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Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
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Snippets – Volume 8 Issue 12
December 2008
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.
Index
From the CEO's desk
ACS SA&NT Strategic Plan
Arrangements have been made to start developing the Association’s Strategic Plan. The first stage of this commences with a workshop session on 19 and 20 February 2009 which will involve Board members and ACS staff. Stage two of the project will involve consultation with our five advisory committees, which will occur in the March/April period. Once we have a ‘product’ that we are satisfied with, a draft document will be posted on our website to allow members to comment on the detail and identified priorities.
Generally, strategic planning exercises have a three to five-year horizon. However, we will be taking a longer-term perspective, focusing on what we envisage the sector will look like in ten years. Thus, as an Association, we will not lose sight of providers' views and will be continually striving to achieve the longer-term ‘vision’.
Advocacy
Preparations are already underway for the lead-up to the next Federal election, due within two years. The CEOs from ACSA and ACAA are meeting in Melbourne in late January to start developing the election campaign. Lessons learnt from recent campaigns, particularly the last one, will help determine the approach adopted.
Everyone is aware that the sector faces an enormous challenge. The financial capacity of the Federal Government to use past surpluses has dwindled (or vanished) and yet there is a real need to develop new sustainable policies which will enable the sector to plan for the future. Collectively we must think very clearly about the policy priorities and determine ways to ‘sell’ this to Government.
ACS Advisory Committees
Eighteen months ago the Association undertook a revamp of its advisory committee structure which resulted in the establishment of five ‘new’ committees.
At the recent December Board meeting, representatives from the committees presented their 2008 activities and plans for the forthcoming year. All present were very impressed by the way all five committees have clearly adapted to the new strategic approach. They are all heavily involved in a wide range of activities aimed at improving things for the sector. It is impossible to cover everything they are doing but I urge you to visit our website to view the committees' action plans for more details.
I would also like to use this opportunity to acknowledge the support that committee members provide to the Association. Their efforts are appreciated and greatly valued.
Season's Greetings
On behalf of the team at ACS I would like to wish all members, friends and supporters a safe and happy festive season.
ACS offices will be closed from Thursday 25 December to Sunday 4 January, re-opening for business on Monday 5 January.
General News
National Report Issue 193
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:
- Annual Report – Operations of the Aged Care Act 2007-08
- COAG Aged Care Changes Deferred
- Stewart Brown Business Solutions Benchmarking Survey
- Valé Ross Leslie Walker MBE, OAM
- Penny Flett WA Australian of the Year
- Clarification of ACFI Appeals
- Fair Work Bill
- National Rental Affordability Scheme Act 2008
- Invitation to Make Submission on the 2009-10 Budget
- Disability News
- Microsoft Software Licences and Aged Care Providers
- Broadband for Seniors – Opportunity for Aged Care Providers?
New aged care laws: police checks and bond and prudential regulation
The Federal Parliament has passed a package of reforms including amendments to the Aged Care Act 1997and the Aged Care (Bond Security) Act 2006.
The package of reforms include:
- Increased financial protection by tightening regulations surrounding bonds held by the aged care sector;
- Extending police checks to cover all staff (both supervised and unsupervised) working in aged care, which will come into effect 1 January 2009;
- Reducing waiting times of Aged Care Assessments by avoiding current duplication and;
- Requiring formal notification to the Department of Health and Ageing where residents are reported missing, which come into effect 1 January 2009.
The wording of the changes to the Accountability Principles, under which the reporting of missing residents and expanded requirements in relation to police checks will sit, can be accessed via this link.
New laws to protect overseas workers
Federal Parliament has passed a new law to better protect temporary overseas workers in Australia. The Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Bill 2008 was introduced after extensive consultation with industry and unions to strengthen the integrity of temporary working visa arrangements including the Subclass 457 visa program.
The Subclass 457 visa program is an uncapped scheme driven by labour market demand which enables employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill nominated skilled positions in Australia for up to four years.
Almost 60 000 primary visas were granted to overseas workers in 2007-08 and while the vast majority of employers did the right thing, there have been concerns about the incidence of employer breaches in the program.
