Members login
Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
Disclaimer & Privacy Statements
web design by 
Snippets – Volume 8 Issue 10
October 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
Media Liaison
During the year a number of members have had to deal with the media over a range of matters. The purpose of this note is not to detail the specifics of each ‘event’, nor to cast judgment about how it was handled, but to remind members that your industry association is very willing to assist you to manage the media should something eventuate.
ACS SA&NT fully appreciates and understands the desire to try and manage such matters internally. However, the involvement of the Association can be useful in presenting a united front and providing assistance by diffusing attention from an individual provider. (It would obviously not be appropriate for the Association to take on the mantle of ultimate responsibility - that must rest with individual members.)
There have been a number of incidents in my relatively short time in the job where the first time I heard about something was when contacted by the media. The Association is then immediately on the ‘back foot’ with no knowledge of the facts surrounding the incident, nor any information about the member's approach to it.
I urge all members to inform ACS SA&NT about such ‘events’- then we might be able to lend support if approached. I also want to reassure you that in all cases strict confidentiality will be applied.
Grant Thornton – Aged Care Survey 2008
If you haven’t already seen it, the latest summary findings report on the Grant Thornton Aged Care Survey is well worth reading, notwithstanding that it paints a gloomy picture. (The Survey confirmed the aged care sector’s worst fears; many aged care operators are incurring unsustainable operating losses. Please click here to view the media release ACS issued in response.)
The Survey's release last week was timely and along with the Productivity Commission’s research paper Trends in Aged Care Services: some implications (released just prior to the recent national conference), the information has been used to enhance the Aged Care Industry Council’s (ACIC) submission to the CAP review. ACSA has been able to secure an extension for their submission to the review, which will be forwarded next week. Copies of the final submission will be available from the website.
Drugs of Dependence
ACS met with Minister Lomax-Smith in late September about our proposal to facilitate credentialing of care workers to enable them to administer pre-dispensed drugs of dependence. It was proposed that this be allowed in facilities seeking exemption because of difficulties associated with their size and related staffing problems around the availability of registered and enrolled nurses.
Minister Lomax-Smith advised that she supported the proposal. We have not yet received official advice but have been following up the matter. To help ‘shore up’ support for the Minister within cabinet we, along with ACAA-SA, will be approaching other Ministers and identified backbenchers.
Industry ‘Vision’ Manifesto
The ACS Board adopted the Vision document at its September meeting and the office is now arranging for it to be printed before sending it to every state politician. The document will be used as the tool to lobby all state political parties and independents in the lead-up to the March 2010 state election. Information from the document will be used in the preparation of this and subsequent years’ state budget submissions.
When edited and printed the document will be available on the ACS webpage.
General News
National Report Issue 190
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the Members Only section. Click here to download. Issues covered in the latest edition include:
- ACSA National Conference Aged Care in the Fast Lane Wins the Checkered Flag
- Productivity Commission
- Minister Guarantees Future of Meals on Wheels
- COAG Meeting Defers Issues Relating to Ageing
- Myer Foundation to Review its 2020 Report
- Senate Inquiry into Aged Care Funding
- WA Concern at Bed Costs
- Workplace Ombudsman's Audit into Aged Care
- Pension and Income Support Payments Increases
- Unannounced Visits to Nursing Homes
ACS News
Training Survey winner
Thank you to everyone who completed the recent ACS training survey. Your responses will enable ACS to determine priority training courses for 2009.
Congratulations to Bronwyn Harding, from the ACH Group at Christies Downs, who won the prize draw for a complimentary attendance at a one-day ACS training event, up to the value of $200.
Residential Services Manager position available
The position of Residential Services Manager (RSM) at ACS has recently been advertised. The RCM is responsible for ensuring member organisations of ACS, which provide residential aged care and/or retirement housing services, are provided with information, advice and other support in the conduct of their services.
Initial appointment is for a three-year term and the position is .8 FTE. Please click here for the full job specification – applications close on Wednesday 29 October.
Exhibition space available for ACS members
Looking for a place to exhibit your work? The ACS Training Rooms are now available for members' exhibitions. There is no charge for the space but exhibitors are required to pay for hanging and transportation costs.
Recently the ACS Training Rooms exhibited 'Memories: Then and Now' (5 Aug–19 September), an innovative photographic project undertaken by the residents of Life Care Roselin Court.
Please contact Kellie Kulinski for further information and bookings on 08 8338 7111.
