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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 3
March 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
ACSA Aged Care Image Campaign
Greg Mundy (ACSA CEO) and Pat Sparrow (Policy Manager) visited ACS on 19 March to present the proposed media campaign designed to enhance the industry’s image. About 30 people from the sector were in attendance. The campaign, designed to reinforce the vital role we play in the lives of older Australians and their families, will target all sectors of the community – the general public, older people themselves, our own workers and Government. Aside from ‘positioning’ the sector in a broad context, the campaign will also provide a morale boost for aged care employees. The presentation also explained how aged care service providers will benefit from the Aged Care Image Campaign.
Please click here for an overview of the campaign, which outlines the theme, approach (including sample advertisements), key messages and how you can be involved.
Considerable funds are required to mount a campaign (the target is $1.2 m) which will provide the maximum impact in the community using all forms of media including television. Having accompanied Greg and Pat on visits to our larger members, we are greatly encouraged by the significant commitments already made by members.
Appreciating the differing financial position within the membership, I can assure you that from an ACSA/ACS perspective all contributions will be gratefully received.
For further information email Pat Sparrow or Annette Glenister-Walker or phone 03 9686 3460.
ACS Members’ Code of Conduct
ACS aims to develop, uphold and promulgate high standards of care, service delivery and ethical conduct amongst its members. To this end, the ACS Board recently discussed and adopted a Members’ Code of Conduct document.
Please click here for a copy.
4th International Conference on Creative Expression, Communication and Dementia
Arts, Ageing and Creativity: Unlocking the Potential
21–23 October 2009
Adelaide Convention Centre
This event aims to bring together performing artists, seniors, health practitioners, international experts and researchers, managers and policy developers to discuss new ideas to stimulate and enrich the aged care sector through the use of creative expression. The conference will provide and excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and insights about creative approaches that can improve the lives of all seniors.
The Committee and contributors are developing a dynamic and diverse program incorporating a range of industry professionals and specialist speakers and presenters. Further information, including confirmed keynote speakers, is available here.
ACS Policy / Research Officer position available
The position of Policy / Research Officer at ACS was recently advertised – Ann-Marie Hudson will be taking up a new position as Education and Development Manager (approved by the Board late last year).
The Policy / Research Officer is required to undertake research and prepare policy and discussion papers, submissions and other material, covering all matters that affect aged and community care. The primary focus of the position is to provide research and policy development capacity for the ACS office; however, liaison, consultation and involvement with the national office (ACSA) and other state/territory offices is also essential.
The initial appointment is for two years and is part-time (30.4 hours per week) with flexibility as to hours worked. Please click here for a full job description; applications must be with ACS by COB Monday 6 April.
ACS Advocacy (Lobbying) Federal and State
This new section in Snippets will provide updates on the advocacy (lobbying) ACS is undertaking on behalf of members at the Federal and State levels, and in the media.
Federal
Following a Business@Breakfast function at which Senator Nick Xenophon spoke, arrangements have been finalised to conduct a more detailed briefing with the Senator focussing specifically on aged care issues. The briefing will take place at ACS on 3 April and will involve representatives from ACAA-SA.
If the Senator can be convinced of the importance of aged care issues, the sector has a valuable ‘champion’ and individual who is potentially in a position of considerable influence.
State
A planned meeting for 12 March involving Minister Lomax-Smith and other interested parties, to determine whether a compromise position could be reached, did not take place.
Since then ACS has contacted 25 smaller providers to reconfirm their views about the importance of implementing a proposal involving the credentialing of care workers to administer schedule 8 drugs. The survey has reconfirmed views previously provided to the Minister’s office and Drugs and Alcohol Services (D&AS). In short, unless some practical scheme involving the credentialing of care workers is put in place many facilities will not be compliant.
Meetings have been held or planned with representatives from D&AS (25 March) and the Minister’s office (31 March) to again reinforce the ACS position supported by the survey findings and to urge that a decision be made around the credentialing proposal put forward by ACS.
Members will be kept informed of developments.
ACS SA&NT staff profile: Kellie Kulinski
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 Kellie Kulinski, our Business Development Manager.
