Members login
Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
Disclaimer & Privacy Statements
web design by 
Snippets - Volume 7 Issue 9
October 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 Simone Punshon 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
ACS has been able to secure an additional training session for those eligible people that have missed out on places in the recent training being conducted by TAFE Western NSW. At the moment we are unable to give you details as we are finalising matters with the Department of Health and Ageing but it is expected that between 15-20 places will be offered. The venue will be a central Adelaide location! Please keep your eyes posted for further bulletins emanating from this office.
It has been a while in the making but I am pleased to announce that two new staff members will be joining us next month. Julia Beckett takes up the role of Communications Officer and Natasha Searcy takes over as our Residential Manager on 22 October. These two appointments complete the restructuring exercise and mean that for the first time in nearly 4 months that the office has a full complement of staff.
As reported in July Snippets, the ACS Board has agreed in principle, subject to endorsement at the Annual General meeting, to amendments to the constitution which will create an Associate Membership category within the association. The change recognises the altering environment in which we are working and importantly acknowledges that other like minded organisations (government or private entities) are providers of aged care services. An associate member will receive all of the benefits of full membership without the right to vote a representative onto the ACS Board. Additionally associate membership will be restricted to no more than 25% of the total membership of the association at any given time.
Click here to access the constitution review document. The ACS Board was keen to provide the membership with ample opportunity to comment prior to the annual general meeting. Please direct any comment to Alan Graham or by phone 8338 7111.
The ACS Annual General Meeting will be held at the ACS Office on Friday 26th October at 11am. The Agenda will be sent to all member CEOs in the coming week.
General News
Access to electronic media for the deaf and hearing impaired
A Government inquiry has been announced which will investigate developments in captioning and other essential access technologies that assist hearing impaired Australians, and consider options for extending these services. The inquiry is due to be completed by the end of April, with a report to be tabled in Parliament at its conclusion. A discussion paper for public comment will be released in coming weeks.
New internet relay service for deaf Australians
A new communications option for Australians who are Deaf, or who have a hearing or speech impairment has been launched. The Internet Relay, provided by the National Relay Service, allows deaf, hearing and speech impaired people to make phone calls with their PCs, laptops, and with internet-enabled mobile phones. A person using Internet Relay connects with the Relay Service and provides the phone number. A relay officer "relays" their conversation, then returns the responses to the user's computer.
Connection is either through the National Relay Service website or through MSN or
AOL instant messaging. It allows the user to ring for a taxi, make a doctor's appointment, or conduct a workplace phone call from their computer - or just chat with friends. The National Relay Service to date has provided a service using TTY textphones, which are restricted to a fixed land-line.
Telscreen Free Hearing Checks
A new national service will allow people to have their hearing checked without leaving home. Telscreen is a telephone based service that allows people to check their hearing. It will help cater for the needs of older Australians and those who live in rural and remote areas. The service is accessed by calling a toll-free number 1800 826 500. The screening only takes a few minutes and involves the caller responding to a randomly selected series of numbers spoken behind a background noise. The caller will then be advised whether they should seek further advice from Australian Hearing. Click here for more information.
In its inaugural year Active Ageing Week '07 (AAW'07) is preparing to present a variety of events and activities that focus on the promotion of active ageing and the benefits of physical activity for older South Australians. AAW'07 is being run by Active Ageing SA and is jointly supported by Office for Recreation and Sport and Office for the Ageing. The key message in 2007 is: LifePlus! adding life to years! Making healthy lifestyle choices throughout life has a positive impact on your physical, social and mental well being.
During Active Ageing Week a range of community organisations/groups will host free events to promote an active lifestyle to older people in the community. If your organisation would like to host an event contact Clare Phillips for a host pack on (08) 8232 9077 or download a host pack from Active Ageing Website
The two key events for the week are the Evidence to Reality Seminar and the AAW'07 dinner:
- Evidence to Reality Seminar - Friday 12th October 9:00am 12:30pm
- Inaugural Active Ageing Week Dinner '07 - Friday 12th October 7:00pm
To register an event or book for the Evidence to Reality Seminar or the AAW'07 dinner contact the Project Coordinator Clare Phillips or phone (08) 8232 9077. : Registration forms are also available on the Active Ageing SA website.