Annual Report 07/08
The Annual Report is now available and has been posted to all members. The Report is also available in pdf format – please click here for a copy.
If you require additional hard copies, please phone 8388 7111.
Pandemic information updated
The members-only Pandemic Influenza page has been updated with a document regarding the National Action Plan for Human Influenza Pandemic - July 2006
SA 'Sjoelbakkers' play with with passion and commitment
During the ACSA National Conference, ACS gathered together a team to represent the State/Territory in the Dutch game of sjoelbak (played with wooden pucks, similar to shuffleboard). This game was completely new to the Team. Deb, Tina and Peter grabbed Gus as he walked by to join, then we recruited Bron to fly the NT flag.
Tactics were hastily planned, practices were snatched whenever possible and the Team stepped up during Monday's morning tea to play WA. The concentration and euphoria of the win is pictured below!
SA/NT then played Tassie. Tassie tried hard to keep up, but we were far too strong.
The grand final between SA/NT and Victoria was during afternoon tea on the Tuesday. Having easily glided through to the grand final, the Team went down to the Vics. SA/NT couldn't find their mojo for this one. I know they were disappointed, but hey they were still stars.
Bad luck Team . . . but thank you so much for giving up your breaks and representing us with passion and commitment and most importantly having some fun!
Running left to right Deb Nardecchia-Anglicare SA, Tina Cheel-Anglicare SA, Gus Abimosleh-Helping Hand Aged Care Inc., Peter Rowe-Anglicare SA (dobbed in as Captain!!) Bronwyne Arnold-Frontier Services Alice Springs (not pictured)
Aged care police checks – update
The Australian Government plans to introduce police checks for all nursing home staff, regardless of whether they have supervised or unsupervised access to residents – as early as 1 January 2009.
This will affect staff of accredited aged care facilities, and those delivering community are packages, for example Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) and EACH Dementia.
ACS will be seeking further information about the effect of this on contract staff.
Aged Care (Conditions of Allocation – Extended Aged Care at Home – Dementia) Determination 2008 (No. 1)
Please click here for the full Determination and the Explanatory Statement.
Charitable concessions for non–profit organisations
The ACS Finance Committee has compiled a list of concessions available to public benevolent institutions. The concessions listed are generally only available to organisations that are endorsed as non-profit organisations by the Australian Taxation Office. Please click here to access the document.
Finance Forum – 20 February 2009
Mark your diary now, further details TBA.
Microsoft revision of licensing fees for aged care industry
The Aged Care Industry Council (ACIC) has recently spoken with Microsoft regarding their proposed revision of pricing (from academic to commercial rates) of MS Office/Exchange products for the aged care industry. It is estimated that this would cost the industry at least $70m over the next 18 months.
Following the meeting with ACIC, Microsoft have committed to further discussion regarding these proposals before the end of this year.
Proposed Amendment to the Aged Care Act
Minister Elliot recently introduced the Aged Care Amendment (2008 Measures No. 2) Bill 2008 into Federal Parliament. The proposed changes include:
- A further tightening of regulations surrounding accommodation bonds held by the aged care sector to ensure the Accommodation Bond Guarantee Scheme covers bonds held by operators who have lost their approved provider status;
- Protecting existing lump sums held by approved providers in the same ways as accommodation bonds are protected – and for new providers, it will mean refunding lump sum payments paid before they become approved providers;
- Expanding the range of people who are “key personnel” to include those pulling the financial strings so there is greater scrutiny and transparency on who is exercising control over an aged care home. This will prevent a provider with a poor quality record re-appearing behind a front entity or a shelf company from avoiding scrutiny;
- Putting beyond doubt that the primary purpose of “sanctions” is to protect current and future residents and their interests;
- Changes to the hardship provisions to enable a partial accommodation subsidy for people who are able to pay a small bond or charge;
- Putting the arrangements for assets assessment under the Aged Care Act in line with the Social Security Act and the Veterans Entitlements Act in respect to private trusts and companies; and
- Allowing the prompt transfer of aged care places that are not yet operational in exceptional circumstances when it is in the best interest of the community in an area of high need.
The Senate, on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee, has referred the Bill to the Community Affairs Committee for inquiry and report by 20 November 2008. ACSA advises that they will be making a submission to the Senate Affairs Committee.
