospital settings to aged care settings or back to the community. Click here to view the response by the Australian Government to the report and recommendations has now been released.
The Metropolitan Dementia Project – Shaping Future Services initiative is part of the South Australian Office for the Ageing response to the predicted significant increase in the number of people with dementia, and the consequent importance of future service planning. For the full report click here and then follow the link on the right hand side under Related Documents called Dementia Mapping Project Metropolitan Report.. ACS members can access a brief summary of the findings here.
Respite program for older carers
Three-year funding has been provided to 69 successful non-government organisations to provide better access to respite services for more than 2,600 older carers of children with disability. This funding forms an integral part of the Disability Assistance Package. The Respite for Older Carers of Children with a Disability Program supports parents aged 60 years and over, and their children aged 25 years and over. This funding will create additional in-home and centre-based respite services, including both planned and emergency support situations, to further support older parent carers to continue their caring role.
Successful applicants under the Respite for Older Carers of Children with Disability Program include:
In SA:
North West Country:
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Life Without Barriers (LWB)
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Country North Community Services Inc.
North West Metro
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Helping Hand Aged Care Inc
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Aged Care and Housing Group Inc
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Life Without Barriers (LWB)
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Anglicare SA Incorporated
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Community Support Incorporated
South East Country
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Aged Care and Housing Group Inc
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Community Living and Support Service Inc
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Life Without Barriers (LWB)
South East Metro
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Masonic Homes Incorporated
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Aged Care and Housing Group Inc
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Life Without Barriers (LWB)
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Anglicare SA Incorporated
In NT:
Central Australia
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Life Without Barriers (LWB)
Top End
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Life Without Barriers (LWB)
Healthy Active Community Grants Program
As part of the Australian Better Health Initiative, 320 organisations have been funded to run local programs promoting healthy and active lifestyles. In SA the following organisations have received grants:
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Active Ageing SA Inc
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Anglicare SA
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Helping Hand Aged Care Inc
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Masonic Homes Incorporated
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Multicultural Communities of SA
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Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service Inc.
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Royal District Nursing Service of SA Inc.
In NT the following organisations received grants:
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Anglicare NT
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Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
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Tangentyere Council
Click here for the full list of recipients.
Technology aids Royal Flying Doctor Service
RFDS is the beneficiary of $2.7 million in Australian Government Clever Networks funding for their eHealth for Remote Australia project.
eHealth for Remote Australia will give RFDS access to the essential medical history information of more than 750,000 Australians living in remote and isolated areas, using the latest broadband technology.
The project will make medical histories, allergy, immunisation, current medications and other health information available to all RFDS clinicians or other authorised health professionals helping to treat people in rural and remote areas.
National Safe Work Australia Week
Held this year from October 21-27, National Safe Work Australia Week encourages all working Australians to get involved in, and concentrate on, safety in their workplace to reduce death, injury and disease. Click here to access Information about Safe Work Australia Week.
Reminder – National Aged Care Workforce Census
The deadline for return of census and survey forms is November 9. If you do not have a form, or if you have any queries, contact 1800 801 609.
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the members only section. Click here to download National Report. Issues covered in the latest edition are:
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Vote 1 Aged Care
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New Demonstration Day Respite Centres
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Older Carers Respite Services
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Disability Supported Accommodation Program
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Australian Unity Well Being Index
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ACSA's comments on the access points projects
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GST relief for charities
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Elder Protection Policies and Procedures Guide updated
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A picture of Osteoarthritis in Australia
News for Residential Members
Demonstration Day respite services
A total of 30 residential aged-care homes
across Australia will receive grants totalling about $34.6 million over four
years to establish and operate a demonstration day-respite service. The demonstration
services, which will use existing infrastructure, services and skills within
residential facilities, will be operational from January 2008, and will be used
to give those caring for a frail older person a break from their responsibilities.