Additional Veterans and War Widows Eligible for a Pension
More veterans, war widows and widowers may become eligible to receive an income support pension from 20 September 2007 following changes to the Australian Government's assets test. Changes to the assets test paper rate in September has substantially increased the maximum value of assets a person can have and still be paid certain pensions.
Income support recipients may be eligible for other benefits, such as a pensioner concession card, pharmaceutical allowance, utilities allowance and telephone allowance. Some veterans who are granted service pension may also be eligible for a Gold Card, entitling them to treatment and care for all health conditions at Government expense. All income support pension claims will still need to satisfy income test criteria.
Members of the veteran community seeking information or assistance with lodging a claim should visit a Veterans' Affairs Network (VAN) Office, call DVA on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 or click here to visit the Department's website.
Alcohol Treatment Guidelines for Indigenous Australians
The Department of Health and Ageing has recently released a document entitled Alcohol Treatment Guidelines for Indigenous Australians. Several surveys have shown that, while Indigenous Australians are less likely than non-Indigenous Australians to consume alcohol, those that do are more likely to drink at risky and high-risk levels. Indigenous Australians are thus more likely to experience the adverse effects of alcohol consumption than their non-Indigenous counterparts with commensurately higher levels of associated health and social problems within the Indigenous community. The guidelines have been developed for a wide range of healthcare providers located in urban, regional, rural and remote areas. The intended audience includes Indigenous and non-Indigenous healthcare providers. Click here to download the guidelines.
Consultations for Disability Supported Accommodation options
The Commonwealth Department of Families and Community Services is opening consultations to establish the best options for providing 1750 new supported accommodation places for people with disabilities. The priority for the additional places will be for people with severe and profound disabilities aged 40 years and over, who are currently cared for by a parent who is 65 years or over.
The Department wants to hear the views of people with disabilities, carers and service providers on best options for providing new supported accommodation places so they best meet the needs of those who will be using them. Commencing on 10 September, public meetings will be held in metropolitan and regional centres across Australia through to mid October 2007. Written submissions will also be accepted up to Friday 26 October.
Click here to download the discussion paper on this initiative.
Economic Analysis of Dental Health for Older Australians - Final Report
The COTA Over 50s (Council on the Ageing) and the Australian Dental Industry Association have presented new research showing that $42 million could be saved per year on dental and costs associated with related ill-health if the dental entitlements of the Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card holders were extended to all Aged Pension Card holders over 65 years of age. Elderly Australians show double the rates of periodontal (gum) disease of younger people and have a higher total health treatment bill to respond to illnesses caused by oral ill-health such as coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and pancreatic cancer.
According to research by commissioned by COTA and the ADIA, elderly Australians suffering from periodontal illness and consequently at risk of other disease would save $3,730 per year if improved dental care led to a permanent improvement in dental health. Many older Australians missed recent advances in dental care such as fluoridisation and treatments not based on full extraction of teeth.
The report found that the cost of providing adequate dental care to the over 65s was $672 million per year but the total of savings to the Government and individuals
through lower spending on dental ill health and periodontal illness related disease would be $714 million per year, a net social gain of $42 million annually.
Click here to access a copy of the report.
Local Palliative Care Grants Program Funding Round
Grants of up to $100,000 have been awarded to 58 organisations under the fourth round of the Local Palliative Care Grants Program. In South Australia and Northern Territory , the following services received funding:
-
Port Broughton District Hospital & Health Services Inc
-
Naracoorte Health Service Inc
-
Aged Care and Housing Group, Adelaide
-
Mannum District Hospital
-
Mid West Health, Elliston site
-
Southern Adelaide Palliative Services c/o Repatriation General Hospital , Daw Park
-
Booleroo Health Service Mid North Health
-
Gumeracha Hospital North Adelaide Hills Health Service Inc.
-
Mallee Health Service, Pinnaroo
-
Home Support Services, Fullarton
-
Port Lincoln Health Services
-
Tennant Creek Hospital , Tennant Creek
Click here for a afull list of grant recipients and details of their funding.
National palliative care performance indicators: results of the 2006 performance indicator data collection
AIHW has released a report of the findings of the second national collection of performance indicator data from Australia 's palliative care sector. The four performance indicators are based on the goals and objectives of the National Palliative Care Strategy and provide some information on the extent to which the Strategy has been implemented. Click here to download the full document.
The SA Government has developed the GP Plus Health Care Strategy which addresses key recommendations arising from the Generational Health Review, including providing an integrated and accessible health care system and increasing prevention and early intervention services to promote good health.