New laws to protect overseas workers
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has introduced a Bill into the Senate that sets out a new framework to better protect temporary overseas workers in Australia. The Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Bill 2008 will strengthen the integrity of temporary working visa arrangements.
Please click here for further information.
Helping Chinese and Italian-speaking seniors minimise medicines risks
The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) and Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) are working together to address preventable medicine-related harms for seniors from specific language groups, by running a series of workshops starting in October 2008. Please see the contact details below for further information.
Chinese seminars
Overseas Chinese Association (SA) (03) 8445 1622
Italian seminars
CO.AS.IT. (SA) (08) 8165 3755
Council of the Ageing (NT) (08) 8941 1004
For more information about NPS and FECCA, please email or visit the NPS website.
Government strengthens protection for older Australians
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot have announced that the Government will amend the Age Discrimination Act 2004 to remove the 'dominant reason' test. The current test means that a person's age must be the dominant reason for something to constitute discrimination under the Act. This is inconsistent with the other Federal unlawful discrimination laws.
Indigenous Aged Care plan
The Australian Government has announced it will conduct quality site visits to all 30 flexible Indigenous-specific aged care services to identify safety risks and the need for emergency works. The visits will examine the level of care services, overall safety, appropriateness of staffing levels and governance.
Early next year, the Department of Health and Ageing will work with each service to implement a building and maintenance action plan – funded through the $46.2 million Indigenous Aged Care plan.
In addition, the Federal Government will fund fire protection devices in an effort to reduce the risk of injury of elders. The $500,000 program is also part of the Indigenous Aged Care plan.
New measures give public a voice on potential PBS medicines
Consumers are now able to comment on medicines being considered for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The new measure will increase the transparency of the PBS listing process and will benefit patients, carers, health professionals and consumer groups, by allowing their input into the decision-making process.
Under the new measure, Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) meeting agendas will be publicly available six weeks before each meeting is held. From this time, individuals or groups will be given two weeks to complete an online form to explain how they, their family and carers would benefit from the PBS listing of a medicine to be considered at the next meeting.
The next PBAC meeting will be held 5–7 November 2008. Interested individuals or groups can access the next PBAC meeting agenda and comments form at the Department of Health and Ageing’s website.
Nurses Board of South Australia’s (NBSA) Pathway to Nurse Practitioner Authorisation
The NBSA has developed Standards for the Accreditation of the Master of Nurse Practitioner Courses in South Australia, along with two new pathways to nurse practitioner authorisation.
The NBAA will also conduct information sessions on 12 December 2008. Click here for further information.
Nursing and Midwifery Practice Bill 2008
The Nursing and Midwifery Practice Bill has been introduced into the South Australian Parliament. Following feedback a number of changes have been made to the Bill. Please click here for the Minister’s response to the ACS SA&NT submission.
A copy of the Bill and second reading speech can be found on the website or by phoning the Nursing and Midwifery Office, SA Health on 8226 0749.
Minister’s Awards For Excellence in Aged Care
The Australian Government has announced the Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Aged Care; official nominations will be called for next month with advertisements in national newspapers. Nominations will close 2 February 2009.
Awards are open to individuals and organisations across aged and community care including Commonwealth-subsidised nursing homes and hostels, Community Aged Care Package Providers and Extended Aged Care at Home Providers and Home and Community Care.
The Awards will recognise:
• Overall leadership and innovation achievement awards;
• Innovation in IT, human resource management, training and workforce issues;
• Achievements in the not-for-profit sector;
• Award for leadership in community care;
• Merit awards for outstanding individuals in aged and community care; and
• Awards for regional, rural or remote aged and community care innovation.
Rehabilitation Service Plan
The draft Statewide Rehabilitation Service Plan has been submitted to SA Health for consideration. The plan describes a Model for Rehabilitation in South Australia including governance, service configuration, bed and program requirements, facility profiles and service elements. The document also outlines specifics for rehabilitation in metropolitan Adelaide, country South Australia, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and for a number of clinical areas including amputations and older people.
SA Stroke Plan
The SA Stroke Plan is nearing completion. Management of stroke across the continuum is addressed within this Plan including prevention, early intervention, acute care, rehabilitation and long term support.
Executive Officer position at The Australian Association of Gerontology
The Australian Association of Gerontology is seeking an experienced Executive Officer to work across issues relating to ageing, providing support to the organisation by working individually and with members, the council and the executive. Please click on the links for the job advertisement and full position description.
Applications close Friday 7 November.
