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Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
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Volume 10, Issue 9, September 2009
Please note some of the articles provided have additional papers which can be downloaded or links to another website page. In some cases these documents are linked to the ACS Members Only section of this website and will require a Username and Password. All members have been issued with a Username and Password. If you have not received this please contact the Communications Officer with your contact details and you will be issued with your access details.
Snippets is proudly sponsored by Randstad
Index
From the CEO's desk
SA winners in ACSA National Awards
ACS warmly congratulates members Resthaven and Richard Hearn on their recent success at the ACSA National Awards for Excellence. The ACSA awards recognise outstanding contributions in the field of aged care.
Individual Award: Richard Hearn, CEO Resthaven, Malvern, South Australia: “A true champion for aged care”. Richard has been passionate and dedicated in furthering the cause of caring for older people, and enhancing their rights and image in Australian society over many years. He has driven Resthaven’s Positive Images Campaign to influence how older people are portrayed, perceived and treated in the media and the community.
Media Award: Resthaven, Malvern, South Australia: Resthaven has understood the media and used it to great effect to challenge the native stereotypes of ageing; Resthaven is a place that respects the needs of those people in its care and treats them as individuals.
The awards were presented at the ACSA National Conference – Get Up, Stand Up – in Perth on Monday evening (14 September).
ACSA image campaign – help spread the word
CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
Members will be aware that the first stage of the ACSA image campaign – Kevin87 – began on Monday. We encourage all aged care professionals to spread the word – there are many ways you can take part to ensure this message continues to be seen and heard:
Ask all your friends to visit the kevin87 site and click to send a pledge of support to Kevin Rudd:
Post messages of support on Twitter
Join our Facebook Group Can't Do It Without You
- Send a Facebook Group invite to all your Facebook friends.
Download the Kevin87 video here:
For Windows: http://www.kevin87.com/downloads/kevin87.wmv
For Mac: http://www.kevin87.com/downloads/kevin87.mov
- Send it to a friend
- Post it on your social pages, like Facebook, blogs, your website, MySpace, Linked in
Use all our campaign collateral and logos on your website, download here
ACS Board nominations closing 9 October 2009
Following the recent call for nominations for the 2009 ACS SA&NT Board of Management, seven nominations were received for three vacancies. On 4 September, all ACS full member CEOs were notified of a ballot to be undertaken to determine appointments to the three vacancies. Many thanks to all who have responded so far. For those still considering their votes, please be aware that voting closes at 12.00 noon on Friday 9 October 2009.
Please be advised that regional meetings will be held at the following times and locations:
- Central (Barossa) 9.30 am start Friday 6 November. Venue: Barossa Village
- Northern (Wallaroo) 10 am start Monday 9 November. Venue: Star of the Sea
Watch out for further agenda information over the next few weeks.
Randstad News
Building happiness in the workplace
A partner of recruitment & HR services company, Randstad, Martyn Newman is the critically acclaimed author of the international bestselling books, Emotional Capitalists – The New Leaders and the Emotional Capital Inventory.
So what has Martyn written about that has got everyone talking? Would you believe, it’s something as seemingly simple as building happiness in the workplace.
“Many studies show, happy people are more creative, solve problems better and quicker, live longer and enjoy high levels of leadership influence. In other words, when people feel better they perform better.
But how can we feel more happy, more of the time?
A number of studies show that emotional intelligence significantly differentiates happy people from unhappy ones. According to recent research, happiness goes hand-in-hand with several emotional and social skills:
Self-reliance, which is the emotional power to accept responsibility, back our personal judgment, and be self-reliant in planning and making important decisions. This skill enables you to have the courage to do what matters to you.
Self-confidence. Emotional capitalists don’t rely on the approval of others to pursue their course of action. They have the courage to take the initiative despite social pressures. They are more emotionally committed to doing what they love than being loved by others.
Using optimism as a strategy can also be an effective way of dealing with difficulties and sensing opportunities.
Optimistic people are also resilient. They often have a history of significant failures, losses, and bitter disappointments, but display remarkable resilience: an ability to bounce back from adversity.
Love it or lose it. Emotional capitalists are passionate and know how to manage their reserves of emotional energy. Loving what you do is a necessary condition to maintaining your emotional well-being.
So with organisations focused on just surviving the downturn, is happiness something that business leaders should be putting time and energy into, and can we learn to be happier in our lives?
The most fundamental finding from the science of happiness is that almost every person feels happier when they're with other people, especially when they are contributing to others.
Happiness makes you more effective because building your emotional capital goes hand-in-hand with your capacity to maintain peace of mind. Happiness is good for business.
This information was taken from Martyn Newman’s paper, “Why happiness is good for business”. The full article can be accessed by clicking here.