GP Plus Health Care Centres will provide a focal point within communities where a range of primary health care service providers work together to enable improved coordination and delivery of care. The underpinning philosophy of the GP Plus Health Care Strategy is one of collaboration with local general practitioners to complement the services provided by general practice and to make it easier for the local community to access a broader range of allied health, mental health, drug and alcohol, nurse practitioner, counselling and other support services closer to home. This also means collaboration with local government, other local health service providers (eg pharmacists) and the non-government sector.
A number of services currently provided from acute hospital facilities will also be offered through GP Plus Health Care Centres. These services may include a number of specialist outpatient clinics and non-complex diagnostic and screening services. Programs such as Transition Care and Metro Home Link Services will support the delivery of the SA GP Plus Health Care Strategy.
The first GP Plus Health Care Centres have opened at Aldinga and Woodville and two further Centres are being developed at Marion and Elizabeth. Over the next few years, six centres will be opened in the metropolitan area and two are planned for Port Pirie and Ceduna.
Click here to access the full GP Plus Health Care Strategy can be downloaded from the SA Department of Health.
In February 2007, the Premier announced a package of over $43 million to implement mental health reform as outlined in the Social Inclusion Board's Stepping Up report. In September 2007, the Government of South Australia has announced another $93.5 million over the next four years.The funding will enable a stepped model of care with services being organised as a from the least intensive to the most intensive. The funding will be dispersed in the following way:
-
$18.2 million for 90 new intermediate care beds, 60 at four centres across Adelaide and 30 country hospitals
-
$20.46 million for 73 more 24 hour supported accommodation beds across Adelaide
-
$1.84 million to allow a smooth changeover between the current system and the new five step system
-
$1.47 million to provide priority access to services for about 800 people with chronic and complex needs, including those who also have drug and alcohol problems, a history of homelessness or who may be involved in the criminal justice system
-
$1.6 million to place eight mental health nurse practitioners in regional areas over the next four years
-
$36.8 million for non clinical community based support services to be delivered through non Government organisations
-
$1.6 million for early intervention for young people with mental illness and
-
$12.1 million to commence construction of six community mental health centres across the metropolitan area. A further $13.8 million has been provided in the forward capital program to complete these centres at a total cost of $25.9 million.
Click here to download Stepping Up: A Social Inclusion Action Plan for Mental Health Reform 2007 2010
New Mental Health web site launched
A new web site that provides up-to-date information on mental health and wellbeing has recently been launched. The Mental Health and Wellbeing web site provides information on Government health programs, funding opportunities, publications, and policies. The website is the result of collaboration between the Departments of Health and Ageing; Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; Education, Science and Training; Employment and Workplace Relations; and Veterans' Affairs. Click here to access the website.
National Standard and Code of Practice for Manual Tasks
The National Standard for Manual Tasks (2007) and the National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work (2007) were declared on 22 August 2007 by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC).
The aim of the revised standard and code of practice are to prevent injuries caused by performing manual tasks at work by identifying and managing risks. The national standard and code of practice will be adopted by all states and territories as soon as possible and will apply to workers in almost every industry and ensure that all workers performing manual tasks at work will have the same safety protections across Australia. Click here for a copy of the Standard and Code of Practice.
A report on older people in hospitals, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare examines the reasons why older people go to hospital, the type of care they receive and how long they stay. The report, Older Australians in Hospital, shows that on the night of 30 June 2004, around 55,200 people spent the night in hospital and over half (53% or 29,000 people) were aged 65 and over.
Older people receive different types of care while in hospital, including rehabilitation, palliative care, geriatric evaluation and management, and maintenance care. The great majority of older patients, however, are receiving acute care; in other words like people of all ages they are in hospital for short-term treatment of illness or injury. Although the relative use of acute care decreases with age, even for people aged 85 and over 85% of hospital episodes were for acute care. Click here to view the fill report.
Parkinson's Australia and Alzheimer's Australia Education Kit
Parkinson's Australia and Alzheimer's Australia have developed an educational kit which addresses the issue of Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia. The DVD and booklet was launched as part of National Parkinson's Awareness Week.