The new laws will enable specially-trained officers with investigative powers to monitor workplaces and conduct site visits to determine whether employers are complying with the redefined sponsorship obligations. The powers will be similar to the powers of workplace inspectors under the Workplace Relations Act 1996.
SA & NT Dementia Training Studies Centre (DTSC)
The SA & NT DTSC Centre is currently advertising for a full-time Centre Manager.
Please click here for a copy of the advertisement, which appeared in The Advertiser and Weekend Australian last weekend.
Minister's Awards for Excellence in Aged Care
The Minister for Ageing has announced the call for nominations for the 2009 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Aged Care. The 2009 Awards are open to a wider range of individuals and organisations than ever, including but not limited to Commonwealth-subsidised nursing homes and hostels, Community Aged Care Package providers, Extended Aged Care at Home and Extended Aged Care at Home (Dementia) providers, Home and Community Care aged care providers and National Respite for Carers Program providers.
This year, the award categories for organisations are:
- Innovation in Staff Recruitment and Retention;
- Excellence in Training and Staff Development; and
- Innovation in Information Technology.
The award categories for individuals are:
- Leadership and Achievement; and
- Achievement in Service Provision in a Regional, Rural or Remote Area.
Nominations close on 27 February 2009 and winners will be invited to an award ceremony in Canberra in June 2009. Nomination kits are available on the Department of Health and Ageing website or by phoning: 02 6289 3925.
Aged care nurses leaving industry due to stress
A University of Melbourne study has found that nearly a third of registered aged care nurses are considering leaving the industry due to stress and emotional exhaustion. The study was conducted with over 1000 registered nurses and personal care workers in Victoria last year.
It was also revealed that aged care facilities need to drastically improve their training and staff management. The researchers have received funding from the Australian Research Council to investigate these findings further over the next two years.
Broadband for seniors
The Australian Government recently launched the $15 million Broadband for Seniors initiative, which will establish up to 2000 free internet kiosks over the next three years in community centres and clubs used by seniors. The kiosks will provide computers, internet access and training.
For more information, please ring the NEC Broadband for Seniors hotline during business hours on 1300 795 897.
Non-Profit News Service No. 0223 - Annual self review for endorsed charities
The ATO has released a reminder to charities regarding changes of office bearers. Endorsed charities need to undertake regular self-reviews of their endorsement status and the ATO is encouraging them to keep a record of their reviews.
Full details can be downloaded from the ATO website.
More chronic illness prescriptions subsidised
The Minister for Health and Ageing has announced that more medicines for chronic illnesses are now being subsidised through the Australian Government Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for up to 12 months.
Click here for further information.
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Update
On 15 December the Australia Government released the White Paper on Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme: Australia's Low Pollution Future.
The Government’s strategy for tackling climate change in Australia is built on three pillars: reducing Australia's carbon pollution; adapting to unavoidable climate change; and helping to shape a global solution. This White Paper sets out the Government's policy in relation to two major elements of its strategy: a medium-term target range for national emissions, and the final design of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
The White Paper is the result of a process of policy development and stakeholder consultation. It develops and refines the scheme design presented in the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper (July 2008). After its publication, the Government received more than 1000 submissions relating to all aspects of climate change policy.
The White Paper is concerned with the design and operation of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Drafting for legislation to enact the Scheme is under way, and an exposure draft is expected to be released for public comment in early 2009.
The Scheme will cover around 75 per cent of Australia's emissions and involve mandatory obligations for around 1000 entities. There are around 7.6 million registered businesses in Australia: the overwhelming majority will not, therefore, face any direct obligations under the Scheme. A number of initiatives will be introduced to assist seniors, pensioners, carers and people with a disability to help meet the expected increased in cost of living. These are outlined in Chapter 17 of the White paper.
The Department of Climate Change has produced a series of fact sheets which provide a good overview of the topics.
The full White paper is available in two volumes.
Draft Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards
On 2 December 2008, draft Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards, together with a number of associated documents, were tabled in the House of Representatives.
The Australian Government proposes to refer the draft Premises Standards to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and to ask the Committee to conduct consultations on the draft Premises Standards and to report to Parliament in the first half of 2009.