Funding Announcements
Extra 7,700 training places for aged care workers
Minister Justine Elliott has announced that up to 7,700 new training places in aged and community care will be created under a $41 million training plan. A total of 2,700 community training places and up to 5,000 residential aged care training places will be made available through the Community Aged Care Workforce Development and the Better Skills for Better Care programs, respectively.
Click here for the full media release.
Aged Care Assessment Program funding
Minster Elliot has announced $72 million in funding for State and Territory Governments who deliver the Aged Care Assessment Program on behalf of the Australian Government.
The funding, which reflects growth in the aged population as well as annual indexation, includes almost $4 million to implement measures to improve the timeliness and consistency of aged care assessments.
SA’s allocation is $6.5 million and NT’s allocation is $988,000.
2008-09 Aged Care Approvals Round
More than 10,000 new aged care places will be available, including 7,600 residential aged care places, in the 2008–09 Aged Care Approvals Round. These places are in addition to those allocated through Stage one of the Zero Real Interest Loans Round.
The official invitation to apply for places, capital grants and ‘Extra Service’ status in the 2008-09 Round is expected to be advertised on Saturday 8 November.
Information sessions will be conducted around Australia from Monday 10 November to Tuesday 18 November. The sessions will include details on the application forms and the basis for assessment. The Department of Health and Ageing will also post the information online.
Applications from aged care providers close on 19 December 2008
Assessments of the applications – January to May 2009
Announcement of the ACAR – June 2009
For further information, including the locations and times of the sessions, contact the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853 or the state/territory office listing.
Round Two of Zero Real Interest Loans and Associated Places (2009-2010)
The Department of Health and Ageing is now working on its internal review of $150 million Round One of the $300 million Zero Real Interest Loans and Associated Places Round – targeting areas of high need.
The review will examine the nature and areas of need, including regional areas, and care for older Indigenous Australians and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
$4.8 billion down payment to help pensioners, seniors, and carers
The Government has announced it will deliver a $4.8 billion down payment to Australia’s four million pensioners, carers, seniors and veterans – providing them with immediate financial help in the lead-up to comprehensive reform of the pension system.
The payment will be available through a lump sum of $1,400 to singles and $2,100 to couples. People receiving Carer Allowance will also receive $1,000 for each eligible person being cared for. All payments will be made automatically through Centrelink and the Department of Veterans Affairs in the fortnight beginning 8 December 2008.
News for Residential Members
Residential Aged Care Coronial Communiqué for 2008 - September edition
The September edition of the Communiqué focuses on the common and challenging chronic condition of diabetes mellitus. Three cases demonstrate the need for systematic approaches to managing residents with this condition. Practical information drawn from the experiences of a diabetes educator who successfully implemented changes in residential aged care settings is also provided.
New legislation: further financial and bond protection for aged care residents
Minister Justine Elliot announced a range of measures to provide further protection for the 170,000 older Australians in aged care homes. This includes that accommodation bonds or like payments paid by frail older Australians for entry into aged care are further protected under the Accommodation Bond Guarantee Scheme.
Click here for further information.
Affordable Housing Forum
Date: Friday 5 December
Time: 9am-1pm, followed by lunch
Venue: Morphetville Junction
Speakers include Lesley Dredge, ACSA and Darren Young, Helping Hand - Darren will present on taking your organisation through strategic planning. A panel of architects will provide their view of affordable housing.
Further details and full program TBA soon.
Overcoming Barriers – A Study of Homeless Service Delivery in Australia
The Overcoming Barriers report shows people experiencing homelessness face multiple barriers to accessing the support that they need.
Just over 75% of clients using the homeless support network (called the Supported Accomodation Assistance Program, or SAAP) needed to be referred to three other services to get the support they needed. This includes things like housing, mental health, counselling, financial, legal aid and employment, education and training.
When they were referred to these other ‘mainstream' services, they faced a range of barriers to service delivery included waiting lists, transports costs, and ID issues. More than 70% of services said waiting lists were an issue for their clients.
The report follows the release of new Government data showing on average one in two people are turned away from homeless services each day. Click here to download report summary. Click here to download report factsheet.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Recalls
The TGA has issued a summary of recalls for September 2008 that may affect aged care facilities.
A number of hot packs have been recalled as they contain the toxic substance ethylene glycol (rather than the non-toxic ingredient propylene glycol). Please click here for the full safety notice, which lists them.