The kit is the result of a collaborative partnership between key community-based organizations. Lewy Body Dementia is a specific condition that combines Parkinsonisms physical symptoms such as slow movements, stiffness of limbs and difficulty walking, with dementia-type symptoms, specifically visual hallucinations, fluctuating confusions and agitation, as well as memory and thinking difficulties.
Misdiagnosis and the lack of professional and sensitive information and education about the condition typically result in poor symptom management and enhance the fear and confusion of those diagnosed, which significantly impacts on quality of life.
The education kit is the ideal introduction to the condition for those recently diagnosed and their family and/or carer. It aims to specifically address the current lack of information, while providing details about available and relevant support services.
From 20 September, as part of the Federal Government's Better Superannuation reforms, the maximum single pension rate will rise by $12.60 to $537.70 a fortnight, while the maximum partnered pension rate for each member of a couple will rise by $10.60 to $449.10 a fortnight.
As well as the bi-annual increase in income and assets limits, changes to taper rates from September 20 will see pensions reduced by $1.50 instead of $3.00 every fortnight for each $1,000 of assets above the allowable limits for full pension.
Click here for the full Fees & Charges as of 20th September 2007.
Older Drivers Licence Re-testing
The issue of older drivers and the process of ensuring that they drive safely is a controversial one. ASC SA & NT recently received a copy of a personal perspective on licence testing for older drivers by Ella Ebery from St Arnaud in Victoria . Ella is the editor of the North Central News in St Arnaud and is the former Mayor of the town.
Ella failed on the first licence re-test due to having to drive an unfamiliar automatic transmission car provided by the examiner. After her initial test, Ella felt that she could not face such a trauma again and could understand why many people surrender their licence after such an experience. Ella however re-sat the test and regained her licence, but as she explains, it was impossible not to be anxious and afraid knowing that her future mobility and independence depended on it.
The article, which has recently been published in the North Central News can be accessed via ACS website. It highlights some critical issues for older drivers and for the awareness of the general community.
It is a shock to be told that you must undergo a licence test, which is often accompanied by a sense of betrayal, and you need to know exactly what is expected of you. Anxiety and fear of the unknown causes immense stress to older drivers faced with a licence test. No one knows, until they walk in the shoes of the aged, just how it can affect and destroy driving confidence and in the case of loss of licence, self confidence and purpose in life.
We can surely find a kinder and a better and less discriminatory way than subjecting our older citizens to unnecessary trauma. Undoubtedly some older drivers need to understand that they are no longer fit, or safe to drive, but the majority of us, given a system that provides a relaxed, non-threatening environment from the beginning, will make that decision ourselves, when the time comes.
And it would leave us with dignity and a sense of control of our own lives.
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:
- Successful Ageing it's everyone's business ACSA Conference
- ACSA's 2 nd National Community Care Conference Magic and Myths. Sydney 14-16 May 2008
- Aged Care Approvals Round Community Care Allocation
- GP Services Expansion into Aged Care Facilities
- National Respite for Carers Program
- Industry Census News
- Other Election and Aged Care Issues
- ANF Campaign on Industrial Relations and Aged Care
- Standard and Quality Reporting for Community Care
- Parliamentary Reports and Responses
- The Overlooked Consumers
- New GST Arrangements for Retirement Villages with Serviced Apartments
- Police Checks Update
- Dementia and Indigenous Australians
- Online education and training package Gastrostomy Care and Management
- Conferences, Seminars
ACS conducted three ACFI Information Session workshops in Adelaide with over 190 participants attending. places for the sessions in Darwin (29th October) and Alice Springs (30th October) are still available..
Aged Care GP Panels Initiative Allied Health Services Expansion
The GP Panels Initiative will be expanded over the next 4 years to increase access to GP and allied health services for residents of aged care homes. The Aged Care GP Panels Initiative, which commenced in July 2004, aims to ensure better access to primary medical care for residents of aged care facilities (RACFs) and to enable GP input into quality improvement strategies for the care for residents.
The expanded Panels Initiative will enable a variety of allied health providers
to work with GPs and aged care homes. These providers could include physiotherapists,
audiologists, chiropractors, podiatrists, oral hygienists, speech pathologists
and registered nurses in specialist roles.
A Panel is a group of GPs and allied health providers who have agreed to undertake priority activities with RACFs. At June 2006, 299 Panels were operating nationally, and 69% of all Australian Government funded RACFs were participating in the initiative.