Click here for the draft Standards.
Vitamin D reduces hip fractures
More than 2000 South Australians fracture their hips each year and the number has been increasing annually with the ageing of the population. Vitamin D with Calcium reduces the risk of hip fractures in people in residential care by 40%!
You can help to reduce the hip fracture rate in SA by asking doctors to prescribe Vitamin D with Calcium. The recommended dose is Vitamin D3 1000 IU daily with Calcium 600-1200mg.
Please click here for further information.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) arrangements during Christmas and New Year
Veterans will be able to access key services over Christmas and New Year despite the closure of the DVA offices between 5 pm on Christmas Eve and 9 am Friday 2 January 2009.
Please click here for full details.
Changes to WorkCover legislation affecting residential and community aged care providers
“Starting from January 2009 all organisations employing 30 or more actual workers (not EFTs) are required to appoint and train a Rehabilitation and Return To Work Co-ordinator (RRTWC) by 1st July 2009. Business operators will be obligated to ensure nominated RRTWC’s undergo approved training to up-skill them for the role.”
WorkCover SA December ’08 newsletter
Under Section 28D of the new legislation, the appointed RRTWC must be an employee based in South Australia. It is envisaged that more than 1500 organisations will require at least one member of staff to be trained in the first six months of 2009. WorkCover has approved only a limited number of RTOs to deliver this training.
Celtic Training, an ACS Industry Supporter, have just been approved to deliver the RRTWC training course and, where appropriate, to provide Recognition of Prior Learning assessments. They plan to deliver the three-day training program once per week from the week beginning 19 January 2009. Most of the training will be conducted in Adelaide; however, they also plan to conduct training in regional centres, subject to demand.
The company is offering a special deal for ACS members of $600 + GST for early enrolments. Watch the ACS Training Program for a course being held at ACS offices.
Celtic Training is also currently finalising with SafeWork SA the delivery of training in the following OH&S subject areas:
- Health & Safety Representative (and Deputy)
Health & Safety Committee Member
Responsible Officer
Please contact David or Neville directly on 8211 8272 or email
Do you know Australia’s most remarkable nurse?
HESTA Super Fund, in conjunction with Members Equity Bank, is proud to present the 2009 HESTA Australia Nursing Awards. They seek your help in discovering nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty, and deserve to be recognised by this national awards program.
You can nominate a nurse in one of the three categories below:
- Nurse of the Year ($5,000 travel voucher plus $5,000 education grant)
- Innovation in Nursing ($10,000 development grant)
- Graduate Nurse of the Year: ($2,500 travel voucher plus $2,500 education grant)
Click here for more information.
New kit promotes understanding of how ethnic communities perceive dementia
Alzheimer’s Australia has recently launched a new, free resource kit called Perceptions of Dementia in Ethnic Communities. The resource is designed to help staff caring for people with dementia from ethnic backgrounds better understand how their clients perceive their condition. More broadly, it also aims to help aged care service providers to identify the specific care needs of those clients.
The Perceptions of Dementia in Ethnic Communities resource kit is available here.
Click here for further information.
Medication management website
The Minister for Ageing recently launched a website dedicated to assisting nursing staff and health professionals manage medication in Australia’s nursing homes.
The website was developed following feedback from nurses working in nursing homes which highlighted difficulties in keeping up to date with relevant legislation, guidelines and toolkits that support medication management.
The NPS website addresses theses challenges and provides access to:
- Relevant Commonwealth and state legislation for example Drug and Poisons Act;
- Guidelines and toolkits produced by authorities such as Nurses Boards in each state and;
- Communication channels allowing registered nurses from different facilities to discuss medication management issues
Click here for more information.
New electronic health record product
In early 2009, iCare's Clinical Care and Medication Management system will offer a new and secure way to manage healthcare information for aged care residents including medications, progress notes, care interventions and assessments.
For more information please call Jackie Morgan at Church Resources on 1300 724 248.
Healthy and positive ageing
Staying active, eating well, removing hazards from around the home and staying in contact with family and friends are the key ingredients to a mature approach to ageing.