For more information, please contact Randstad consultant, Tim Pearce, on 08 8461 4430.
ACS SA&NT staff profile:
This year in Snippets we will profile one ACS staff member each month to provide members with a better idea of individual roles within the Association. This month features Alison Hollis, who ACS recently welcomed to the organisation - Alison now job-shares the role of Receptionist/Admin Assistant with Kaylene van Wyk.
Background:
Alison was born and raised in South Australia. She started her career with the Commonwealth Bank and worked in CBA administration for 13 years. She then worked as a secretary for Michelle Sillar Lynch & Meyer, Colliers Jardine in the Valuation Division, David Sladden & Associates Pty Ltd (HR and recruitment) and Smallacombe Real Estate.
Current role: Alison commenced with ACS in July 2009 in the job-share role of Receptionist/Admin Assistant and thoroughly enjoys working in the aged care sector, particularly for ACS SA & NT where she has found the whole team to be extremely friendly and supportive.
Interests: Alison has a passion for interior decorating, creating art and craft, gardening and garden design. She loves having dinner with friends, going to the movies and spending time with her 12 year old daughter. She particularly enjoys the beach and spending weekends at her holiday home with her husband, daughter and pug dog.
General News
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the Members Only section. Click here to download. Issues covered in the latest edition include:
- ACSA 2009 National Conference
- Laurie Lawrence - Confirmed Presenter in Perth
- Governor General Promotes Ageing and Aged Care
- Award Modernisation Update
- Fair Work Australia - Free Information Sessions
- Aged Care Facilities Left Out in the Cold on Insulation and Solar Power Rebates
- Varying the Amount of an Accommodation Bond with an Existing Resident
- Pension Changes
- Market Rates for Temporary Skilled Overseas Workers
- Veteran Health and Wellbeing Projects
- Australia's Occupational Health and Safety Record
- Community Hosts for Sites Sought for Free Broadband Internet for Seniors
- ACT Aged Care CEO Honoured
- Health and Hospitals Reform
- Health and Wellbeing in Ageing.
- Government to Provide $11 million to Charitable and Nonprofit Organisations
TGA green lights pandemic flu vaccine
Australia's independent medicines' regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced it will register the CSL pandemic influenza (swine flu) vaccine. This decision paves the way for a national vaccination program to start later this month. The TGA has been progressively assessing data from adult human trials of the vaccine as they have been provided by CSL and, following an exhaustive evaluation, including consideration by the independent Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC), the TGA has determined that the vaccine is safe and effective for use in adults.
Please click here for further information.
Invitation to submit proposals for accredited training
As part of its aim to provide an expanded training and professional development program for members, ACS is seeking to develop partnerships with one or several RTOs who deliver accredited training programs across aged care, community services, management and other relevant areas. ACS is now inviting proposals from RTOs who are interested in exploring opportunities with the association.
Find out more including the criteria to be addressed.
ACS 2010 Training Calendar Survey
To enable ACS to offer a relevant calendar of training events, we ask for member feedback about the topics each year.
ACS would appreciate you completing a short survey, to assist us in preparing the 2010 Training Calendar. Click here to go directly to the survey which will only take a few minutes to complete.
Each completed entry (with contact details supplied) will be entered into the prize draw for a complimentary attendance at any single day ACS event up to the value of $100 (to be taken by the end of June 2010). Please complete the survey by Friday 23rd October to be eligible for the prize draw.
Thank you for your time and good luck with the prize draw.
James Brown Memorial Trust in City to Bay
James Brown Memorial Trust entered a team of 25 employees from Kalyra and Kalyra Vale in the City to Bay. The Trust supported the event by paying for registration and providing staff with T-shirts and drink bottles.
Staff prepared for the event by undertaking training walks along the beach at Brighton. Despite some sore legs on Monday morning, the team had a great time and are already looking forward to next year's event. It was great to see so many aged care providers supporting the event.
Some of the team are pictured right.
Picture kindly supplied by Natasha Forward (Director of Care, JBMT)
Reminder for members to submit information needed by the new NMBSA
The Nursing and Midwifery Practice Act 2008 commenced last 4 August 2008. Under Section 39 (1) of the new Act, service providers are required to give written notice to the Board of the provider’s:
- full name and business or (in the case of a corporation) registered address; and
- in the case of a corporate or trustee services provider – the full names and addresses of all persons who occupy a position of authority in the provider.
Members can either email the information or send the information to this address: Nursing and Midwifery Board of South Australia, PO Box 2809, KENT TOWN SA 5071
Nursing scholarships encourage healthy communities
One of Australia’s largest scholarship programs available for nurses is now open for applications. The Australian Government funded Nurse Scholarship Program (NSP) and Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (MHPSS) is administered by Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) and targets key nursing demographics including rural and remote students and nurses, nurse practitioners, mental health nurses and people wishing to re-enter the nursing workforce.
