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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 9 Issue 1
January 2009
Happy New Year! Welcome to the first edition of Snippets for 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.
Index
From the CEO's desk
ACS SA&NT Strategic Plan
ACS is about to embark on a strategic planning exercise; stage one is a workshop session involving staff and Board members to develop a ‘high level’ strategic document which provides direction for the Association. Subsequent stages of the process with involve liaison with our five advisory committees and an opportunity for members to respond to a draft document.
To help inform the forthcoming staff and Board discussion, and recognising the importance of member input through the whole strategic planning process, we invite you to fill in the short questionnaire (only five questions) which will provide us with a ‘feel’ for what the membership wants.
Please click here to access the questionnaire.
Accreditation standards – member concerns
At the December Board meeting concerns were expressed about the difficulties many members were experiencing meeting accreditation standards. Significantly increased numbers of providers have had non-compliance or sanctions imposed during the last 12 months or so.
The ACS Board felt that a special meeting was warranted to get a sense of what was occurring and to develop some constructive thinking about a new approach. The Board has invited a few people to attend a forum on 30 January to start developing some ideas - our objective is to present suggestions to the Minister and/or Department/Agency.
If you wish to provide feedback to ACS before the meeting, please contact me or Neville Stephens, our new Residential Services Manager.
Australia’s Future Tax System Review
The Australia’s Future Tax System Review Panel has released its consultation paper, providing the basis for further community input in 2009. Section 7 of the paper considers the main tax concessions available to not-for-profit (NFP) organisations. The paper reports on the submissions already provided to the review, discusses some of the main issues and outlines further questions. The answers to the questions will help the panel shape its recommendations for the final report in December 2009.
Submissions can be made at any time up until Friday 1 May 2009 – I urge members to provide feedback to the review. Please click here for guidelines on how to make a submission.
Submissions already provided in relation to NFP organisations include:
- expression of concern over NFPs establishing business ventures unrelated to their philanthropic activities
- extension of the mutuality principle to provide a complete tax exemption for member-based organisations
- the appropriateness of the current fringe benefits tax concessions available to NFP organisations, and
- concern that gift deductibility arrangements impose compliance costs on individuals and the rewards for giving vary according to the contributor's marginal tax rate.
Click here for more information.
Welcome to new Residential Services Manager
The Association recently welcomed Neville Stephens to the position of Residential Services Manager. Neville worked in the Department of Health and Ageing for 25 years, with 12 years’ experience in aged care programs under the Aged Care Act. He has a broad knowledge of aged care issues and detailed knowledge of residential, community and flexible aged care services. He represented the Department in a variety of forums, including management committees and regional task groups.
ACS is delighted to have Neville on board.
ACS SA&NT staff profiles
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. We begin 2009 with our Chief Executive Officer, Alan Graham!
Alan Graham
Chief Executive Officer
Background
Alan commenced his career with the WA Public service, working over a 15-year period in the then-State Housing Commission, WA Heritage Committee and three Regional Development Commissions in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne areas of WA. In mid-1993 he relocated to Canberra to become CEO of the Australian Council of National Trusts. He moved to Adelaide in early-2005, initially as CEO of the National Trust of South Australia before taking on the role of CEO with Aged & Community Services SA & NT.
Current role
As CEO of ACS SA&NT, Alan provides leadership for the Association and manages its operations. To this end, he:
- assists the Board in setting the strategic, governance and risk framework within which the Association will deliver its services to relevant stakeholders; and
- promotes the Association and its members’ interests in the community.
Alan also ensures that membership liaison and services are maintained at a high level; maintains and fosters relationships with key stakeholders (government and non government) and keeps the ACS Board fully informed.
Other interests
Alan has a wide array of interests with theatre, music and film developing passions. Swimming and reading are lifelong recreational interests, as is his support of the Glasgow Rangers Football club. Locally he barracks for the Fremantle Dockers. He and his wife are currently restoring an old property in the inner suburbs.
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:
- 2009-10 Budget Submission
- New Age Vision Needed for Age Old Concerns
- "Tough" New Quality Measures for Australian Aged Care
- 2008-2009 Aged Care Approvals (ACAR) Round
- RCS Statistics Update
- Bringing Nurses Back Into the Workforce Program Eligibility Changes
- New Money and Policy Directions for Aged Care for the Homeless
- Indigenous Aged Care Reports and Developments
- Telstra technology in Aged Care Pilot
- HESTA Australian Nursing Awards
- London's Calling For Leadership Beyond Borders
2009 Health Care Worker Influenza Program
Annual influenza immunisation of healthcare workers has been cited as the most efficient method of minimising exposure of vulnerable people to a potentially lethal influenza virus strain. Health Care Worker (HCW) Influenza Vaccination Programs:
- are cost effective;
- promote the duty of care of the HCW and the organisation to protect those in their care;
- protect the HCW and their families; and
- reduce workplace absenteeism.