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and the Government’s Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown, recently launched a series of informative brochures – giving older people sensible tips on how to maintain and protect their health, wellbeing and independence.
Copies of posters and brochures can be ordered at no cost from National Mail and Marketing on (02) 6269 1000. They are also available on the Ambassador’s website.
News for Residential Members
Schedule of Resident Fees and Charges from 1 January 2009
Please click here for the revised Schedule of Fees and Charges effective 1 January 2009. The maximum accommodation bond interest rate for residents who enter care in the 1 January to 31 March 2009 quarter is 8.76%.
If you have any queries please call the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
Gastro Outbreak Coordinators
Australia’s aged care residential facilities will be asked to nominate a designated outbreak coordinator in charge of the protection of residents – in the event of an outbreak.
Free gastroenteritis awareness and prevention kits, designed to help aged care facilities respond to possible outbreaks and minimise risks, are now available.
The Gastro Info: Gastroenteritis Kit for Aged Care covers how to:
- Identify the signs and symptoms of a gastroenteritis outbreak;
- Nominate an Outbreak Coordinator to oversee a potential outbreak;
- Engage in infection control practices to prevent outbreaks and proper specimen collection and storage;
- Develop an Outbreak Management Plan for gastroenteritis and influenza before an outbreak occurs;
- Handle food during an outbreak and proper cleaning procedures;
- Inform residents and families in the event of an outbreak; and
- Notify relevant State or Territory health authorities.
The Gastro Kits do not replace State and Territory guidelines, but serve as another resource. The Gastro Kit has been distributed to all aged care facilities but is also available electronically. Additional hard copies can be ordered by phoning 02 6269 1060 or by email.
Review into Conditional Adjusted Payment
The Australian Government’s Review of the Conditional Adjustment Payment (CAP) in residential aged care received almost 70 submissions from for-profit commercial providers, not-for-profit mission-based providers, unions, associations, state and local governments and individual members of the community.
Click here for the full submissions.
The Australian Government is currently considering submissions within the context and deliberations of the 2009-2010 Federal Budget.
The Palliative Care Council of South Australia Inc
Diana Rudd Fellowship for nurses
This Fellowship is open to all South Australian palliative care nurses, including those working the aged care sector. The Palliative Care Council of South Australia fundraises $7,500 annually to allow a nurse to take an international trip to further their knowledge and skills in the area of palliative care.
Application forms are available from the Palliative Care Council of South Australia by email, phone (08) 8291 4137 or website
Applications close 27 February 2009.
ACFI Update
Information regarding ACFI high care, low care and specified services
Please click here for this members-only information, which was provided to ACS from Aged and Community Care Victoria. It relates to the definition of high and low residential care for the purposes of providing specified services.
New course in the South-East: ACFI from the Enrolled Nurses’ and Carers’ perspective
Date: Wednesday 21 January 2009
Presenter: Jacqui Banham
Time: 9.30 am–12.30 pm (morning tea provided) OR 4–7 pm (supper provided)
Venue: Longridge Retirement Village, Attiwill St, Naracoorte
Content:
- ACFI in a nutshell
- Accurate clinical assessments involving diagnosis
- ACFI validation – what do I need to know?
- How to complete ACFI records and accurately complete additional assessment flow charts
- Behaviours – what do I need to know and how to complete the forms?
- Medication – how do I correctly measure time administration?
- Pain assessment – how do we do this well?
Please click here for registration form.
News for Community Providers
HACC Funding Round 2008/09
The Home and Community Care (HACC) Funding Round 24 for 2008/09 has been announced.
Please click here for the results. Congratulations to all our members who were successful in this round.
Funding to better support people with disability
The Australian Government will provide $5.3 billion over five years for a new National Disability Agreement with the States and Territories to improve and expand services for people with a disability, their families and carers. This includes an injection of $408 million for more services and to drive important reforms to create a more effective and accessible disability service system.
From 1 January 2009 the Government’s contribution to the National Disability Agreement will be indexed at around 6 per cent over the five-year agreement, compared to the current rate of around 1.8 per cent. The Government will maintain its oversight, coordination and leadership role in disability policy and will continue to work cooperatively with State and Territory Governments to implement these reforms.