Background
Prior to working for ACS, Kellie managed Kidsflix and Communications at Arthritis SA and has previously managed the Women’s Community Centre and several indoor recreation centres including St Ives, Gawler Recreation Centre and Turramurra Recreation Centre.
Current role
As Business Development Manager, Kellie is responsible for initiating and managing business development activities with a view to maximising and enhancing the image of ACS within the aged care sector and related corporate industries. She also oversees the membership program and corporate sponsorship, and is the ACS Staff Liaison person for the ACS Housing Committee, supporting them and ACS to achieve the goals of its action plan. From May, she will retire from managing the ACS professional training program, to concentrate on business development and the housing sector.
“Having been at ACS for one year I’m feeling more comfortable with my role and how it interacts with ACS membership, staff and the sector. I’ve met so many vibrant people and look forward to a positive ongoing involvement.”
Other interests
Kellie likes staying active with the family through a game of softball, bike riding, swimming and skiing; she also enjoys the company of friends over a platter and wine; attending events and performances (this has slowed down since having two children!) and staying on Hindmarsh Island at Narnu Farm.
General News
National Report Issue 199
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:
- Government Floats Changes to User Fees in Aged Care
- Energy Efficient Aged Care Homes in Doubt
- Review of the Existing Supply Arrangements of PBS Medicines in Residential Aged Care Facilities
- National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Interim Report
- Innovation Fund for Disadvantaged Job Seekers
- Senate Inquiry into Residential and Community Care
- Nursing Home Oral and Dental Health Plan
- Respite Services Grants
- Medicare Australia Update
- Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Ruling on Inaccurate Aged Care Story on TodayTonight
- Closing the Gap on Indigenous Disadvantage
- HACC 2007- 08 National Statistical Bulletin
National Mental Health Policy 2008
The Australian Health Ministers announced the launch of the National Mental Health Policy 2008 at their meeting of 5 March 2009.
The policy embeds a whole-of-government approach to mental health, first agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments in July 2006, within the National Mental Health Strategy. The policy represents a renewed commitment by all health ministers and ministers with responsibility for mental health to the continual improvement of Australia's mental health system.
It works towards ensuring that Australia has a mental health system that detects and intervenes early in illness, promotes recovery, and ensures that all Australians with a mental illness have access to effective and appropriate treatment and community supports to enable them to participate in the community fully.
The document can be downloaded here.
Productivity commission to review the contribution of the not-for-profit sector
The Federal Government has announced that the Productivity Commission will examine the not-for-profit sector’s contribution to Australian society. The announcement fulfils an election commitment to maximise the sector's contribution to social inclusion, employment and economic growth, by leveraging off the Productivity Commission's Study.
The Productivity Commission has been asked to assess how the not-for-profit sector's contributions to Australian society are currently measured and whether these measures can be improved. The Government has also asked the Commission to identify ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community organisations, and to consider options for improving the delivery of government-funded services by these organisations.
The Commission is required to provide a final report by the end of 2009. Full details including the terms of reference and scope of the review can be accessed here.
Better Practice Project: Train the Trainer sessions
The Better Practice Project (BPP) is auspiced by Aged & Community Services SA & NT Inc. The Project provides support, information, training, resource development, mentoring and consultation with the goal of working in partnership with agencies to define, develop, inspire and assist them to embed models of better practice in their service delivery.
The BPP is pleased to advise that due to demand, they will be conducting further Train the Trainer sessions this year to equip HACC providers to use the ‘Living as an Older Person’ competency training package. According to requests this will be available statewide for people who missed out in previous years.
The Project is available to follow up and support agencies within their regions to implement this interactive training. Previously staff from a number of agencies have joined together to present the ‘Living as an Older Person’ materials – this was especially embraced in the country areas. After one session, a coordinator responded, “Fantastic, I am really motivated and encouraged – I realise that I can be part of the process, not leave it to someone with “more expertise”.
For more information please phone Joyleen or Marilyn on 8338 7111 or Email
SA’s Dementia Action Plan
South Australia’s Dementia Action Plan 2009-2012: Facing The Challenges Together was recently launched by the Hon Jennifer Rankine MP.
SA Health and OFTA in the Department for Families and Communities will be responsible for monitoring state and regional progress towards action outlined in Facing the Challenges Together and reviewing resource implications associated with implementing systems and processes, as well as infrastructure.