Benefits for Residential Aged Care Facilities
There is no specific funding for RACFs under the initiative and participation is voluntary. However there are many potential benefits for residents and staff of RACFs when participating including:
- More timely access to primary medical and allied health care for residents.
- Improved quality medical care for residents.
- Improved communication between GPs, allied health service providers and RACFs.
- Reduction in unnecessary and inappropriate emergency transfer to hospital.
- Ability of RACFs to use Panels Initiative to make changes to local processes, networks and supports.
- Assistance in RACFs meeting accreditation standards.
Types of activities which Panels may undertake include:
- Recruiting a roster of GPs and allied health providers.
- Sourcing, developing or promoting protocols such as emergency care, medication management, GP and allied health communication with RACFs.
- Undertaking preventative health activities or programs such as falls prevention educations.
- Provision education to RACF staff, residents and carers;
- Implementing mechanisms for continuity of care
Funding for Panels work is administered via the Divisions of General Practice and enables Divisions to purchase the time of Panel GPs and allied health providers via contractual arrangements. It is important to note that funding for the panels initiative cannot be used for patient clinical management or for activities that RACFs are already funded to provide. The Panels Initiative is designed to supplement and not replace existing arrangements.
Click here (members only) for The Aged Care CP Panels Initiative Handbook 2007 and the accompanying Fact sheet. For further information see the Australian General Practice Network website or contact the SA Division of GP Liaison Officer on (08) 8237 8319.
Viral Gastroenteritis in Aged Care Homes
The Federal Government's Chief Medical Officer Professor John Horvath AO recently wrote to all Aged Care Facilities regarding the increased numbers of reported gastroenteritis outbreaks. The most common cause of these outbreaks is norovirus, which is a virus that is very easily spread from person-to-person. Norovirus is the main cause of gastroenteritis in Australia and occurs more commonly during winter through to early summer. Symptoms of norovirus include acute onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which last for 24-48 hours.
The letter advises providers of the symptons and preventions of this virus. Click here to view the full letter.
Due to the considerable media attention that the recent outbreaks received, ACS wrote to Minister Hill outlining the industry's concern. Click here (members only) to view a copy of the ACS letter and the Minister's response.
The SA Immunisation Coordination Unit have been given an opportunity to access some free influenza vaccines which are available for distribution to aged care service providers. The vaccine would be made available to facilities who wish to offer it to unvaccinated staff members , and only to facilities who have systems in place already to administer the vaccine so that it can be administered without delay.
For further information please contact Julia Waddington-Powell, Nurse Consultant, South Australian Immunisation Coordination Unit on 8226 7177.
News for Community Providers
Earlier this year, the community care sector' feedback on proposed new Common Standards including their Expected Outcomes and a new approach to quality reporting was sought to inform the development of a National Quality Reporting Framework. The community sector's views are being sought to help refine proposed Minimum Performance Critiera to measure achievement of agreed quality reporting outcomes. Click here for further information from the Department of Health and Ageing website.
ACS will be providing feedback on behalf of members on the draft Community Care Standards so please send comments to Peta Braendler by the 19th October 2007. Click here for a copy of the draft Community Care Standards.
Submission on Community Care Consumer Fees
Through the ACS Community Care Committee, ACS developed a submission on Community Care Consumer Fees. Click here (members only) to view the submission.
The Way Forward Access Points
ACS, in consultation with members, recently sent a letter to Minister Weatherill providing an overview of a number of issues, implications and areas with regard to the SA Community Care Access Points initiatives which require clarification. ACS thanks all members for providing feedback. Click here (members only) to view the letter.
Innovative local community care services in the United States
A number of older residents of local communities in the USA have banded together with neighbours so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes. Local groups are registering as non-profit organisations and lining up community providers of transport, home maintenance, medical care, companionship, security and cultural activities.
Members can choose from an 'a la carte' menu of services. Some services are included in teh annual membership fee, with others provided at reduced rates. Beacon Hill Village, a Boston community, pioneered the approach. Click here for further details on Beacon Hill.
More respite for carers of people with high care needs
Carers of frail older Australians will soon have more opportunities for community-based respite care, with the announcement of the results of the Australian Government's Invitation to apply for funding to provide high care community respite services to carers of frail older Australiams. Twentyeight services across Australia will be offered funding totalling about $15million over four years under the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) to provide new or expended repsite care services. In South Australia the ACH Group (Swan Cottage Plus, Respite Options Plus - South and Respite Options - East) and Resthaven (Ridgeway House and Employed Carer Respite Service - West) and in the Northern Territory Masonic Homes (Respite Program) were successful in securing funding. A second invitation for funding under this initiative will be issued in 2009.