COAG has also agreed to an ambitious program of reforms, including:
- single access points for entry into the disability service system, with an emphasis on early intervention;
- nationally consistent assessment processes; and
- improved quality assurance in line with nationally agreed principles and benchmarking.
People with a disability will also have easier access to aids and equipment when the reforms are implemented.
The States and Territories will work closely with the Australian Government to improve data collection to better measure the need for disability services.
The new Agreement will come into effect from 1 January 2009 and will include a $70 million sign-on bonus for reform of the disability system.
COAG agreed to undertake further work on roles and responsibilities in community-based care over the coming year.
Workforce Innovation and Reform – Caring for Older Australians
The National Health Workforce Taskforce has developed a Discussion Paper to promote and generate input into the opportunities for aged care workforce reform and the issues and challenges the sector faces in undertaking this reform. Two funding opportunities have been advertised under the scheme.
- Demonstration Projects addressing workforce innovation (up to $100,000, EOI due 28 January 2009) and
- Dissemination of information through publication, sharing tools, guidelines and frameworks and/or workshops or conferences ($5,000 - $25,000, EOI due 21 January 2009).
Although timing couldn’t be worse, we have been advised that applications will still be considered if they provide the intent and scope of proposed projects. Further information can be obtained from the National Health Workforce Taskforce website or phone (03) 9092 2001.
Care workers and care practices that support and enable good care
The Social Policy Research Centre in partnership with the Benevolent Society have prepared a briefing paper based on research examining working practices of paid community care workers. The paper concludes that managers can support community care workers in caring for older people by:
- valuing care workers
- providing flexibility
- providing continuity of care
- establishing specific organisational policies and processes
Click here to read the Research into Practice Briefing Paper 1.
News for the Retirement Sector
ACS / RVA Retirement Housing Forum
Legal, financial and environmental considerations for retirement housing operators.
Date: Friday 15 May
Time: 9 am – 6 pm, followed by cocktails and canapés
Venue: Adelaide Pavilion
Theme: Viability and sustainability in retirement housing.
Keynote speaker: John Brodie, principal of VIM Sustainability (NSW)
Full program will be distributed in February 2009.
National Rental Affordability Scheme round two call for applications
The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) round two call for applications has opened, with the aim of making more affordable rental homes available sooner for low and moderate income renters. NRAS will boost rental stocks, help people save for their first home and lower housing infrastructure costs for some entry level housing.
Under the scheme, the Australian Government has combined with State and Territory Governments to offer incentives to institutional investors and housing providers to build properties which will be rented out at 20 per cent below market rate.
Round two has been structured to maximise affordable rental housing outcomes both in 2008/09 and from 1 July 2009 onwards:
- Proposals for 20 or more dwellings, available for rent before 1 July 2009, will be assessed as they are received; and
- Proposals for dwellings available for rent from 1 July 2009 will be assessed after round two closes, on 27 March 2009.
Information sessions for investors will be held around the country from late January. Click here for more information or call 1800 334 505.
ACFI for enrolled nurses and care worker staff in the South East
At the South East Regional Group meeting in July this year, ACFI training for the ‘next level down” was identified as a serious need. Natasha Searcy negotiated with Jacqui Banham to present a brand new course in Naracoorte. It is now locked in and Jacqui is looking forward to presenting to your staff on Wednesday 21 January 2009.
The course will cover:
- ACFI in a nutshell
- Accurate clinical assessments involving diagnosis
- ACFI validation – what do I need to know?
- How to complete ACFI records and accurately complete additional assessment flow charts
- Behaviours – what do I need to know and how to complete the forms?
- Medication – how do I correctly measure time administration?
- Pain assessment – how do we do this well?
For the training to be cost-effective, we need 25 staff to attend each session. A group discount is available for three or more staff from the same facility. Jacqui strongly recommends that three or more staff attend ACFI training to effectively implement changes back at their facility.
Please click here for flyer and registration details.
Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council Environmental Scan
In 2008, the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council produced their first annual Environmental Scan. The Environmental Scan captures industry intelligence on skills supply and demand, workforce development priorities, analysis of current Training Packages and recommendations for change to the Packages through the Continuous Improvement Plan.