Deaths from dementia and Alzheimer's more than double in a decade
According to statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the 46, 626 Australians who died of cardiovascular disease made up around one-third (34%) of all deaths in 2007. However, heart attacks have dropped from 22% of all deaths in 1998 to 16% in 2007, while deaths from dementia and Alzheimer's have more than doubled from 2.6% to 5.3% of all deaths.
Further details are available from the ABS website.
Physical activity recommendations for older Australians
The Australian Government has developed physical activity recommendations specifically for older Australians. The recommendations urge older Australians to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, as a slight increase in activity can make a difference to a person’s overall health and well being.
The recommendations are part of the Australian Government’s plan to promote healthy and positive ageing. They apply to older people across all levels of health and ability, whether living at home or in an aged care home, and state that older people:
- Should do some form of physical activity – no matter what their age, weight, health problems or abilities;
- Should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days;
- Should be active every day in as many ways as possible, doing a range of physical activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility; and
- Those who have stopped physical activity, or who are starting a new physical activity, should start at a level that is easily manageable and gradually build up the recommended amount, type and frequency of activity.
Specific examples of physical activity include:
- Moderate fitness activities such as brisk walking, vacuuming or golf;
- Strength activities such as carrying groceries, moderate yard work or taking the stairs instead of the lift;
- Flexibility activities such as tai chi, bowls or yoga; and
- Balancing activities such as walking heel to toe.
The recommendations will be developed into a brochure. In the meantime, further information and suggestions can be obtained in the Choose Health: Be Active booklet, which advises how older people can engage in moderate activity to improve their lives and health. It was first developed in 2005 for older Australians in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Sports Medicine Australia. There are 155,000 copies of the Choose Health: Be Active available for free – phone 1800 500 853.
Aged Care Nurse Scholarships - $1.6 Million
The Minister for Ageing has announced more than $1.6 million in scholarships as part of the Australian Government’s plan to support and retain aged care nurses.
The Scholarship Schemes are:
- The Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme which provides Registered/Division 1 nurses who are studying for their Masters with scholarships valued at up to $15,000 a year. It also offers up to $10,000 a year to assist Registered/Division 1 and Enrolled nurses working in aged care facilities for further education and training. Up to $780,000 will be available to nurses in this round.
- The Postgraduate Community Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme provides up to $10,000 to eligible Registered/Division 1 nurses working in the community aged care sector for tertiary studies, TAFE programs, vocational education, training courses and attendance at conferences. Up to $876,000 will be available to nurses in this round.
Applications for the 2009-10 rounds of the two scholarship schemes opened on 21 March and close on 17 April 2009.
Those interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the Royal College of Nursing Australia on 1800 116 696 for the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme, or 1800 551 201 for the Postgraduate Community Aged Care Nursing Scholarships Scheme.
ACS SA&NT to sponsor Every Generation Festival
ACS will again sponsor the Every Generation Festival in 2009 – last year’s Festival was an outstanding success with over 600 events stages across SA. The Festival celebrates the lives, achievements and contributions of older South Australians.
Watch this space for further updates.
Chronic Disease Action Plan
The SA State Government recently released the Chronic Disease Action Plan, which is aimed at helping to:
- prevent the development of chronic diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema;
- detect these diseases and the risk of disease early and intervene effectively; and
- manage existing disease effectively and proactively.
The Plan includes 28 recommendations for action right across the health system including targeting people at most risk of disease to reduce their risk, improving the early detection of chronic disease, improving care planning, helping people manage their conditions, case management for people with more complex conditions, information sharing among health professionals, and introducing better monitoring of people once they’ve been diagnosed.
The document can be downloaded here, under the announcements section.
Additional Transition Care places
A second tranche of 470 transition care places has just been approved by the Federal Government. These will be available from 1 July 2009. The transition care places are all expected to be operating by June 2010 – in line with the COAG (Council of Australian Governments) Implementation Plan.
In the 2007-2008 financial year, 10,146 people received assistance through transition care. Transition care places assist older Australians to leave hospital and regain their independence. It can be provided for a maximum of 12 weeks, with a possible extension of six weeks, either in the client’s own home or in a home-like environment in a bed-based residential setting.