In SA the successful applicants are:
• ECH Incorporated - Ross Robertson Day Respite Service
• Aged Care and Housing Group - Perry Park Day Respite Service
• Resthaven Marion - Hersey Cottage Respite Service
• Italian Benevolent Foundation SA Inc - Domus Operosa
• Southern Cross Care - Time Out
In NT the successful applicants are:
• Uniting Church Frontier Services Frontier Services - Pulkapulkka Kari
• Uniting Church Frontier Services Frontier Services - Rocky Ridge
• Masonic Homes Inc - MHI Respite Service
Indigenous Cognitive Assessment
The Kimberly Indigenous Cognitive Assessment has been developed in response to the need for a validated cognitive screening tool for older Indigenous Australians living in rural and remote areas. The KICA-Cog section has been validated with Indigenous Australians aged 45 years and above from the Kimberley and Northern Territory . A score of 33/39 and below indicates possible dementia. Those with a low KICA-Cog score should be referred to a doctor for medical screens to rule out other causes of cognitive impairment, some of which are reversible, or to substantiate dementia. The other sections of the KICA tool are for information gathering only.
Click here for further information on this assessment tool. This website is also devoted to health information and resources for the Kimberley on chronic disease, including diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, renal failure, high blood pressure and chronic lung and heart disease.
Resource manual for Quality Indicators in Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services
Since July 2006 Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services has been participating in an initiative that involves collecting, reporting and benchmarking data on a set of quality indicators relating to the clinical areas of: pressure ulcers; falls and fractures; use of physical restraint; multiple medication use; and unplanned weight loss. The purpose of the project was to develop and introduce practical, meaningful measures to assist services and improve resident care.
Click here for the framework and requirements for this initiative.
News for Community Providers
07/08 HACC Funding Round Announced
Congratulations to ACS members successful
in the 2007/08 HACC funding round announced 5th November. Click
here for full details and then click on 2007-8 Home and Community Care Program
(HACC) Funding Round Results on the right hand side.
HACC National Program Guidelines 2007 Edition
The HACC Program National Guidelines
set out the parameters for the national operation of the HACC Program. They
are intended to guide the Program and all those involved in it. The 2007 edition
of the HACC National Program Guidelines has been updated to reflect the changes
to administration and business processes arising from the new HACC Agreement.
Click
here for the guidelines.
Office for the Ageing will hold three workshops in the Adelaide metropolitan area in late November/early December, providing information and updates on HACC MDS version 2 and more. Click here for further details.
Click here for the September 2007 CACPS fee guide. This is available to members only.
Click here for the latest update on the Department of Health and Ageing quality report.
Fifty people attended the ACS Quality forum and seminar on October 2, 2007. ACS would like to thank Lynn Crooks and Roy Inglis from Department of Health and Ageing and Tanya Strokowsky from the Office for the Ageing, who provided Government updates and stayed on to hear members' feedback about current quality issues and initiatives. Members also expressed their views about the creation of a quality focussed network.
Those who attended the afternoon session were presented with information about the comprehensive systems Murray Mallee Aged Care and Domiciliary Care SA have implemented to monitor the quality of their contracted services. Sincere thanks to Kay Cox and Helen Feist, Murray Mallee Aged Care and Margaret Greer, Domiciliary Care SA for their very open and informative presentations. Thanks also to Stephen Manuel from ARCS Aged Care Alliance and Sue Nielson, CHAP who also contributed to a very interesting and helpful program.
Outcomes: The ACS Quality Improvement Work Group will meet to progress findings from the feedback received. A Community Quality Network will be created in line with members opinions expressed on the day. All participants will receive a copy of issues, initiatives and views on a quality network. The issues will provide purpose and direction for the quality network. The Work Group will develop a checklist to assist organisations to implement monitoring practices appropriate for application to their contracted services. For more information, contact Carol Mohan
Community-Based Palliative Care Client Data Collection
A recently released Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report outlines the need for a data set for community-based palliative care services that is relevant to national policy development and accountability. This data set lays the foundation for the future agreement of a national minimum data set, which would see the collection of ongoing data about community-based palliative care clients for national collection and reporting. Click here for the full report.