Other recalled products include:
Class II Liko Universal Sling Bar (ARTG number: 133067) (REFERENCE: RN-2008-0658)
When mounted on Viking or LikoLight mobile lifts, a component securing the Universal Sling Bar to the lift, under certain circumstances, may experience unanticipated fatigue.
Further information: Medtec Products Australia Pty Ltd, 03 8761 6956 – Mr Phil Jones.
BD Vacutainer® 16x100mm Serum Blood Collection Tubes (Plain Red top)
Catalogue no. 367895. Lots 8015159, 8029093, 8059728, 8095550, 8113634 (ARTG number 53987) (REFERENCE: RN-2008-0762)
On rare occasions the product may feel tight when inserted into some Needle Holders. 16mm red Hemogard™ caps, moulded from tool number U56, are slightly larger than other Hemogard™ caps, which results in tightness with some needle holders.
Further information: Becton Dickinson Pty Ltd, 1800 656 100 – BD Customer Service.
Microbore Extension Sets, Cat No. 50.307m, Lots 80405-1 & 80726-1 (ARTG number 96165) (REFERENCE: RN-2008-0776)
There have been complaints of the Component Female Luer Lock cracking on exposure to certain substances including Alcohol and Propofol.
Further information: Tuta Healthcare Pty Ltd, 1300 361 162 Customer Service.
Wipe Out Isopropyl hard surface wipes, Part 200021, Batch no. BN0608 (ARTG number :130235) (REFERENCE: RN-2008-0706)
The reason for the recalls is pungent odour in single batch of wipes.
Further information: Steeldrill International Pty Ltd, 03 9790 6411 – Purchasing Manager.
Look 3/0 Black Mono Nylon 18”/45cm C7 Needle (925B) (ARTG number 141193) (REFERENCE: RN-2008-0760)
Reason: Mislabelling of suture products. There is a possibility that Lot M335780 of item code 925B may contain mixed product.
Further information: Multi Medical Group Pty Ltd, 07 5527 6311, Ian McKinnon.
Look/Sharpoint Suture 925B 3-0 Black Mono Nylon with C7 Needle, Lot no: M335780 (ARTG number 143981) (REFERENCE: RN-2008-0769)
Reason: The product should contain 925B 3-0 Black Mono Nylon with C7 Needle,however due to a product mix-up this one lot may instead contain 4-0 Black Braided Silk with C6 Needle.
Further information: W9 Pty Ltd, 02 9987 4224 – W9 Customer Service.
.
Update on the Transition Care Provider Panel
Please click here for information regarding the Transition Care Provider Panel.
ATO Interpretative Decision – ATO ID 2006/256 (Withdrawn)
Excise Energy Grants (Credits) Scheme: off-road credit - use of diesel fuel at a home for aged persons.
Please click here for the full Decision.
ACFI Update
Validation
The Department of Health and Ageing has written to all aged care facilities addressing a number of queries regarding the Classification Review Program. It is expected that RCS validation process will gradually decrease when the ACFI validation program commences.
Please click here for a copy of the letter.
News for Community Providers
CACP, EACH and EACHD care recipient contribution rates effective for 20 September 2008
Minister Jenny Macklin MP recently announced the new pension rates, effective 20 September 2008.
The maximum contribution for CACP, EACH and EACHD recipients will increase from $6.60 to $6.78 per day. This figure is 17.5 per cent of the base rate of pension per day (i.e. excluding the GST supplement), rounded down to the nearest cent.
ACS has emailed the latest Commonwealth Funded Packaged Care Fee Guide to members on the fee guide distribution list. If you would like to receive the fee guide please email Peta Braendler.
HACC Triennial Plan
On 11 October, Ministers responsible for the HACC Program made joint announcements on South Australia’s 2008–09 to 2010–11 HACC Triennial Plan. The SA HACC Triennial Plan is now available. At this stage SA’s HACC Triennial Plan is the key document for planning the growth of HACC Services between now and June 2011.
OFTA will soon commence preparations for HACC Funding Round 25 for the 2009–10 financial year. Using the SA HACC Triennial Plan and 2009–10 Annual Supplement as reference documents, OFTA will prepare the HACC SA Funding Priorities for 2009–10. This document will contain refined details on funding allocations processes and detailed information on assistance type priorities.