More services for people with a severe mental illness
The Australian Government has announced it will double the reach of the Personal Helpers and Mentors program, expanding the number of sites from 76 to 155 to deliver more services to people with a severe mental illness.
A further 39 non-government organisations have been selected to deliver the program in 79 sites at a cost of almost $100 million.
This will create approximately 400 full-time equivalent positions across the country. It is expected that new services will begin from April 2009.
Please click here for the full media release, which includes a list of sites and organisations throughout the country.
Senate standing committee on Finance and Public Administration – Inquiry into residential and community aged care in Australia
The Hansard Proof copy of the Senate hearing held in Melbourne on 20 February 2009 has just been released. Greg Mundy (ACSA), Gerard Mansour and Paul Zanatta (Aged and Community Care Victoria) were interviewed at the hearing.
The full document can be downloaded here.
Indexation delivers increase to pensions and other income support payments
More than 3.4 million Australians will receive an increase in their pensions and other income support payments and allowances from 20 March 2009. Indexation will provide an increase of $7.70 a fortnight in the maximum single pension and $6.40 in the maximum partnered rate for each member of a pensioner couple.
The maximum single pension rate will now be $569.80 and the maximum partnered pension rate will be $475.90 a fortnight for each member of a pensioner couple.
Please click here for further information.
30% tax break for businesses purchasing vehicles before 30 June 2009
Small Business and General Business Tax Break legislation will provide an opportunity for businesses to purchase new vehicles and claim an extra 30% tax deduction in the first year of ownership.
Please click here for further information.
New Resources
Stay informed with Aged Care eNews
Medicare Australia recently launched an electronic newsletter for the Aged Care sector – Aged Care eNews – which will keep you up-to-date with information on Aged Care payments and developments in online claiming.
New dementia resource
ACH Group recently launched a new resource to assist dementia sufferers to make important financial, medical and lifestyle decisions while still able. The Planning Ahead guide also provides information for families and carers of people with dementia.
Simultaneously, ACH has launched a kit for aged care staff, to enable them to arrange appropriate services and support for clients with dementia. It can also be purchased on CD for $30.
Information resource looking at the importance of older people’s social networks
The paper “Promoting Social Networks for Older People in Community Aged Care” outlines how social contact can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. For instance, older people who are socially isolated experience higher levels of depression and lower morale than those who are more connected with family, friends and their community. Prepared by The Benevolent Society and the Social Policy Research Centre, the paper draws together existing research about older people’s social networks, and examines how this can be used by aged care workers and service providers.
This resource gives care workers lots of practical strategies to help older people remain socially engaged and participating in community activities if they so desire.
Information sheets for patients and carers now available in other languages
The Heart Foundation’s information sheet for people with heart failure and their carers includes:
- information on how to minimise the symptoms of heart failure and stay healthy; and
- an 'action plan', listing the important things to do every day and when to call a health professional or an ambulance.
It is based on the booklet Living well with chronic heart failure and is now available in English and 16 other languages. Please click here for further information.
HealthConnect SA newsletter
The March edition of HealthConnect SA's newsletter outlines:
- The availability of a range of electronic clinical support tools to facilitate improved communication between healthcare providers and assist in the prevention and management of chronic disease.
- How healthcare providers are utilising secure electronic messaging.
- The continued growth of care planning by primary care providers in South Australia.
News for Residential Members
Accommodation Bond Refund Interest Rates
The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate applicable to refund periods for accommodation bonds that commence on or after 1 April 2009 has been amended to 7.16% per annum. The Base Interest Rate applicable to refund periods for accommodation bonds that commence on or after 1 April 2009 is 4.0% per annum.
Please click here for further information. If you have any queries, contact Aged Care Information Line 1800 500 853.
New Schedule of Resident Fees and Charges
Please click here for a copy of the new schedule of resident fees and charges from 20 March 2009.
Free ACFI advisory services for residential aged care providers
KPMG has been engaged by the Department of Health and Ageing to provide free advisory services to assist residential aged care providers in the transition from the Resident Classification Scale (RCS) to the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI).
Providers with only a small number of services, with a high percentage of low care residents, and those in regional and remote locations will take priority.
Please click here for further information outlining the services offered to eligible providers.