The Immunisation Section, SA Health, is offering training for nurses who conduct worksite Influenza vaccination programs or for those planning to establish a program in their facility. Evaluation conducted at the 2008 training sessions indicated that the information provided was relevant, informative and valuable.
In 2009, these one-day workshops will be held on Tuesday 17 February, Thursday 19 February and Thursday 26 February. Five (5) Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points from the Royal College of Nursing Australia (RCNA) will be awarded to all nurses attending training sessions.
Please click here for the Program flyer and registration form. Information about last year's Aged Care Influenza Vaccination Program is also available.
Bringing Nurses Back into the Workforce Program
Funding is available to support registered and enrolled nurses to return to employment in aged care and also to assist employers with the re-training and re-skilling of nurses who return to work.
The Australian Government has prepared a Fact Sheet for Residential Aged Care Homes and Community Package Aged Care Services, which outlines employer and nurse eligibility and how to access the bonus payments in detail.
Please click here to access the fact sheet.
New Community Services Training Package
The New CHC08 Training Package was endorsed on 12 December 2008. To support the implementation of the new Community Services Training Package the CS&H Industry Skills Council is offering a series of one-day Forums throughout February and March. Please view the dates and venues online.
To register and for more information including the Preliminary Program and key outcomes of the day, please click here.
Lynch Meyer Aged Care Alert
Please click here for a copy of the latest Aged Care Alert from Lynch Meyer Lawyers, entitled Missing Persons and Police Checks – The New Rules, which answers the question about tradespeople visiting residential facilities..
Introduction to Aged Care DVD
The Introduction to Aged Care DVD produced from the 2008 ACSA Conference is proving popular with ACS SA&NT members, interstate providers and training organisations. Copies can be purchased for $19.80 from ACS SA&NT.
Please click here for the order form.
Early Bird registration extended for Tri-State Conference!
Tri-State Conference
Date: 1-3 March 2009
Venue: Albury Convention Centre
Early Bird registration has been extended to Friday 6 February.
This conference will focus on the coverage of practical applications and solutions for aged care delivery within a changing environment. The aim of the conference is to provide an opportunity for those in the industry who are achieving best practice through innovation and excellence to share their knowledge and knowhow with colleagues and friends.
Please click here for further information.
News for Residential Members
Admissions to Aged Care Information Session - 23 February 2009 at the Adelaide Pavilion
A number of members have advised that they have individuals on waiting lists and family members who will be interested in this session; please encourage interested parties to book using the registration form. Click here for the full program.
Call for speakers
ACS is seeking two Admissions Managers to present for 5 minutes each on
7.05 pm 'Applying to an aged care facility'
Admissions policy and priorities, hints to make the process as smooth as possible and answers to questions such as How do I keep my application current?
ACS is also seeking two Directors of Nursing to present for 5 minutes each on:
7.15 pm 'What to expect when moving into an aged care facility'
How long people have to decide on the offer, preparation required once a person has been accepted at a facility and residents' rights
Please register your interest by phoning Kellie Kulinski on 8338 8004 or emailing.
Call for member displays at the event:
If you would like to display a banner and brochures in the foyer (5.30-6.30 pm), please let Kellie know and she will email further details.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Recalls
Please click here for the TGA Recalls Summary for December 2008
Safety Notice: retained instrument – Abdominal Visceral Retractor
A visceral retractor is a device used during abdominal surgery to protect the underlying bowel during rectus sheath closure. A review of retained visceral retractor incidents identified that the reports involved the reusable visceral retractor.
Please click here for further information about the actions required.
Unannounced visits to nursing homes and hostels
The Australian Government has released a report card on the unannounced visits conducted by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency in the last six months.
So far, the Accreditation Agency has conducted a record 1,796 unannounced visits for the period 1 July 2008 to 15 December 2008.
NSW/ACT |
VIC |
TAS |
SA/NT |
QLD |
WA |
Total |
562 |
528 |
53 |
183 |
275 |
195 |
1796 |
In addition, the Department of Health and Ageing has conducted 742 unannounced visits for the same period.
NSW/ACT |
VIC |
TAS |
SA/NT |
QLD |
WA |
Total |
224 |
160 |
25 |
147 |
169 |
17 |
742 |
Click here for the full media release.
ACFI Update
ACFI support – have you accessed the ACFI KPMG service?
KPMG, commissioned by DoHA, established a panel of advisers to provide residential aged care providers with Commonwealth-sponsored advisory services to assist them in managing the change to the ACFI.
ACS SA&NT is keen to hear from members who have received assistance from KPMG, particularly with regard to which services and assistance were provided.
Please email your feedback here .
News for the Retirement Sector
Affordable Housing and NRAS Consultancy
Paul Mitchell has just established a consultancy business specialising in Affordable Housing and particularly the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS). The second round for NRAS is currently open and will close 27 March 2009.
As a former employee of Housing SA working in the Affordable Housing Innovations Unit, Paul has significant experience in NRAS, Affordable Housing Innovation Fund (AHIF) grants and working with Community Housing providers. He currently works for organisations such as the Adelaide City Council, Anglicare, Devine Homes and Women’s Housing Association.