Community Care Access Mapping Project
In 2004, the Australian Government released the booklet, A New Strategy for Community Care – The Way Forward , which outlines a range of actions to strengthen and improve community care. One aspect of this was entry and access to the community care system. This Community Care Access Mapping project has confirmed that current access pathways to community care in SA are highly variable. Click here for the full report and then follow the link on the right hand side under Related Documents. ACS members can access a brief summary of the findings here (members only).
Community Systems Review Project for the Out-of-Hospital Sector – Invitation to Workshop
The Department of Health is undertaking a community systems (IT) review project to develop systems to better support coordination of care in the out-of-hospital sector, particularly around the interface of acute and community sectors. Some initial work on determining the high level business requirements of a new system and potential commercial solutions and costs has just finished and the second stage (benefit and cost modelling) is just commencing.
The project is being managed by Steve Saunders, Projects Branch, ICT Services, Department of Health and he has issued an invitation to interested organisations to attend a workshop to discuss costs and benefits of such a system. Health services, government and non-government agencies are invited to attend.
A session dealing with costs and benefits specific to aged care will be held on November 14 from 10:00am - 1:00pm at 44 Waymouth Street , Adelaide .
If you are interested or would like more detail, please contact Steve Saunders or telephone 8226 0780.
OFTA continues Regional Consultations across South Australian during November. Click here to view the detailed calendar of the regional consultations If you wish to attend a particular regional session, please RSVP to the regional contact detailed on the calendar for that session if required.
News for NT Members
NT Medicines and Poisons legislation
Thankyou to all those members who provided comments on the discussion paper and consultation questions on the proposed Northern Territory medicines and poisons legislation. ACS has collated the responses and provided feedback to the NT Department of Health and Community Services. ACSA members can click here for the response paper.
ACS Education & Training Events
Papers and Presentations from ACS Forums
Papers and Presentations from some of the recently held ACS Forums are available for members only access. Click here to view the list of presentations available.
The full events program for 2007/2008 is available for viewing on the ACS Website Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, as well as being sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
Leadership
Series
Being a leader takes skill, patience and perseverance. This tailored series
will provide participants with a comprehensive look at what it takes to be a
leader, how you lead and provide you with some very helpful tips to be the leader
that inspires, participates and respects others. All sessions can be attended
individually or if you wish to attend 2 or more sessions a 10% discount is provided
- a 20% discount is provided to attend all nine. Become the Leader you want
to be.
Module 6 - Strategic Planning - 8th February 2008 (9am - 5pm)
Module 7 - Working Styles - 14th March 2008 (9am - 1pm)
Module 8 - Project Management - 4th April 2008 (9am - 5pm)
Module 9 - Time Management - 9th May 2008 (9am - 5pm)
Click here for a registration flyer and program outline.
Zero Tolerance - Train the Trainer
Friday 30th November 2007
ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Click here for a registration form
In addition to the 3 hour workshop, Anglicare in conjunction with ACS are delivering the Training the Trainer Program in Zero Tolerance. The Train the Trainer program covers
- The attitudes and values participants hold, and the impact of considering whether behaviour is abusive;
- The definitions and context for what constitutes abuse of the elderly;
- The legislative context in Australia for reporting abuse and neglect, including the responsibilities of individuals;
- The importance of collaborative practices in responding to the abuse of
the elderly.
The Train the Trainer is a full day session whereby at the completion each participant will be able to conduct the Zero Tolerance 3-hour workshop . Each participant will receive:
- Training manual
- Completed presentation including filmed scenarios
- Comprehensive participant’s booklet
- DVD of all materials
- Policies:
- Abuse of Residents/Clients — preventing & reporting
- Investigations
- Whistleblower and Protected Disclosure
- Reporting an Assault
How to Recruit the Right Person - Community Forum
Proudly sponsored by Doctor Safety Line
Tuesday 20th November 2007
Morphettville Junction, Camden Park to be confirmed
9.20am – 2.00pm
Members $88.00, Non-Members $165.00
Click here for flyer
This seminar is aimed at Community Care Managers and Coordinators and is presented by Allison Taylor, OzTrain.