National Disability Strategy
Minister Jenny Macklin, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, Bill Shorten, launched a discussion paper for the National Disability Strategy. A series of public consultations will be held across the nation, starting in Darwin on 27 October and finishing in Canberra on 26 November.
Please click here for a copy of the National Disability Strategy discussion paper and dates and locations for consultations.
Community Aged Care Workforce Development Program – Specialised Training
The Specialised Training program is the first community aged care training that targets community care workers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who deliver care to recipients of community aged care, EACH and EACH D packages. One thousand (1000) training places are funded for each cultural group.
Click here for further information and the Expression of Interest form for community approved providers. Training will commence in January 2009 and be completed by June 2011.
For further information contact Directions Australia on 1800 551 201, fax 02 9150 5861 or email
Changes to DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program National Schedule of Equipment
The revised National Schedule of Equipment lists more than 250 items available under the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP), with increases in the financial and quantity limits on several items for entitled members of the veteran community. Outdated items have been removed from the Schedule, and new items added offering improved results.
Local Medical Officers and other general practitioners can now assess for all RAP items where a specialist health provider is unavailable. This will help to avoid delays in assessment and supply processes for people in regional and remote areas. Other changes to the Schedule include a revised format and improved guidance to health providers. Existing entitlements for veterans have not changed. Click here for more information.
First Charter of Rights for Older Australians Receiving Home Care
The Minister for Ageing has announced the Australian Government is developing a Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for community care and flexible care packages. There will be consultation with consumers, aged care providers and other interested groups.
The Community Care Charter will spell out the rights and responsibilities of consumers of home care services funded by the Government. It will explain the flexibility older Australians have in making decisions about their care and their ability to negotiate a package of services.
Once developed, the Charter will be provided to each recipient of packaged community care programs when their care package is being negotiated.
TWF – Intake Assessment for Community Care
Information on the ACCNA-Revised and CENA-Revised is available on the DoHA website. The document includes information on the development of the ACCNA-R and CENA-R from 2006–2008, access points and assessment pathways, a summary of the ACCNA-R modules and options available as part of Phase 1 – Initial Deployment and User Acceptance phase and information on the ACCNA-R in operation.
Click here to access the document.
Health & Community Services Industry Workforce Action Plan 2009-2013
The SA Health & Community Skills Board (SAHCSB) is the industry skills board for the health and community service industries in South Australia. The SAHCSB receives foundation funding from the South Australian Government through the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology. This funding requires them to provide bi-partite advice to government in relation to workforce trends and emerging skills needs, and to work with industry, government and the vocational education and training system to support workforce development in our industries. More information about the Skills Board can be found on their website.
The Skills Board is leading the development of the Health & Community Services Industry Workforce Action Plan (IWAP), which has been commissioned by the South Australian Government to help support its commitment to create a highly-skilled workforce for our state. The IWAP will provide a framework for industry and government activity in response to some of these challenges, and your contribution is welcome to help shape the future of workforce development.
A feedback form can be used to let the SAHCSB know what you think are the important workforce development challenges and, in particular, possible strategies to address these. You can email the completed form to SAHCSB by 3 November or to ACS by 31 October. ACS will then collate a response on behalf of its members.
In addition, the Skills Board is hosting a forum about the IWAP, following its AGM on 11 November 2008 at the SA Baptist Union, 39 King William Road, Unley, which you are invited to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about progress to date and to provide feedback. Please RSVP to Maxine by Wednesday 5 November.
Access Points Demonstration Projects: FAQ Paper
Office for the Ageing (OFTA), Department for Families and Communities (DFC) and Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) would like to thank all the Chief Executives and/or their representatives for attending the Briefing on the SA Community Care Access Points demonstration project: Access2HomeCare, a joint Commonwealth and State initiative held on the 3 September 2008.
The SA Community Care Access Project is committed to ensuring the community care sector is both up to date on the Community Care Reform developments and engaged in the implementation of Access2HomeCare in Western Adelaide and the country areas of Gawler, Barossa, Lower North and Yorke Peninsula.
In line with this commitment, OFTA, DoHA, Access2HomeCare Staff and Seniors Information Service (SIS) conducted six information sessions in the demonstration areas, two in Western Adelaide and four in the country areas of Gawler, Lower North and Yorke Peninsula, with over 300 people attending. More of these sessions will be conducted early in the New Year.