Funding for specialised Training Places
The Department of Health and Ageing is inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably experienced and qualified Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to provide accredited aged care related training courses to up to 2,000 aged care workers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are employed by service providers/outlets that provide Australian Government subsidised care packages, ie Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs), Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) and EACH-Dementia.
RTOs who are approved by their State/ Territory training authority to deliver accredited aged care related training courses are eligible to apply for funding to deliver courses to one (or both) of the target groups and across one (or multiple) aged care planning regions.
Click here for the Request for Expression of Interest documentation. Organisations must register on the Department's website to download these documents. Further information about the Specialised Training Places Project may be obtained by phoning the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853. Applications will close at 2.00pm (EST) on Wednesday 17 October 2007
OFTA are conducting a series of Regional Consultations across South Australian during October and 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 Volunteers
Going For Gold - Volunteering SA 25th Anniversary Event.
Going For Gold is a 3-day program (17-19 October) designed to inform, excite and motivate South Australian volunteers and volunteer organisations from around SA. Highlights include: Demonstration site visits to organisations working with the National Standards in Volunteering; Educational seminars; Workshops and Presentations on the future of volunteering; Recognition Ceremonies; Entertainment and Exhibitions. Click here for more information or contact Volunteering SA on (08) 8221 7177 for bookings and registration details.
Introduction to Volunteering presented by volunteering SA
A free information session for people who are either considering volunteering or who are new' volunteers.
In a relaxed and informal setting you will learn:
- what volunteering is
- what type of organisations need volunteers
- what sort of jobs are available
- rights and responsibilities
- useful questions to ask
- the benefits of volunteering
All sessions are held 10am - 11am at Volunteering SA, 220 Victoria Square, Adelaide. Books are essential, phone (08) 8221 7177.
- Tuesday 9th October
- Thursday 11th October
- Tuesday 6th November
- Thursday 8th November
Volunteering SA Inc is delighted to announce that His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AO CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia is the patron of Volunteering SA (VSA). This announcement comes on the eve of Volunteering SA's 25 th anniversary and Going For Gold, an event that is designed to inform, excite and motivate volunteers and volunteer organisations from around the state. VSA Chairperson Ms Janet Stone commented: His Excellency has a special interest in young people and education and we believe as patron, he will raise the profile of our work and help our efforts to become a leader in building growth and the sustainability of volunteering. Both His Excellency and his wife Liz have already demonstrated their commitment to volunteering and we very much look forward to introducing them to our state's volunteering community.
News for NT Members
Additional Jobs in Community Care in NT
New funding has been announced for 186
community care positions with mainstream employment conditions through the Home
and Community Care (HACC) program. The funding includes a training component
to ensure that workers have access to adequate and appropriate support to transition
from CDEP to employment.
Jobs in the HACC program would provide the opportunity for former CDEP participants
to have access to the benefits of regular employment, such as market wages,
leave, superannuation, training and professional development.
Community care positions already have been created in the communities of Finke
and Imanpa. The Australian Government is working with the NT Government to ensure
a smooth transition to real employment in HACC as changes to CDEP are implemented
in communities.
Proposed NT Medicines and Poisons legislation
The Northern Territory Government is upgrading the current Poisons and Dangerous Drugs Act as a result of developments in the medicines and poisons arena. This new NT Medicines and Poisons Act is not yet drafted, so this is an opportunity to put forward any suggestions which may assist in the development of the legislation.
Click here to view the Discussion Paper and click here to view the Consultation Questions and Proforma for input. ACS is putting together a response to this consultation process and is seeking input from members. Please email Ann-Marie Hudson with any comments.
| 29th October | 9am - 12pm | Darwin |
| 29th October | 2pm - 5pm | Darwin |
| 30th October | 1pm - 4pm | Alice Springs |
| 30th October | 6pm - 9pm | Alice Springs |
Registration Fees: Members $66.00, Non-Members $132.00
Conducted by : Jill Pretty
Click here for a registration form - NT sessions
These sessions will give members the opportunity to see how all the ACFI pieces fit together and will give participants important information to allow them to compare financial outcomes for their service. All attendees MUST bring ACFI Resources (6 documents) to the training session. These documents will be emailed to participants upon receipt of registration
Industrial Information
Free Support and Advice for Understanding Australia's Workplace Relations System
Aged and Community Services SA&NT Inc (ACS) in conjunction with Aged & Community Services Australia, have secured extended funding for the Employer Advisor Programme from the Workplace Authority. ACS is receiving support for this project from Lynch Meyer, EMA Consulting and Oz Train to conduct the workshops and to provide mentoring and support.