The quality of services provided to older people is greatly impacted by the way staff relate to older people and the manner in which services are provided. It is important therefore to have employment practices in place that assist managers to select people with integrity and empathy for older people. This forum will address the following issues to assist managers and coordinators who are often faced with the task of “RECRUITING THE RIGHT PERSON”
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Short listing – what do you look for
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Interviewing – questions that illicit revealing responses
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Referees - how do you use them effectively
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Probationary Periods - how to effectively manage the probationary period and initial review
There will be opportunities for participants to workshop good practices.
The nuts & bolts of administering Retirement Villages Contracts
Wednesday 28th November 2007
ACS Training Rooms
10am – 12pm (lunch will be provided)
Conducted by Lynch Meyer
Members $55.00, Non-Members $99.00
Click here for flyer
This seminar will address specific issues relating to Retirement Villages Contracts, including:
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How does a loan/licence/lease arrangement work
-
What documents do you need to comply with the Retirement Villages Act
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Cooling off and settling in periods and deposits
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Off the plan sales
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Capital replacement funds and sinking funds
-
Maintenance funds
-
Powers of Attorney
-
Deferred Management fee calculations
-
Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
Proudly sponsored by McInerney Barratt Financial Solutions, JLT & ACSure and Lynch Meyer
Friday 30th November 2007
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Port Road Hindmarsh
9:30am - 5pm
Following on from the success of the first ever Board Governance Forum held in November 2006, ACS is pleased to present the 2007 Board Governance Forum Ensuring Board Best Practice.
Aged & Community Care providers are required to meet a range of accreditation and standards to ensure their ongoing funding needs are met. While it is not linked to funding the responsibilities of the Board and Trustees are just as important to the running of the service.
This Forum will provide and equip board members and senior managers with a range of Best Practice solutions to a wide range of topics. As a Board Member or Senior Manager this will be one forum you can not afford to miss. Register early to avoid disappointment.
Presented by Jill Pretty and Peter
McKinnon
Held at ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Held on Tuesday 22nd January and Wednesday 23rd January 2008
Click here to download a registration
form
MAXIMUM OF 30 PLACES PER DAY - Priority will be given to those organisations
who were unable to attend the December training.
This course will cover:
-
The structure of the ACFI instrument
-
Business rules associated with the ACFI
-
Managing the change over
-
Staff education
-
Details of the ACFI funding levels
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What happens to existing residents (pre 20 March 2008) before and after they are classified under ACFI
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Who will be required to pay an Accommodation Bond or Charge
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How the Accommodation Payment (Charge) will be calculated
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Who will be eligible to receive the Accommodation Supplement and how it is calculated
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Changes to the daily care fee paid by non pensioners and those who pay an Accommodation Bond in excess of $135,000
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Details of the new Interim Accommodation Supplement
Training for Rural & NT Members
Performance Development Training
| 23rd November 2007 | Mt Gambier, Boandik Lodge |
| 30th November 2007 | Port Lincoln, Hilton Hotel |
| 15th February 2008 | Renmark, Flinders University Rural Clinical School |
| 18th February 2008 | Port Augusta, Nerilda Nursing Home |
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Registration Fees: Members $220.00, Non-Members $330.00
Click here to download a registration form.
This module discusses the critical impact feedback can have on performance and how to effectively deliver this in a range of situations with a range of different people. This module emphasises the importance of creating a culture where staff are utilised effectively, recognised for their efforts and work is linked to greater goals. The context for managing performance:
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What is performance management?
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What affects a person's performance?
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The definition of performance management
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The difference between appraisal and performance management
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Best practice in Performance Development
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Principles underpinning good Performance Development
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Linking the performance process with key systems
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Key factors to consider
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Outcomes of Performance Development
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Ensuring Performance Development is logically and psychologically satisfying
Industry Education & Training Events
The Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) has announced it will hold its 2007 National Conference in Adelaide during November. To be held 21 - 23 November 2007 at the Adelaide Hilton Hotel, the Conference will focus on the theme Beyond 2007 Ageing: Evolution and Revolution
Further information on the Conference, including a Call for Abstracts is available on the AAG website or by contacting the Conference Managers via phone 02 6650 9800 or email.