Many questions were asked during these sessions and at the CEOs’ briefing, ranging from protocols and interface arrangements with other organisations to reporting procedures. While many questions were workshopped at the information sessions a list of over 200 questions were kept and those, together with the ones asked by the CEOs, are being processed. A new ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ paper will be available in time for the Ministerial Launch of Access2HomeCare on 31 October 2008.
All attendees of the CEOs’ briefing will receive copies of this document from OFTA soon. OFTA would like to thank the sector for their patience; analysing and collating the volume and diversity of questions is quite a time consuming process.
Further questions
It you have any issues you need answered please do not hesitate to contact either:
Sylvia Brideoake OFTA 8207 0245
Janette Gay OFTA 8207 0269
Roy Inglis DoHA 8237 8276
Lyndal Gerrard A2HC (Netley) 1300 130 551
Kim Maurits A2HC (Angaston) 1300 130 551
Alternative Contact
If you would prefer to discuss any issues about access points with someone outside government, please contact Peta Braendler ACS Community Services Manager, on 8338 7111 or . The information you give will be referred on to the Department whilst retaining your confidentiality.
Additional funding for HACC in SA
An additional 14,000 older South Australians and their carers will receive help at home, personal and respite care, home modifications, community transport and social support. The funding through the Home and Community Care (HACC) program will provide a range of important services to help older Australians and those with disabilities remain independent and in their own homes for longer.
The total HACC funding in 2008-2009 to SA will be $149.73 million, of which $92.28 will be contributed by the Australian Government and $57.45 million by the SA Government.
Consumer Directed Care – explore what this means for your organisation
The Forum Program is now available! Book now to ensure your place:
Date: Friday 7 November
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Venue: Stables Ball Room – Morphettville Junction Centre, 470 Anzac Highway, Camden Park
Target audience: board members, chief executives, senior managers, team leaders, coordinators and other interested ACS members
Consumer Directed Care (CDC) is a term heard increasingly often in aged care; it is used broadly to cover a number of models of support. This Forum will identify the current thinking regarding CDC and provide an opportunity to hear about models delivered both in Australia and internationally.
Information will be provided on potential Government policy directions, legislative and legal implications of delivering a CDC model of support and experiences of aged care providers and consumers.
There are many unanswered questions regarding CDC and this Forum will also provide an opportunity to identify areas for clarification.
Please click here for the Forum Program. Click here for the Forum flyer and registration form.
We encourage you to read some of the useful papers regarding CDC to gain a better understanding; please click on the links for ACSA CDC Discussion paper and a CDC paper by Anna Howe.
For further information please phone Peta Braendler on 8338 7111 or email.
The Way Forward Newsletter
The October edition of The Way Forward National Newsletter is now available. This edition provides information on the Access Points Demonstration Projects in SA, NSW, ACT, NT, Vic, Qld and Tas. There is also an assessment update.
News for the Retirement Sector
Retirement villages and rent assistance
ACSA has produced a fact sheet to help retirement village operators better understand the rules, rates and thresholds that apply to rent assistance to enable them to support residents and maximise rental income. This fact sheet is updated twice a year: in March and September.
For the current version, please go to the Members Only section of the ACSA website.
Volunteer News
The value of volunteering
Better recognition of volunteers, a broader definition of volunteering and greater encouragement of young volunteers are among key issues raised in a discussion paper presented to Federal Parliament by the House of Representatives Family and Community Committee.
The paper encourages a dynamic, innovative and sustainable voluntary sector, and recognises the potential for growth in corporate volunteering. The ideas in the paper draw on discussions the committee conducted at a forum in Sydney earlier in the year.
Click here for a copy of the paper.
News for Rural & Regional Providers
Free seminar: Health Professionals' 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’sRole in Advance Directives for People with Dementia to be held in Port Lincoln on Friday, 14 November 2008 and in Port Augusta on Friday, 21 November 2008.
The course is available to health professionals from a variety of disciplines including nurses, physios, occupational therapists, and social workers.
Please click on the links for the Port Lincoln flyer and the Port Augusta flyer.
Research, Publications and Grants
OFTA Newsletter - September 2008
The current edition includes:
- A letter from Minister Jennifer Rankine
- An article on the symposium Portraits of Ageing: Making the Most of It!
- Visit to SA by Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown
Please click here to access the Newsletter.
A profile of carers in Australia
The ABS has just released a new report collating information from a range of surveys conducted between 2003 and 2006 to paint a picture of carers in contemporary Australian society. The report highlights information about the carer population, time use by carers, social participation and wellbeing, employment, income and housing, sources of support and respite services, and caring at different ages.