The scholarship program currently comprises five separate scholarship schemes:
- Undergraduate scholarships are available to students with a rural or remote background studying to become a registered/division 1 nurse, with funding worth up to $30 000.
- Continuing Professional Education scholarships are available for registered and enrolled nurses and midwives with a rural or remote background. Funding of up to $10 000 is available for professional development activities including programs, courses and conference attendance.
- Nurse Practitioner scholarships support nurses studying towards endorsement as a nurse practitioner, and are worth up to $30 000.
- Mental Health Nursing scholarships are available for registered nurses to undertake postgraduate study in mental health nursing, and are worth up to $30 000.
- National Nurse Re-entry Scheme scholarships are worth up to $6000 for those studying to re-enter the nursing workforce.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact RCNA , email or phone 1800 117 262
Local Palliative Care Grants Program - Round 5 - Dementia
Palliative Care for people with a mental illness¸ Alzheimer's disease or other dementias
The Department of Health and Ageing is seeking applications from health-related services/organisations/consortia to develop better palliative and end of life care for people with a mental illness, Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
Grants of between $200¸000 and $600¸000 (GST inclusive) will be made available for projects of up to 18 months duration over the 2009-10 and 2010-11 financial years.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate how the funding will be used to improve the quality of palliative care to the targeted population through improved and sustainable change to practice. The projects will be required to cover more than one geographical region.
Projects funded under this round of the Local Palliative Care Grants Program will be expected to address one or more of the following objectives:
- Develop innovative and/or best practice models of care¸
- Improve palliative care service delivery to people who have a mental illness¸ Alzheimer's disease or other dementias¸ and
- Assist sustainable change to improve the delivery of palliative and end of life care services.
Organisations or consortia able to meet the following criteria are invited to apply:
- Ability to manage a project across two or more geographical regions¸
- Knowledge and understanding of palliative care and palliative care service provision¸
- Knowledge and understanding of the primary health care system and of the acute care hospital system¸
- Previous administrative experience on a similar scale.
The anticipated period of the grants will be from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011. Applications for funding must be received by 2pm on Wednesday 30 September 2009 in Canberra.
Insights into the retirement plans of baby boomers
The baby boomer population in Australia represent around a quarter of the population. It is expected that by 2030, all Australian baby boomers will be aged 65 years and over. Retirement from work of this generation will have significant social and economic consequences. National Seniors Australia recently released My Generation: Are Australian baby boomers the retiring kind? This report presented a brief overview of research findings on the retirement plans and expectations of Australia’s baby boomers.
Key points in the report include:
- The age at which baby boomers want to retire is 4 years earlier than the age at which they expect to retire. On average, baby boomers expect to retire at age 63.
- Around 40% of baby boomers still don’t know when they will retire with around 19% expecting never to retire completely.
- 80% of baby boomers prefer a transition to retirement, the most preferred form of transition being working part-time. Most also prefer to stay in their current employment or same line of work.
- Personal or leisure time, ill health and work stress were the main factors influencing the transition path.
- Baby boomers with the highest income and those with the most skills are least likely to want to retire completely.
- Only 10% of baby boomers have discussed retirement with their supervisor or employer.
- Almost half (49%) of baby boomers believe that superannuation or annuity will be their main source of income after retirement.
- The average superannuation balance for baby boomers is around $65,000.00
- Only 12% of baby boomers expect to be completely reliant on the age pension.
- Close to three quarters (73%) of baby boomers have positive expectations to retirement.
- Travel, hobbies and volunteer work are the most popular retirement activities identified by baby boomers.
- 34.6% of baby boomers expect to move to a new location when they retire, with those from Western Australia most likely to move and those from Tasmania least likely.
- The recent global financial situation has made baby boomers revise their retirement plans and curb lifestyle and travel spending.
More detailed and comprehensive information on the retirement plans and expectations of baby boomers will be provided by the Ageing Baby Boomers in Australia Project. Results from this project will be available in late 2009.
Study looking into the accommodation needs of older GLBTI people
Researchers from the WA Centre for Health Promotion Research and the Centre for Research on Ageing are looking into the aged-care accommodation needs of older gay and lesbian people. The study, commissioned by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex (GLBTI) Retirement Association will explore current, available housing options for older GLBTI people and propose ways to improve it.