Nutritional Care of the Elderly
Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare. This is a must attend seminar if you are a Manager, Nurse Manager, Food Services Manager, or Dietitian caring for the elderly in an aged care home, home respite or hospital establishment. Click here to see the program for your state, Speakers: Dr Peter Lipski, Dr Sam Davis, Karen Walton. The SA seminar will be held on Tuesday November 20 at The Old Adelaide Inn, O'Connell St, Adelaide, starting at 10.00am. Cost: $120.00 Online $140.00 all other payments including cheques (make Cheques payable to Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare) Click here for online registration at or post to PO Box K1056 Haymarket NSW 1240. Fax: 02 9211 7601. Ph: 02 9211 8894.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT have entered into arrangements with a range of businesses to provide cost effective and quality services to its members. Please be advised that ACS SA&NT has entered into these arrangements with a financial benefit for the Association. Currently arrangements have been made with
Message Media - SMS Messaging
OCAR - Employment Assistance Program
Mutual Community - ACS Health Insurance Plan
Jardine Lloyd Thompson - ACSure Insurance
EMA Consulting - Industrial Advice Service
Click here to view recent or previous issues of the ACS Management Update.
Does your organisation waste countless hours every week, trying to fill gaps in staff rosters? messagemedia solves this problem. Harness the speed, convenience and cost effectiveness of SMS messaging, which is unrivalled by any other communication medium. Faster than email, less intrusive and cheaper than phone calls – SMS has become an essential business tool.
Instead of phoning members of staff one by one to see if they want an extra shift, send an SMS to the staff from your PC instantly. Sending the group SMS from your PC takes seconds, you include a phone number in the message so that staff that want to work the shift can call you. In our experience the whole process including the staff member calling in takes approximately 5 minutes.
Through a joint arrangement established between ACS SA&NT and messagemedia ACS SA&NT members are able to purchase the SMS messaging product at a reduced rate of $349.00 (saving $100.00). Call 1300 767 903 to discover more about the incredible impact messagemedia will have on your organisation.
Click here to download an expression of interest. Upon completion of this form messagemedia will contact you.
Do you have an Employee Assistance Program?
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and opportunities for Members, ACS SA&NT is pleased to be able to provide members with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). ACS SA&NT has entered into an agreement with Access OCAR Workplace Consulting to provide an EAP to members at a substantially reduced rate. (Payment is made on a quartlery basis)
An EAP is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being. Employees have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside of their workplace and are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems. It has been advised that the Unions are in favour of EAP in businesses and often quality and standards accreditation also favour EA programs.
Access OCAR Workplace Consulting will provide the services of the EAP to members who join this service.
Click here to download an expression of interest form. Upon completion of this form OCAR will contact you to commence the service.
ACSure - meeting your insurance needs
JLT Health & Aged Care has been servicing those operating and living in aged care facilities nationally for almost a decade and utilising this experience have developed ACSure in consultation with the management and membership of ACS SA & NT. JLT Health and Aged Care offer a range of ACSure product packages which ensure compliance with the Aged Care Act and structures packages for both small and large operators, including aged care facility operators, retirement living services and community care providers. ACSure are now online - click here to view their website.
For more information contact Bronson Justus or call 8418 0288.
As of 1st July 2006, EMA Consulting (EMA) has been providing ACS SA&NT Inc (ACS) Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA's Consultants are highly qualified, trained, experienced and are contemporary leaders in their profession. As an ACS Member, you have access to EMA for the following services:
Telephone Advisory Service
• Unlimited access to discuss any Industrial Relations topic
• Deal with IR Consultants
• No charge per call ~ generally limited to 15 minutes per issue. If it does longer than this, it generally means the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary ~ will be forwarded from ACS
• Nurses (ANF ~ SA Private Sector)
• Nurses SA
• Clerks SA
• Health Service Employees
Consultant Service
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $175.00 per hour, which is a saving of $50 per hour. This includes access to a full range of user pays services such as AWAs, training, workers compensation, disputes and collective agreements.
Simply contact EMA with your organisations name and provide your client access number as shown on your client card (sent with your renewal of membership for 06/07). If you do not know your client number please contact Simone Punshon.
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