The aim of this funding is to assist aged and community care providers in understanding the workplace relations system, how it relates to them and to clarify issues as they begin to prepare for the future. It will be used to ensure that aged and community care services receive direct one-on-one support, or training in a small group environment, in order to better understand the opportunities and flexibilities offered by Australia 's workplace relations system.
The training and support is being offered free-of-charge to ACS members.
Workshops will be provided to assist ACS members to understand the opportunities for all involved in negotiation and agreement making. They will also provide information about the requirements of the federal legislation.
Click here to download details on the workshops and the registration form along with information about the mentoring opportunities.
Workplace Relations Professional Mentoring & Support
Free professional one on one mentoring & support on the Workplace Relations Legislation and Negotiation Process can be accessed by ACS members by contacting the following people and quoting EAP3
Workplace Agreement Making
Sonia Bolzon, Lynch Meyer (08) 8236 7688
Fiona Lee, Lynch Meyer (08) 8236 7632
Ashleigh Smith, EMA Consulting (08) 8221 6665
Negotiation Mentoring
Allison Taylor, Oz Train 0422 128 500
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 events program for 2007/2008 has now been completed and is available for viewing on the ACS Website. There is a wide range of events to be conducted for members over the coming year ranging from industry specific forums to personal development programs. 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 3 - Change Management - 7th September 2007 (9am - 1pm)
Module 4 - Conflict Management - 22nd October 2007 (9am - 5pm)
Module 5 - Communication - 2nd November 2007 (9am - 1pm)
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 - recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people
| Monday 8th October 2007 | 1pm - 4pm | Longridge Retirement Village , Attwill Street Naracoorte |
| Wednesday 10th October 2007 | 1pm - 4pm | Villa St Hilarion, 21 Farncomb Road Fulham |
| Monday 12th November 2007 | 1pm - 4pm | ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton |
| Monday 19th November 2007 | 1pm - 4pm | Reynella Lodge, 7 Railway Terrace Reynella |
Conducted by: Anglicare SA
Registration Fees: Members $88.00, Non-Members $154.00
Click here for a registration form
Ideal for all staff, Board members, key personnel and new managers. Anglicare SA's Zero Tolerance recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people program assists individuals and agencies to meet their legal and moral obligations for notification of abuse of the elderly. The training program provides essential education in recognising and addressing the broader scope of elder abuse to ensure a preventative approach is adopted within all service delivery settings. The training also provides strategies to effectively deal with instances of elder abuse that may occur. The training program covers:
The attitudes and values participants have and the impact when 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.
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
FREE Workplace Relations Workshops
Workplace Agreement Making in Aged & Community care
Dates: 29th October 2007
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Time: All sessions will be conducted 9am - 12pm
Conducted by: Lynch Meyer
Registration Fees: Free
Click here to download a registration form.
Preparing & developing an agreement
Dates: 5th October 2007
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Times: 13th August & 21st September 9am - 1pm and 5th October 1pm - 5pm
Conducted by: EMA Consulting, Ashleigh Smith
Click here to download a registration form.
Negotiating in the workplace
Dates: 15th October 2007
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton SA
Times: All sessions will be conducted 2pm 5pm
Conducted by: Oz Train, Allison Taylor
Click here to download a registration form.