Jude Comfort, research leader, is hoping the findings will bring about changes in attitudes and practices towards GLBTI people already in aged care accommodation, and those entering in the future. She stated that anecdotal evidence demonstrates that GLBTI people are often a hidden group in aged care facilities. This particular group have problems coming out when they are in aged care, or feel they have to go back into the closet to prevent being discriminated against.
To ensure that older GLBTI people are being offered or receiving relevant support and services, the research group will be collaborating with aged care housing providers in developing best practice guidelines.
Last Tuesday evening ACS, in conjunction with several members and silver sponsor MBFS, presented a Residential Admissions information session: Will I have to sell my house? to over 70 members of the general public and ACS members’ residential waiting list clients.
On arrival, attendees were treated to real coffee and homemade Greek biscotti and meandered through displays by LifeCare, Anglicare, ACH, Resthaven and ECH. In the ACS welcome address, ACSA’s video of Kevin Rudd slowly ageing to the age of 87 featured to applause and amusement. It relaxed the group who quickly settled in to hear Natasha Forward (James Brown Memorial Trust) and Mark McInerney (McInerney Barrett Financial Services) o
utline the most important considerations for families and individuals to consider when applying for and entering a residential facility. The feedback from the evening was very positive.
Special thanks to all members who advised their waiting list clients of the event, assisted ACS in the planning and promotion, the presenters and admissions staff who took time out in the evening to display and chat with people about their facilities and services available. Special thanks to SIS, COTA, Carers SA, Carelink Centres and Flinders Medical Centre who promoted the event to their clients. Several attendees also heard interviews with presenters on ABC891 and 5RPH leading up to the information session.
The next information session will be held in February 2010 and details will appear in Snippets.
19th Annual Tri State Conference – CALL FOR PAPERS NOW OPEN
The 19th Annual Tri State Conference and Trade Exhibition will be held in Mt Gambier, South Australia, from Sunday 28th February 2010 to Tuesday 2nd March 2010.
The Tri-State Conference will bring together aged care professionals from across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
Speakers who are directly involved and working in aged and community care are encouraged to submit an abstract of a presentation that aims to share their experiences of meeting the growing and diverse needs of residents/clients.
The conference theme - “The Changing Faces of Aged Care”, compels us to explore the future of the aged and community care industry. Above all, the aged and community care industry seeks to provide quality of life for older people.
TRADE and SPONSORSHIP opportunities also available.
Each year EMA Consulting reviews its charge rate.
The discounted charge rate for ACS SA & NT members was recently increased to $230 per hour plus GST, to cover rising overheads and retain EMA’s professional consulting team.
New National Health Headquarters
Adelaide will be the home of Health Workforce Australia – the new national health workforce body. Ministers agreed last year to fund and establish the HWA to address workforce shortages and plan for the future health needs of the Australian population. The new body, which is expected to begin work by the end of this year, will administer a budget of over $1.5 billion dollars for recruitment, training and workforce redesign. It will plan, coordinate and fund clinical training across all disciplines on behalf of the Commonwealth, States and Territories, coordinating international recruitment, scholarships, rural medical training and the use of overseas graduates.
Lynch Meyer's Aged Care Briefing
Articles in the latest edition include:
- Who would want to be a retirement living developer?
- Transfer of liability for site contamination - watch out!
- ATO extends generosity to retirement village developers
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the relevant authors.
New Resources
The National Carers Week website is now live. The website contains information about the theme and support services available to carers as well as information on events happening across the country to celebrate the week (18-24 October 2009).
A new book aimed at carers of family members or friends with depression, anxiety, or a related disorder, provides advice and guidance for carers on how to deal with a range of situations they may face, and encourages them to look after their own health and wellbeing.
The beyondblue Guide for Carers can be ordered by calling 1300 22 4636 or downloaded.
National Seniors Australia – Promoting Productive Ageing Online
Two new internet tools from the research arm of National Seniors Australia, the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre (a joint initiative of National Seniors Australia and the Australian Government) have just been released:
- The Productive Ageing Centre website which provides users with research, education and information; and
- The Atlas of Productive Ageing, that allows users to find regional information on five broad indicators of productive ageing – activity, health, finance, housing and population.
The interactive web-based Atlas of Productive Ageing was developed by the Centre in collaboration with the Public Health Information Development Unit at the University of Adelaide.
The Department of Health and Ageing, under the Australian Government Dementia Initiative, have funded the development of a suite of training resources about “how the environment, technology and you” can help a person living with dementia. Resources available include:
- 33 help sheets
- a DVD with facilitator's guide
- a home safety checklist
- a poster book
- a promotional brochure and poster
- this website with virtual tour and on-line resources
These resources are available for people with dementia, carers, dementia care workers, health professionals and service providers including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living in rural and remote communities and younger people with dementia.