Australia’s First Dental Plan for Residential Care
The Minister for Ageing has announced the preparation of the first oral and dental health care plan for nursing home residents. Under the plan, a staff member from all 2,830 aged care homes will be trained in dental hygiene by 2010. The trained staff member will educate other aged care workers to help maintain the teeth of nursing home residents.
The Plan will cost $3 million over two years. It includes:
- Establishing a nationally-consistent approach to dental assessments in the ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) process. The oral health assessment tool is to be included in the proposed set of assessment tools for ACATs;
- A specially developed national training package which will be provided later this year.
- Examining the results of the $1.3 million Better Oral Health in Residential Care project currently being trialled in seven aged care homes in South Australia, NSW and Victoria through the Encouraging Best Practice in Residential Aged Care (EBPRAC) program
- Practical training resources and courses for aged care workers and additional support for those in remote areas through electronic delivery of the package;
- Considering opportunities to include training in nationally accredited training for aged care workers to give them a recognised qualification; and
- Review of the Aged Care Accreditation Standards as they relate to oral and dental care and the process by which they are assessed – as part of the overall review of the Aged Care Accreditation Standards and Processes.
Further details available in the Minister’s media release.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recalls
Please click here for the TGA Safety Notice summary of recalls for February 2009.
ACFI Update
ACFI Validations
Please click here for information reproduced from an article regarding ACFI validations, prepared by Aged Care Queensland for their ACQwire magazine.
Q&A's on validation issues
Please click here for some questions and answers on issues raised following an ACFI validation, from the Department of Health & Ageing.
ACS is keen to hear from members regarding your experience with ACFI Audits – please email details to Neville Stephens.
News for Community Providers
Working carer’s respite program receives two-year funding extension!
The employed carer respite service providers will be offered a two-year extension to their current funding agreements (to 30 June 2011). The extension was approved on Tuesday 17 March.
There are exceptions – there were seven Employed Carer Innovative Pilots which will not be continued as they did not demonstrate effectiveness. These service providers were notified of the decision about six weeks ago. Some of these models have been referred to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) as they appeared to be useful workforce models rather than respite.
CACP, EACH and EACHD care recipient contribution rates effective 20 March 2009
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, recently announced the new pension rates, effective 20 March 2009.
From 20 March 2009 the maximum contribution for CACP, EACH and EACHD recipients will increase from $6.78 to $6.87 per day. This figure is 17.5% of the base rate of pension per day (ie, excluding the GST Supplement), rounded down to the nearest cent.
Click here for further information.
News for the Retirement Sector
Further information about the Stimulus Package - Community Housing Component
National Partnership Agreement on Nation Building and Jobs Plan ('Stimulus Package')
To access the Stimulus Package funds, organisations must:
- Achieve Preferred Growth Provider status via an Expression of Interest; and
- Submit a successful Housing Allocation Proposal to utilise Stimulus Package funds that will be assessed as part of a contested process.
The appropriate forms and information can be found here.
Websites to monitor for futher information:
State
http://www.dtei.sa.gov.au/coordinator_general
Commonwealth
http://www.economicstimulusplan.gov.au/
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/housing/nbjp_factsheet.htm
Don't forget the Business @ Breakfast - Discover what the Stimulus Package and Greater Adelaide Plan mean for the aged care industry - details below.
Retirement Housing dates for your diary
Business @ Breakfast - Tuesday 7 April 2009
Discover what the Stimulus Package and Greater Adelaide Plan mean for the aged care industry
Members-only exclusive event
Time: 7.30 am-9.00 am
Venue: The Dollard Room, The Monastery, 15 Cross Rd Glen Osmond
Speakers: Phil Fagan-Schmidt, Executive Director, Housing SA and John Hanlon, Deputy Chief Executive, Department of Planning and Local Government
ACS / RVA Retirement Housing Forum - Friday 15 May 2009
Legal, financial and environmental considerations for retirement housing operators.
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)
Please click here for the full program and registration form.
ACS Annual Housing Forum - Friday 4 December 2009
Venue: Morphettville Junction
Full program to be advised.
Northern Territory News
NT cancer information service
A new website developed by the Cancer Services Networks National Demonstration Program (CanNET), provides a full range of information about cancer and cancer services in the NT.