Training for Rural & NT Members
| 29th October | 9am - 12pm | Darwin |
| 29th October | 2pm - 5pm | Darwin |
| 30th October | 1pm - 4pm | Alice Springs |
| 30th October | 6pm - 9pm | Alice Springs |
Registration Fees: Members $66.00, Non-Members $132.00
Conducted by : Jill Pretty
Click here for a registration form - NT sessions
These sessions will give members the opportunity to see how all the ACFI pieces fit together and will give participants important information to allow them to compare financial outcomes for their service. All attendees MUST bring ACFI Resources (6 documents) to the training session. These documents will be emailed to participants upon receipt of registration
Zero Tolerance - recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people
| Monday 8th October 2007 | 1pm - 4pm | Longridge Retirement Village , Attwill Street Naracoorte |
Conducted by: Anglicare SA
Registration Fees: Members $88.00, Non-Members $154.00
Click here for a registration form
Ideal for all staff, Board members, key personnel and new managers. Anglicare SA's Zero Tolerance recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people program assists individuals and agencies to meet their legal and moral obligations for notification of abuse of the elderly. The training program provides essential education in recognising and addressing the broader scope of elder abuse to ensure a preventative approach is adopted within all service delivery settings. The training also provides strategies to effectively deal with instances of elder abuse that may occur. The training program covers:
The attitudes and values participants have and the impact when 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 Training Package is presented as an interactive workshop, utilising case scenarios and applies the adult learning principles as well as having the tick of approval for its Learning, Literacy and Numeracy content.
Performance Development Training
| 30th November 2007 | Port Lincoln , Hilton Hotel |
| 23rd November 2007 | Mt Gambier, Boandik Lodge |
| 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:
-
What is performance management?
-
What affects a person's performance?
-
The definition of performance management
-
The difference between appraisal and performance management
-
Best practice in Performance Development
-
Principles underpinning good Performance Development
-
Linking the performance process with key systems
-
Key factors to consider
-
Outcomes of Performance Development
-
Ensuring Performance Development is logically and psychologically satisfying
Industry Education & Training Events
Ageing. It's everyone's Business
Click here for the Speaker Papers from ACSA's 20th National Conference held in Melbourne 16th 19th September 2007.
The Aged Care Quality Association
Biannual conference - Wipe out Pyjama Paralysis is being held at the Arkaba
Hotel, Adelaide, on Friday 12th October, 2007. The focus of the conference,
as the title suggests, is improving the Quality of Life for residents in aged
care facilities - something that every aged care worker will find value from
and will be especially useful for activity advisors, nurses, carer workers and
managers.
There is a great line up of speakers from around the country who have some very
interesting perspectives on improving quality of life through allied health,
nutrition and alternative ideas from the Wellness Hub. Click
here to download the Program and Registration. Print out the form and complete
the registration details and fax or post them along to reserve your place.
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.'
The Conference is the major annual activity of the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG), which brings together professionals interested in promoting education and research into all aspects of ageing. The Association encourages cross disciplinary exchange of ideas amongst professionals including clinicians, therapists, social scientists, economists and demographers.
The AAG is now calling for abstracts for the Conference. If you are a professional working in ageing, whether you are developing policy, an active researcher, an educator, a service provider or a consumer and you have research, policy or practice information to share, then the AAG National Conference will provide a wide, diverse, well informed and well connected audience. The AAG program committee welcomes abstracts that are informative, relevant and contribute to the ageing research and education agenda.
Over the years James Bond has adapted and changed to suit the audience of the times. The 2007 Conference will follow through on this theme of adaptation highlighting that ageing can be viewed in much the same way as Bond. New technologies, innovative thinking, changing social structures, policies and community attitudes impact on the way we view and manage ageing today. The 2007 Conference will offer opportunities to showcase these evolutions and revolutions in ageing.
The 3-day Conference will include plenary, concurrent and poster presentations as well as a social program designed to maximise networking for attendees in the wine and festival capital of Australia
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.
Connecting People and Plants - Introduction to Horticultural Therapy
Friday 26th October 2007
Horticultural Therapy is not only an emerging profession, it is a time-proven practice. The therapeutic benefits of peaceful garden environments have been understood since ancient times. Horticultural Therapy uses garden related activities to heal social, cognitive, physical and psychological issues as well as enhancing general health and well-being. Physical environments can be designed to reduce stress, increase creativity, improve health, and to support people's welfare. Healing, therapeutic and sensory gardens are used just as much today, as in times gone by, to heal, rehabilitate and to provide sanctuary.
This stimulating seminar will showcase successful SA and Interstate Horticultural Therapy programs from a wide range of disciplines. It will also explore the challenge of providing and designing therapeutic landscapes to meet specific needs, programs and agendas. The aim of this seminar is to educate about the value of Horticultural Therapy and to encourage discussion and networking between program practitioners, carers, designers and all garden lovers.
Click here for details.
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