Copies of these free resources can be ordered by email
ACFI Update
There are a number of protocols that apply to the administration of the validation program as we know it – please click here for more information.
News for Residential Providers
Protection of Residential Aged Care Accommodation Bonds
Please click on the link to access the AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE ANAO: Protection of Residential Aged Care Accommodation Bonds – Dept of Health and Ageing
Aged Care (Residential care subsidy—amount of hardship supplement) Determination 2009 (No. 1)¹
This Determination commenced on 20 September 2009. Click here for the Explanatory Statement.
Aged Care (Residential care subsidy —amount of accommodation supplement) Determination 2009 (No. 2)1
Click on the links for the Determination and Explanatory Statement.
Residential Care Manual 2009, Edition 1 now available
The Residential Care Manual 2009, Edition 1 is now available on the Department of Health and Ageing’s website.
In coming weeks, two copies of the Manual will be sent to each residential aged care service and each multi-purpose service in Australia. The Manual has been updated and revised to help approved providers comply with their responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act); and to assist staff of aged care services understand the regulation of residential aged care.
The chapter Funding for permanent residential aged care includes comprehensive information on the 20 September 2009 changes to the basic daily fee.
In the chapter Protection and responsibilities relating to accommodation bonds, there is also detailed guidance about the regulation of and providers’ responsibilities relating to accommodation bonds. This material replaces the Users’ Guide to the Regulation of Approved Providers Holding Accommodation Bonds, which was published in 2006.
Preparing for outbreaks of gastroenteritis
The Department of Health and Ageing is encouraging all Residential Aged Care Providers and homes to ensure that good hygiene practices are maintained to help minimise outbreaks of gastroenteritis.
With the prevalence of gastroenteritis more common between late winter and early summer, this information reminds approved providers to include their local State or Territory reporting requirements and any guidelines in infection control plans. It also refers approved providers to resources to assist them in managing gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Submission to Complaints Investigation Scheme
ACS forwarded a comprehensive submission to the Review on behalf of its members, calling for a new scheme that is actually focused on working with the complainant and provider to resolve complaints and encourages positive relationships between parties.
Key recommendations in the ACS SA & NT submission are:
- The development and introduction of a new and effective complaints system;
- Immediate implementation of improved transparency and communication;
- Resolution which is fair and unbiased for both complainant and provider.
Therapeutic Goods Administration Recall Notices
ACS has regularly advised members in Snippets of recall and alert notifications from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). However, due to TGA legal changes, ACS will no longer be able to provide monthly TGA recall notification summary reports.
If TGA alerts are assessed as high risk for the state, then an alert will be drafted and legal approval for distribution will be sought from TGA.
News for Community Providers
Revised recipient contribution rates
CACP, EACH and EACHD care recipient contribution rates effective 20 September 2009
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, recently announced the new pension rates, effective 20 September 2009.
From 20 September 2009, the maximum contribution for CACP, EACH and EACHD recipients will increase from $6.87 to $7.69 per day. This figure is 17.5% of the base rate of pension per day (ie, excluding Supplements), rounded down to the nearest cent.
Fee Guide for Providers of Commonwealth Funded Aged Care Packages
The Fee Guide for Providers of Commonwealth Funded Aged Care Packages (revised edition September 2009) and covering memo were sent to members today - if you are an ACS member and would like to receive the Fee Guide please contact Gretta Koch to be placed on the distribution list.
Housing
Second round of National Rental Affordability Scheme
The Rudd Government has announced it will deliver 6,741 new affordable rental homes for low and middle income earners under the second round of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).
The Scheme will help build up to 50,000 new properties across Australia by 2012, which will then be rented out at a minimum of 20% below market rate.
Congratulations to ACS members James Brown Memorial Trust and Adelaide City Council on their Round 2 NRAS grant.
Housing affordability – it’s about more than the rent
High energy costs contribute to unaffordable housing.
Are you interested in reducing the financial hardship faced by your tenants as a result of rising energy costs – and at the same time improving their comfort levels?
Then the Energy Efficient Homes Ceiling Insulation is for you!
Anglicare Social Enterprises is joining with Low Energy Supplies and Services to deliver and install ceiling insulation, which is essential for keeping a home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Insulated homes cut energy costs.
Social landlords and Community Housing organisations are eligible for the $1600 rebate from the Federal Government for most standard 100 sq m. homes. There will be no additional costs.
All installers are trained and police checked and highest quality standards are adhered to.
So, if you want to have a ‘Triple Bottom Line’ approach which improves your asset and reduces financial overheads for your tenants, whilst at the same time supports social enterprise, contact Michael Arbon at Anglicare on 8131 3444.