Development of the 2009 Environmental Scan is now underway and the Industry Skills Council (ISC) is inviting stakeholders to contribute their valuable knowledge to drive national policy for workforce development and to inform the ISC work plan. The Environmental Scan Consultation Survey is open to all stakeholders from 12 December until 2 February 2009.
Click here to access the survey.
2007 National Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey – Who Cares for Older Australians? – Final Report
The Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey informs workforce planning on issues surrounding recruitment and retention of aged care workers. It contains a comprehensive profile of who currently provides direct care to frail older people, of skills and training gaps, types of employment and career paths and levels of job satisfaction.
The 2007 Census and Survey builds on the data derived from the 2003 census and survey of the residential aged care workforce and provides, for the first time, a comprehensive profile of the community aged care workforce. The 2007 results are outlined in the 2007 National Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey – Who Cares for Older Australians? A Picture of the Residential and Community based Aged Care Workforce – Final Report.
Click here to access the report.
Industrial updates from EMA
EMA Note 35 – “three strikes and you’re out policy” – why the employer failed
EMA Note 34 – Proposed changes to the SA Equal Opportunity Act
EMA Note 33 – Importance of managing the employment contract upon promotion/transfer
EMA Note Issue 32 - Introduction of Fair Work Bill 2008 – Our First Impressions
Research, Publications and Grants
Movement from hospital to residential aged care report
More older people are newly admitted to permanent residential aged care from hospitals than from the community, according to a report recently released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
In 2001-02 among new admissions for permanent care, 21,800 people aged 65 and over came from hospitals, while 16,600 came from the community.
The report shows that of all people aged 65 year and over, only a small proportion (just over 3%) leave hospital to be admitted into residential aged care and nearly 6% already lived in residential aged care. People were more likely to move from hospital to residential aged care for the first time if they:
- had a long stay in hospital (median of 24 days for final hospital episode compared with 4 days for those returning home);
- had dementia;
- were older, widowed or single;
- received palliative or maintenance care prior to hospital discharge.
The full report can be downloaded here.
Senate inquiry into disclosure regimes for charities and not-for profit organisations
The report found that non-profit organisations in Australia are labouring under a heavy burden of inconsistent and inappropriate regulation – there is a pressing need for improved regulation and increased transparency.
The Committee recommended comprehensive changes to the non-profit regulatory environment including:
- greater consistency in legislation governing non-profit organisations
- a single body to register and regulate non-profit organisations
- national fundraising legislation
- appointment of a Minister for the Third Sector to manage issues arising for non-profit organisations
- a taskforce to implement reform of the non-profit operating environment
The full report can be downloaded here.
Report into the Operation of the Aged Care Act 2007-2008
The recently released Report into the Operation of the Aged Care Act shows that in 2007-2008, more than 300,000 people received a form of aged and community care and the Federal Government provided $8.3 billion for ageing and aged care in Australia.
Key facts include:
- 208,079 people received permanent residential aged care;
- 39,443 people received short-term respite care in aged care homes, 18,415 of whom were later admitted to permanent care;
- 61,739 received care at home through a community care or flexible care package;
- 10,351 received transition care following a hospital stay;
- 53,074 admissions to residential respite care, and care recipients used an estimated 1.18 million resident days;
- A total of 10,874 new aged care places were allocated nationally during 2007-2008;
- About 831,500 individuals received a form of Home and Community Care (HACC) service – with some receiving more than one service; and
- A total of 188,967 Aged Care Assessments were completed in 2006-2007, compared with 179,354 for 2005-2006.
The Minster’s media release which summarises the report can be downloaded here.
Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner Annual Report
Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner's third Annual Report was tabled by the Minister for Health on 26 November 2008.
The Office of the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner assists service users, carers and service providers to resolve complaints about public, private and non-government health and community services, when a direct approach to the service provider is either unreasonable, or has not succeeded. It was established by the Health and Community Services Complaints Act 2004.
The Report and an easy-to-read summary can be downloaded here.