The new online resource – and the Radiation Oncology Unit under construction at Royal Darwin Hospital – are some of the measures the NT Government is taking to ensure Territorians have access to the cancer treatment they need.
The new website presents information about various treatment options and questions to ask health care professionals, and has links to many support services within the NT. For health professionals, the site provides links to cancer-related professional development opportunities and to evidence-based treatment protocols. There is also a monthly community noticeboard for cancer-related events such as consumer groups and professional interest groups.
Rural & Regional News
Zero Tolerance: Train the Trainer course to be held in the Barossa
Anglicare SA’s Zero Tolerance program is essential education for your staff to recognise and address elder abuse, and ensure a preventative approach is adopted in all your services. The training also provides strategies to effectively deal with instances of elder abuse that may occur.
Date: Thursday 7 May
Time: 9 am-5 pm (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided)
Venue: Barossa Village, The Lodge, 14 Scholz Ave, Nuriootpa
Please click here for the registration form.
National rural and remote health infrastructure program: third round
The Department of Health and Ageing is calling for applications for funding under the National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP).
The Australian Government has allocated $46 million over four years (2008-09 to 2011-12) to improve opportunities for partnerships and multidisciplinary approaches to the delivery of health services in rural and remote communities through better access to funding for infrastructure and equipment.
Those eligible to apply for funding under the NRRHIP include:
- Local government organisations (shire councils, district councils, regional councils);
- Divisions of General Practice;
- Indigenous Community Councils;
- private practitioners, where funding will be used for training facilities for medical students/registrars;
- allied health professionals, who are providing privately insurable health services, and dentists in private practice; and
- rural private hospitals including those eligible under the former Bush Nursing, Small Community and Regional Private Hospitals program (Attachment 1 of this Application & Eligibility Guidelines refers) and the former Rural Private Access (RPA) program.
Applications close on 17 April 2009. For more information please visit the website.
Rural photography competition
In conjunction with the 10th National Rural Health Conference, an amateur photography and poetry competition is being held to highlight life in rural and remote Australia.
Please click here for further information and registration form.
Unsung hero award
The friends Unsung Hero Award recognises tpeople who have made a significant contribution to the health of their remote, Indigenous or rural community.
Nominations close 17 April 2009. Click here for further information and entry form.
Free seminar: Health Professional’s Role in Advance Directives for People with Dementia
The SA & NT Dementia Training Study Centre (SA & NT DTSC) invites you to attend a free seminar on Health Professional’s Role in Advance Directives for People with Dementia.
Date: Tuesday 31 March 2009
Venue: The Education Centre, Northern Yorke Peninsula Community Health Services Building, Irwin Terrace, Wallaroo.
The course is available to health professionals from a variety of disciplines including nurses, physios, occupational therapists, and social workers.
Please click here for the flyer and registration form.
Workplace Issues
Skill Shortages - Member Survey
Thirty-two people responded to a Human Resource Survey conducted by ACS last week. Survey responses indicate that RNs, Care Workers and ENs are the most difficult positions to fill followed by Lifestyle Coordinators, Hospitality staff and Allied Health staff.
The responses have been collated and can be found on the ACS website.
EMA Note Issue 9 - The Fair Work Act 2009
The latest Issue Note from EMA is: The Fair Work Act 2009 – Significant Changes for Employers on the Doorstep.
Seminar - The Fair Work Bill: A Practical Guide to the New IR Laws
EMA Consulting invite you to attend a Professional Development Seminar on The Fair Work Bill.
Date: Thursday 28 May 2009
Time: 9 am-4 pm
Venue: Hyatt Regency, North Terrace, Adelaide
Please click here for full details.
Research, Publications & Grants
Australian population growth
Australia is continuing to record high population growth, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). A total population growth rate of 1.8% was recorded for the year ending September 2008, up from the 1.2% recorded five years ago. The last time Australia experienced higher growth rates was in the 1950s and 1960s (above 2%) as a result of post-war migration and high birth rates.
As at 30 September 2008, Australia's population had grown to 21,542,000, an increase of 389,000 people over the previous year. Australia's net overseas migration contributed to more than half of this growth at 61% or 235,900 people. Natural increase (the excess of births over deaths) contributed 153,400 (39%).