Northern Territory News
Grants - Alice Springs Transitional Aftercare Funding Round
Description: Delivery of a new transitional aftercare service in Alice Springs for Indigenous people in Central Australia.
Organisations/individuals interested in tendering must address the requirements of the invitation document which is available by registering on the form.
Applications close 2 pm on 9 October 2009.
Workshops on the Fair Work Act 2009 in the Northern Territory
ACS SA & NT, in conjunction with Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) and the Aged Care Association of Australia (ACAA), has secured funding to conduct workshops to outline the key changes to workplace law as a result of the Fair Work Act 2009.
The workshops will give an overview of the relevant key features of the Act, including:
- The safety net of minimum employment conditions;
- Unfair dismissal provisions;
- Collective bargaining and enterprise agreements;
- The Fair Work Australia institutions and
- Modern awards.
Participants will gain a better understanding of the opportunities and flexibilities offered by Australia’s workplace relations system.
The training and support is being offered free-of-charge to employers and employees in the aged care industry. In the Northern Territory, two sessions are being offered: one in Alice Springs and one in Darwin. The sessions are being presented by Shayne Bakewell, EMA Consulting.
Rural & Regional News
19th Annual Tri State Conference, Mt Gambier – CALL FOR PAPERS NOW OPEN
The 19th Annual Tri State Conference and Trade Exhibition will be held in Mt Gambier, South Australia, from Sunday 28th February 2010 to Tuesday 2nd March 2010.
The Tri-State Conference will bring together aged care professionals from across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
Speakers who are directly involved and working in aged and community care are encouraged to submit an abstract of a presentation that aims to share their experiences of meeting the growing and diverse needs of residents/clients.
The conference theme – “The Changing Faces of Aged Care”, compels us to explore the future of the aged and community care industry. Above all, the aged and community care industry seeks to provide quality of life for older people.
TRADE and SPONSORSHIP opportunities also available.
Workplace Issues
Click on the links below for industrial updates from EMA Consulting.
EMA Note: Issue 20 – Consideration of National Employer Levy for Workplace Health
EMA Note: Issue 21 – Award Modernisation – Transitional Arrangements
EMA Note: Issue 22 – Safe Work Australia Bill
EMA Note: Issue 23 – Enterprise Agreements Fail – Good Faith Bargaining Obligations Continue Despite Approval of Agreement by Employees
Research, Publications & Grants
Participation in BreastScreen Australia decreasing for older women
Recent figures from the BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2005-06 showed that although the proportion of women screened significantly increased, those aged 70 years or over showed a significant decrease. Between 2003–2004 and 2005–2006 the proportion of women screened aged 70 years or over significantly decreased from 13.2% to 9.4%. The report noted that this decrease may indicate a focus on a specified target age group and emerging capacity issues of the program.
The full report can be accessed from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) website .
Burden of disease due to asthma
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released a report on the burden of asthma in Australia. The summary was based on two previous reports: The burden of disease and injury in Australia 2003 and The burden of disease and injury in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2003.
The AIHW summary provided information on asthma-related burden of disease and its impact on physical functioning and social roles. The report highlighted that in 2003, 60.9% of disease burden associated with asthma were borne by children aged 0 to 14 years. The burden of disease attributed to asthma was lowest among those aged 65 years and over. This may be because people in the oldest age group are likely to suffer from co-morbidities, with the burden of disease shared across a range of other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
The full report can be accessed from the AIHW website.
Clinical practice guidelines for musculoskeletal diseases released
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recently released national clinical practice guidelines for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis for general practitioners and other allied health professionals. The guidelines were developed from consultations with various groups including GPs, specialists, allied health professionals and consumers. These groups identified and reviewed the best evidence for care and have compiled them to assist health professionals in making clinical decisions on the primary care of these musculoskeletal conditions.
The clinical guidelines can be downloaded from the RACGP website.
Health expenditure for arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recently released a report, Health expenditure for arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, 2004-05. The AIHW report showed that in 2004–05, arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions affected more than 6 million Australians, making it the fourth largest contributor to direct health expenditure in the country. This amounted to $4.0 billion or 7.5% of total allocated health expenditure.
Osteoarthritis alone accounted for nearly one-third of the expenditure, mostly due to hospital costs associated with knee and hip replacements. Females showed higher health expenditure than males, indicating greater prevalence of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions amongst females. Spending on these conditions also increased with age, with females aged 75–84 years showing nearly four times the expenditure amount per person than in the 45–54 years age group and double compared to the 55–64 years age group.