Online Chronic Disease Self Management Program Research study
SA Health is trialling an innovative Stanford University chronic disease education program to determine its effectiveness in Australia. This supportive and proven online program assists people with a chronic disease to better manage their disease, take control of their health and help other South Australians in the process.
Please click here for further information.
Active Ageing Newsletter
Please click here for the December edition of Taking Action.
ACS Education & Training Events
ACS 2009 Training Program released
The first six months of the 2009 Training Program is now available. Please click here to access it.
ACS information session – Understanding Aged Care Admissions
ACS is planning an evening for interested members and their waiting list clients, to provide more information to clients about admissions to aged care facilities. The session will be held on Monday, 23 February 2009 – if you have families or individuals on your waiting list who would benefit from such an evening, ACS would love to hear from you.
The program will include two examples of members' admissions policies, priorities and hints and tips to make the process as smooth as possible and what to expect when moving into an aged care facility. ACS silver sponsor MBFS will also outline the financial implications including costs involved, how pensions are affected and what options there are for individuals’ homes.
Kellie Kulinski (Business Development Manager) 8338 8004 will be contacting Admission Managers with more information, including an invitation to have a display for the event. Please contact Kellie with any queries.
ACS Finance Forum – ‘Think Global, Act Local - the Impact of Change on Aged Care’
Date: Friday 20 February 2009
Time: 9.00am - 4.15pm
Venue: Stables Ballroom, Morphettville Junction
The key theme is change as it relates to climate, workforce and finance with emphasis on the impacts in the aged care sector.
Speakers are being finalised and are expected to include Dr Lynn Arnold AO, Professor Graeme Hugo and Cam Ansell. The full program is expected to be distributed in mid-January.
ACS / RVA Retirement Housing Forum
Date: Friday 15 May
Time: 9 am – 6 pm, followed by cocktails and canapés
Venue: Adelaide Pavilion
Theme: Viability and sustainability in retirement housing. Legal, financial and environmental considerations for retirement housing operators.
Keynote speaker: John Brodie, principal of VIM Sustainability (NSW)
Full program will be distributed in February 2009.
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.
2009 ACS Training Program
The first six months of the ACS Training Program is available on the ACS Website. 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.
Visit the full ACS Training & Events Program
E-learning
The following recruitment courses are offered online via the ACSA e-Learning system:
- EEO – Best Practice Recruitment Guidelines
- Privacy For The Onhire and Recruitment Industry
- Effective Reference Checking
- Workchoices – Fundamentals
- Recruitment and Selection
- Develop Business Strategies To Source and Assess Candidates
- Develop Employment Management Services For Candidates
- Manage The Recruitment Process For Client Organisations
Formal Qualifications:
- Certificate IV in Business (Employment Services)
Click here for full details.
Industry Education & Training
Online continuing education course on Dementia, Delirium & Depression
This course is available to health professionals from a variety of disciplines including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers.
Applications should be made directly to the Flinders University School of Nursing & Midwifery. Please click here for further information.
If you have any queries about the course, please contact Libby Colyer at Flinders University, Ph. 08 8201 5095.
New Industry Supporter announced
ACS warmly welcomes our newest industry supporter. Improve.IT is an online, information and knowledge management tool for the aged care sector. Please see details below.
Welcome to Mandy Hutchinson at NASANSB
Mandy Hutchinson joined NASANSB about five months ago, initially as the Disability SA client manager, and is now the Aged Care and Rehabilitation Manager. She has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years and involved in the Aged Care Sector for the last 3-4 years. Her experience has generally been focused on residential placements in the acute setting.
Mandy is really looking forward to 2009 and to ‘getting out to meet with as many of our existing aged care clients as possible; it is my intention to further develop our working relationships and continue to provide the highest level of service’.
Fisher Jeffries are moving . . .
From Monday 5 January 2009 you will find them at Levels 1 & 2, 19 Gouger St, Adelaide (phone 8233 0600 or fax 8233 0699).
Julia Sweeney is the aged care industry contact person.
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.
Industrial Advice 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
Consultant Service
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $175 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 organisation's name and provide your client access number as shown on your client card (sent with your renewal of membership for 07/08). If you do not know your client number please contact Business Development Manager Kellie Kulinski.
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