Details are available from the ABS website.
2007 Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey – Who cares for older Australians? Results of the National Institute of Labour Studies (NILS) Report
The Aged Care Workforce Census and Survey informs workforce planning on issues surrounding recruitment and retention of aged care workers. 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 information is based on four surveys conducted of all residential aged care homes in Australia, all service outlets receiving funding from Commonwealth programs supporting community based aged care, together with surveys of 7,566 direct care workers employed in residential homes, and 4,693 employed by community based providers.
The report highlights that:
- the number of registered nurses has decreased but job satisfaction amongst RNs has increased since 2003
- the number of care workers has increased
- 60% of workers are aged over 45 years
- The approximate length of time workers remain in employment in aged care is ten years
- There has been a 25% turnover of staff since 2003 and 50% of those recently recruited had not worked in aged care before.
The full report can be downloaded here.
National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Interim Report
On 25 February 2008, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health and Ageing announced the establishment of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. The Commission has been established to develop a long-term health reform plan for a modern Australia and has prepared an Interim Report – A Healthier Future for All Australians – which contains its proposed reform directions.
ACS has prepared a brief summary for members of the key areas related to aged care and provided feedback on the Interim Report for the ACSA response to the report.
The Australian Parliamentary Library has written a research paper which outlines the Commission’s major proposals, identifies substantial shifts in policy direction and provides commentary and analysis on key issues. Click here for a copy.
Health and Community Service Labour Force
The AIHW has just released a report on the health and community service labour force, highlighting that in 2006, over 9% of Australia's workforce was employed in health and community services occupations – a 26% increase from 2001. Between 2001 and 2006 the health workforce and community services workforce increased by 22.8% and 35.6% respectively. Over the same period, the health and community services workforce aged, with the proportion of workers in the 55 to 64 years age bracket increasing by 4 percentage points.
This report also contains information on geographical distribution, country of birth and qualifications held.
Click here for the full report.
Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2005-06
Older Australians are being hospitalised at an increasing rate due to falls, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The estimated number of hospitalised older people due to falls was 66,800 in 2005-06 (a rise of 10% on the number for 2003-04).
Half of all fall injury cases for people aged 65 years and older occurred in the home, but falls in residential institutions were also common. Older people who lived in aged care facilities were found to have a rate of hospitalised falls five times higher than for people of the same age living in the community, as people in aged care facilities tend to have much higher care needs and are more likely to be frail.
Click here to access the full report.
Dementia Outcomes Measurement Suite (DOMS) report
In May 2006, the Department of Health and Ageing commissioned a research report from the University of Wollongong on dementia measurement instruments.
The project aimed to develop a credible suite of standardised measurement tools, within the health outcomes framework, to allow for the examination of service delivery effectiveness; better screening and assessment of consumers; and the evaluation of an individual consumer's health-related quality of life.
The DOMS report identifies 36 instruments deemed suitable to be used by researchers and clinicians in the routine assessment, diagnosis, screening and outcomes monitoring of dementia conditions and the evaluation of treatments.
To view the report click here and scroll down to Dementia Outcomes Measurement Suite (DOMS) Project: Final Report.
My people report
A new report by Dr Catherine Barrett entitled My people documents a project exploring the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex seniors in aged care services. The report is the result of a study conducted by the Matrix Guild and Vintage Men exploring the experiences of older non-heterosexual people as recipients of services and support for older people.
Please click here to read the report.
New syndicated study – donations
TNS Social Research, the global market insight and information group, has launched its new syndicated study – donations – to assist not-for-profits and government departments in understanding the charity and NFP sector, with the aim of helping them gain a greater share of the donated dollar.
Please click here for further information.
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Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care Program: final report on the 2007-08 Minimum Data Set
The AIHW recently released a report from the 2007–08 Younger People With Disability in Residential Aged Care Minimum Data Set (YPIRAC MDS). It summarises the characteristics of people who were ‘on the books’ during 2007-08 and the YPIRAC services they received.
Please click here for further information.
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.