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic back pain and slipped disc were other conditions that contributed to direct health expenditure, as well as prescription pharmaceuticals for osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Incidence of Type-2 diabetes on the rise among older Australians
A recent report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) demonstrates that 87% of new cases of insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes occurred in people aged 45 years and over between 2000–2007. The AIHW report also showed that the people aged 55–64 years and those aged 65–74 years had the highest number of new cases reported (26.5% and 24.5% respectively). The data presented were from the latest results of Australia’s National Diabetes Register.
Overall, there was a 63% increase of new cases of insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes in Australia from 2000–2007. Type-2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, occurring mostly in people aged 40 years and over. The full report can be accessed from the AIHW website.
Coming Events
Arts, Ageing & Creativity Conference - 22-23 October 2009, Adelaide Convention Centre
This Conference, the first of its kind in Australasia, will involve and engage aged care practitioners, international experts and researchers, managers, policy developers and the broader community to discuss the value of active participation in the creative arts for older people.
You and your staff will discover international findings and perspectives, national ideas and contacts, the emerging creative arts in the ageing sector and how to broaden and bring new ideas to your lifestyle program.
Expect the unexpected. The conference offers everything from Clown Doctors and Japanese Theatre to a thought-provoking art exhibition and a kaleidoscope of experts in the creative fields. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, all committed to the search for new ideas and approaches that enrich the lives of our seniors.
The program is dynamic and diverse, incorporating a range of industry professionals and specialist speakers and presenters.
Ageing Safely Forum - working across sectors to prevent violence & abuse of older people
22–23 October 2009, Adelaide
Ageing Safely brings together key policy makers and services across a range of sectors to focus on developing and implementing effective inter-agency protocols to address the abuse of older people in their homes.
Workshop on Ortho-rehab models
Tuesday 27 October from 12–4:30 pm, Adelaide Pavilion
Consultative workshop on Ortho-rehab models for fragility fractures, general orthopaedic trauma and arthroplasty. These models have been developed collaboratively by the Statewide Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Clinical Networks.
This is your opportunity to provide feedback on the models that have been developed.
Find out more. Please RSVP to Belinda O’Malley or phone 8226-6603.
Horticultural Therapy South Australia’s 2009 Horticultural Therapy Symposium
30–31 October 2009
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.
This stimulating seminar will showcase successful SA and Interstate Horticultural Therapy programs from a wide range of disciplines and will explore the challenge of providing and designing therapeutic landscapes to meet specific needs, programs and agendas.
Find out more. For further information email here
18th National Conference on Incontinence
4-7 November 2009, Adelaide
Registrations are open for the Continence Foundation of Australia's 18th National Conference on Incontinence.
The conference program includes one full day of workshops followed by a three-day scientific program and exhibition.
For more information please visit the Continence Foundation of Australia’s website or contact the Conference Secretariat on 07 3851 4298.
ACS Education & Training Events
The 2009 Training Program is constantly updated. Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, and also sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
ACS courses in October . . . book now to secure your spot! 
ACFI Where are we now? - Wednesday 7 October, 9.30 am-3.30 pm
Join Jacqui Banham to explore ways to achieve the best ACFI outcomes possible. You will cover:
- Planning when to re ACFI
- Validation: what do we know now?
- What should the completed ACFI pack look like?
- How can I achieve the best ACFI outcome?
- Refresher on accurate completion of ACFI assessment tools and records
- Unlocking the CHC domain
- How to ensure my ACFIs will hold firm under validation
Develop and Manage Your Staff's Performance – 14 & 28 Oct. and 11 Nov. 8 am–9.30 am
Brand new course with ever-popular presenter Alli Taylor, three early morning sessions so you can be back at work before you've been missed! Learn about the critical impact feedback has on performance and how to deliver it effectively in different situations with a range of different people. Create a culture in which your staff are utilised effectively, recognised for their efforts and work is linked to greater goals. These practical and interactive sessions will cover:
- What performance management is
- The issues affecting a person's performance
- The difference between appraisal and performance management
- Best practice in performance development
This workshop links to the accredited module PSPGOV519A Manage Performance; an optional assessment is available to gain a statement of attainment of this competency.
Two different ACFI sessions with Jacqui Banham: Friday 16 October, come to one or both:
ACFI Understanding the PAS and Cornell - 9 am-12 pm
A comprehensive look at the PAS psycho geriatric tool and the Modified Cornell Depression Scale (CDS) including how to conduct, score and interpret and how the PAS differs from the SMMSE and the CDS from it's predecessor.
ACFI from the care worker's perspective - 1 pm-4 pm
Specifically designed for care workers, this session covers ACFI in a nutshell including accurate clinical assessments after diagnosis, validation, how to complete ACFI records and behaviours, medication and pain management.
Feedback on Jacqui's previous courses:
'Speaker excellent. Found the day very interesting and easy to follow.'
'Just need more Jacquis around aged care. She has very practical advice.'