Many affordable housing providers have a strong desire to obtain access to grant funding for capital projects but don’t know how to go about it - Paul’s business provides the following services:
- NRAS & project financial feasibility
- NRAS submission writing
- NRAS compliance & process writing
- Project financial feasibilities
- AHIF Grant & preferred provider applications
- General advice on affordable housing
Please click here to contact Paul directly.
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.
Industrial updates from EMA
EMA Note: Issue 3 2009 – Award Modernisation – AIRC Decision in respect to the new Award System
ACS Education & Training Events
ACS 2009 Training Program
The first six months of the 2009 Training Program is now available. 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.
Business @ Breakfast with Senator Nick Xenophon
Member-only exclusive event!
Join us to hear about Nick's first months in the Senate, his vision for positive change for South Australians and his thoughts on aged care and an ageing Australia.
Date: Wednesday 28 January 2009
Time: 7.30-9.00 am
Venue: Gil Langley Room, Adelaide Oval Function Centre, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide
If Looks Could Kill - dealing with difficult behaviours in clients, residents and others
Designed for staff members placed in situations where there is the potential for angry or aggressive behaviour from clients, residents, family members or others.
Date: Friday 13 February 2009
Time: 9 am-12 noon (morning tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
Zurich Risk Management Workshop: risk management solutions for aged care
Experts from Zurich can compliment the policies and procedures you have in place, identify potential gaps in existing practices and recommend ways to reduce them.
Date: Wednesday 18 February 2009
Time: 9-11 am (morning tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton
ACS Finance Forum – ‘Think Global, Act Local - the Impact of Change on Aged Care’
The ACS SA&NT Finance Committee is proud to present the 2009 Finance Forum:
Date: Friday 20 February
Time: 9.00 am-4.00 pm
Venue: Stables Ballrooms, Morphettville Junction
The focus of the 2009 Forum is change as it relates to climate, workforce and finance, and the impacts on the aged care sector. The Forum is designed for both residential and community aged care providers in the non-profit sector and offers a diverse program with interesting topics and speakers.
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.
Visit the 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
Thinking of attending the IAHSA 09 conference this July in London?
Why not travel as part of an Australian delegation on a SAGE tour . . .
Not only will you gain valuable insights from some of the world’s most highly respected health professionals at IAHSA, but you will be attending the conference with your Australian peers. This gives you the opportunity to regularly debrief and swap notes with other delegates who share a unique Australian perspective.
Additionally, you will travel with a knowledgeable industry tour guide to see firsthand some of the cutting edge facilities around the U.K. and Europe. There are four tour options available to fit your time and budget, and each tour includes membership and attendance at IAHSA.
Click here to find out more, or email tour leader Judy Martin or phone (07) 3840 9999.
Registrations close 28 February 2009.
Introduction to Horticultural Therapy Short Course
Horticultural Therapy SA is hitting 2009 running with a brand new course: Introduction to Horticultural Therapy
Date: six weeks beginning Monday 2 March
Time: 5.30–8.30 pm
Venue: Urrbrae TAFE SA, 505 Fullarton Rd, Netherby
Following on from the success of last year, this stimulating six-week course will teach students:
- how to develop a Horticultural Therapy program
- showcasing successful SA and interstate Horticultural Therapy programs from a wide range of disciplines
- plant propagation and garden techniques
- how to apply for funding grants
- how to design healing/sensory, therapeutic and educational landscapes to meet specific needs and programs
Registration is strictly limited so HURRY to secure your place. Please click here for the course flyer. For more information email or phone 0409 186 339.
A day in the Ukranian culture
This interactive session for aged care service providers aims to provide:
- information on Ukrainian cultural beliefs and practices
- resources and information for targeted service provisions
Presented by: Multicultural Aged Care (MAC) Lifestyle Activities and Respite Coordinators
Date: Thursday 26 February
Time: 10 am–2.30 pm (lunch and refreshments provided)
Venue: MAC Office, 94 Henley Beach Rd, Mile End
RSVP: by 19 February by fax 8352 1266 or email macsa@mac.org.au
The LARC Network workshop will again be an interactive session where service providers will be taken through Ukrainian Cultural Beliefs and Practices and provided access to relevant information and resources for effective targeted service delivery. Participants will also have opportunity to develop culturally inclusive strategies; develop networks with CALD communities and develop cultural briefings.
Please click here for the Workshop flyer and registration form.
Get your own entourage for as little as 50c a day!
Get your very own entourage with HBA and Mutual Community's extras cover which includes dental, physio, optical, acupuncture and more. Plus, if you join Hospital plus Extras cover before 31 March, you can claim on most extras services straight away.
This special offer is available to all ACS members until 31 March 2009.
For more information, phone 1800 649 406 or visit your local branch of HBA Health Insurance or Mutual Community.
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