Training for care workers
Customer service for aged care staff
Date: Thursday 23 April 2009
Time: 9 am-4 pm (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
Understanding food safety for care and lifestyle staff
Date: Monday 27 April
Time: 1 pm-4.30 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
ACFI from the care worker's perspective
Date: Wednesday 6 May
Time: 9.30 am-3 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
Legislated training
Rehabilitation & Return to Work Co-ordinators (legislated training as of 1/1/09)
Note new location: Celtic Training, 148 Hindley Street (on-street parking or U-park nearby)
All organisations employing 30 or more actual workers must appoint and train a Rehabilitation and Return to Work Co-ordinator (RRTWC) by 30 June 2009.
Compare costs for the same course:
Business SA: $957
TAFE SA: $775
ACS SA & NT: reduced fee of $600 + GST
Date: 3 days - Monday 30 March, Tuesday 31 March & Wednesday 1 April 2009
Time: 9 am-4 pm (afternoon tea provided)
Venue: 148 Hindley Street, Adelaide
Risk Management
Zurich Risk Management Solutions for Aged Care
Presenters Anthony Pagano and Glenn Threapleton can help you to identify and minimise risks and respond to all your questions. They have the technical expertise and industry experience to deliver an interesting, solutions-focused workshop. So bring your queries and allow them to resolve your risk management exposure.
Date: Wednesday 8 April 2009
Time: 11 am-1 pm (hot cross buns provided)
Venue: ACS Training Room
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
Abuse Prevention Kit – A ‘Train the Trainer’ approach for HACC funded service providers
The Aged Rights Advocacy Service was funded by ‘Improving with Age – Our Ageing Plan for South Australia’ to develop an easy to use Abuse Prevention Kit with a ‘Train the Trainer’ approach about identification of abuse of older people.
HACC funded agencies are invited to send a staff member who is responsible for the training of staff, to a session that will cover the material in the training kit so that they can present it in-house to their staff. The training is free.
At this session the HACC Service Provider Trainer will be guided step-by-step through the training material that contains information about for example:
- Rights of older people;
- Types and risk factors of abuse;
- Barriers to reporting;
- Organisational policy.
Please click here for further information about session times and venues. Please email the session organiser to book your place or call 8232 5377.
Learn skills in self management for free on the internet in a pilot program and research study
The South Australian Government and Stanford University (USA) are seeking participants to take part in a study for people with a chronic condition (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, lung or heart disease)
This free program can be done day or night when it suits you; all you need is basic computer skills and access to the internet – the time commitment is about two and a half hours per week.
People who commit to the program will receive a free copy of the book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions edition 3
For more information please visit the website or email Stanford.
Dementia and Learning Disabilities Workshop
This session will be relevant to health care professionals caring for people with dementia and learning disabilities and aged care facility staff. Consumers may also be interested in attending.
Date: Wednesday 1 April
Time: 9.30 am–12 pm
Venue: Alzheimer’s Australia SA Inc, 27 Conyngham Street, Glenside 5065
Presented by: Diana Kerr, a prominent expert and advisor in the field of dementia and learning disabilities
To book your place/s, please contact Alzheimer's Australia SA on 8372 2100.
Click here for further information.
The Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine invites medical practitioners to attend its palliative care forum
This session will cover managing delirium, information about ‘lightening up before death’, indications and method of administering palliative sedation, pain and symptom management.
Date: Monday 6 April 2009
Venue: The Terrace Room, Adelaide Pavilion Veale Gardens, cnr South Terrace & Peacock Rd, Adelaide
Parking: Free onsite parking
Convenor: Dr Toula Christou
Cost: No registration fee
Click here for more information, visit the website or email Karen Cooper.
Alzheimer’s Australia short courses on Dementia
A number of short courses on dementia will be held at Alzheimer's Australia SA (AASA) in 2009. These courses are free of charge to participants, and are recommended for health professionals and personal carers of people with dementia.
Registrations are essential and places are strictly capped at 40 participants per course (30 for the Activity Workers course) and registrations will be accepted in order of receipt by AASA.
Please click here for information.
Industry Supporters
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) has moved!
The ANF and new Nursing Industry Skills Centre contact details are:
Postal: PO Box 861, Regency Park BC SA 5942
Street address: 191 Torrens Rd, Ridleyton SA 5008
Phone: 8334 1900, Fax: 8334 1901
For more information please visit the website.
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