'I will look at better use of ACFI funding framework to access more funds and provide increased services.'
Bereavement Support Workshop: Assisting staff and volunteers in residential and community care in coping with death and grief – Monday 19 October, 9.00 am-4 pm
Join Ann van der Zwaag from Alfred James Bereavement Education Service to reflect on the nature of relationships with residents / clients in relation to death and learn strategies to talk with and support relatives and look after yourself. You will learn:
- Regarding the invisible and staying with the experience
- ...exploring the assumptions we may have about death and grief.
- No-one ever asked me
- ...responding to someone who is hurting is easier than we may think.
- I’m affected as well!
- ...steps we can take to protect ourselves and help each other when someone’s death affects us at work.
- I’ve always wondered...
- ...clarifying any misinformation about funerals that may be held by staff or clients and gaining accurate, current knowledge.
Feedback on previous course:
A very difficult subject to discuss, presenter did a great job in 'breaking down' issues that can pose perceived barriers to staff dealing with bereavement.
Upcoming RDNS clinical courses
ACS is pleased to advise that each month Snippets will provide information about upcoming RDNS clinical courses and education events.
The RDNS Education Centre is excited to offer its new Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, tailored to the health and community services industry, and available from October this year. This course joins the new Certificate III courses in Disability and Home and Community Care also launching in October. The Education Centre’s popular education consultancy service is undergoing an upgrade with new content soon to be released including male catheterisation training and education on how to navigate the constantly changing health system. For further information contact the RDNS Education Centre on 08 8208 5300 or visit www.rdns.org.au/education
Industry Education & Training
Montessori-based Activities for Persons with Dementia
28 & 29 September 2009
Two-day seminar “I’m still here!” – Montessori-based Activities for Persons with Dementia, facilitated by Dr Cameron Camp in Adelaide.
This seminar is recommended for health professionals from a variety of disciplines including nurses, physios, occupational therapists, and social workers; and students undertaking studies in health disciplines.
This seminar is free but places are limited and registrations are essential. Find out more.
Industry Supporters
ACS is delighted to welcome Telstra as an Industry Supporter. Telstra offers many services for aged care providers and older people, including the service outlined below. 
Telstra Priority Assistance
Telstra Priority Assistance is designed to help residential customers who have (or who have someone living at their home who has) a diagnosed life-threatening medical condition and whose life may be at risk without access to a fully-operational phone service. Such customers are called Priority or Priority Assistance customers.
If a Priority Assistance customer has a fault on the nominated line, and their residence does not have another working standard telephone service (supplied by Telstra or another provider), or they need to connect their first standard telephone service, it will be attended to with the highest level of service practicably available at that time.
To find out if you're eligible for Telstra Priority Assistance, please talk to your doctor. For more information on Priority Assistance please call 13 2200.
Verso Spring Newsletter
Please click here for the latest edition.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT has entered into arrangements with a range of businesses to provide cost effective and quality services to its members. Please be advised that ACS SA&NT has entered into these arrangements with a financial benefit for the Association. Currently arrangements have been made with:
Access OCAR – Employment Assistance
Program
EMA Consulting – Industrial
Advice Service
Do you have an Employee Assistance Program?
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and opportunities for Members, ACS SA&NT is pleased to be able to provide members with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). ACS SA&NT has entered into an agreement with Access OCAR Workplace Consulting to provide an EAP to members at a substantially reduced rate. (Payment is made on a quartlery basis)
An EAP is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being. Employees have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside of their workplace and are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems. It has been advised that the Unions are in favour of EAP in businesses and often quality and standards accreditation also favour EA programs.
Access
OCAR Workplace Consulting will provide the services of the EAP to members
who join this service.
Click
here to download an expression of interest form. Upon completion of this
form Access OCAR will contact you to commence
the service.
Since 1 July 2006 EMA Consulting has been providing ACS Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA consultants are highly qualified, trained, experienced and are contemporary leaders in their profession. As an ACS Member, you have access to EMA for the following services:
Telephone Advisory Service
- Unlimited access to discuss any Industrial Relations topic
- Deal with IR Consultants
- No charge per call ~ generally limited to 15 minutes per issue. If it does take longer than this, it generally means the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary
- Nurses (ANF ~ SA Private Sector)
- Nurses SA
- Clerks SA
- Health Service Employees
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $230 per hour, which is a saving of $50 per hour. This includes access to a full range of user pays services such as AWAs, training, workers compensation, disputes and collective agreements.
Telephone (VIP toll free number) 1800
632 812
Advisory Service (08) 8221
6565
Telephone (08) 8221 6665
Facsimile (08 8221 6660
Website www.emaconsulting.com.au