Click here for the full report.
Guide for Clinicians: How to use a Syringe Driver for Palliative Care Patients
A new clinically-focused DVD: Guide for Clinicians: How to use a Syringe Driver for Palliative Care Patients is now available. It demonstrates how to set up and use Graseby MS 16A and MS 26 Syringe Drivers.
Email for further information.
Syringe Driver Update
In response to the withdrawal from sale of the Graseby syringe drivers last year, Palliative Care Australia, in collaboration with the Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education, prepared a report: Alternative Devices to Graseby Syringe Drivers Currently Available on the Australian Market. The report aims to inform the palliative care and aged care sectors about alternative devices available in Australia.
Click here for more information.
Pain in residential aged care facilities: management strategies
The Pain Society has a new resource to assist residential aged care facilities to better manage residents’ pain. It suggests strategies to identify and assess residents’ pain effectively, and manage pain using a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options.
To order a hard copy for $25 plus p&p, phone D C Conferences Pty Ltd on 02 9954 4400.
Building an Australian social inclusion agenda
The Australian Institute of Family Studies has released a research paper to help improve social inclusion in the Australian community. It aims to provide an overview of the concept of social inclusion and key themes and emerging debates about social inclusion in Australia and selected overseas countries.
Click here to download the report.
New report confirms housing affordability is more than rent and mortgages
A new report released by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) highlights the social, economic and environmental costs of housing affordability and poor urban design and calls for urgent State Government action.
Please click here for further information.
User-Friendly Guide to the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995
Safework SA has produced a guide, published in September 2008, to the OHS&W Regulations. It can be downloaded from the Safework SA site or purchased for $10 from SafeWork SA.
New Book – Dying to Know
According to Palliative Care Australia, a new book Dying to Know has proven to be a valuable tool in promoting awareness and discussion about death, dying, loss and grief. Copies of the second edition will be available at your local bookstore.
ACS Education & Training Events
Papers and Presentations from ACS Forums
Papers and Presentations from some of the recently held ACS Forums are available for members only access. Click here to view the list of presentations available.
2008 ACS Training Program
The full 2008 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.
Zero Tolerance - last course until 2009
Recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people
Date: Tuesday 28 October 2008
Time: 1-4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Rooms
IT courses
Training in a wide variety of applications . . .
Microsoft Word 2003 Interim
Date: Friday 7 November
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Venue: Academy IT, Innovation House, Mawson Lakes
Microsoft Excel 2003 Intro
Date: Thursday 6 November
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Venue: Academy IT, Innovation House, Mawson Lakes
Microsoft PowerPoint Advanced
Date: Friday 21 November
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Venue: Academy IT, Innovation House, Mawson Lakes
ACFI courses
Last ACFI courses for 2008
ACFI Uncovered - last course until 2009
Date: Wednesday 19 November
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
ACFI Accurate Assessment in Aged Care - November course full!
Second course date: Thursday 4 December
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Room
Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Course
Implementing the New Legislative Changes in your Workplace
This course provides an overview of the newly implemented workers rehabilitation and compensation legislative changes.
Date: Wednesday 5 November
Time: 9-11 am
Venue: ACS Training Rooms
New training courses
Aged Care Standards & Accreditation Agency
How to complete a self assessment and understanding ‘expected outcomes’
Date: Friday 21 November
Time: 1-3.30 pm
Presenter: Virginia Matthews
Business @ Breakfast - Tuesday 11 November
This is an opportunity to hear the SA Health-Mental Health Aged Care Team talk about future possibilities related to residential facilities.
Members-only event; flyer out this week.
Date: Tuesday 11 November
Time: 7.30-9 am
Venue: The Monastery
Training for kitchen staff - last chance before 2009
Follow work procedures to maintain food safety. This is an accredited training unit which can be put towards the Certificate in Food Processing.
Date: Monday 24 November
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Venue: ACS Training Rooms
Finance Forum – 20 February 2009
Mark your diary, further details TBA.
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
SAGE Europe09 – registrations now open
Registrations are now open for the SAGE Europe09 tour. Four different tour options are available:
Tour Option 1: 11–22 July U.K. Facilities tours + IAHSA 8th Annual Conference in London
Tour Option 2: 17–29 July IAHSA 8th Annual Conference in London + Belgium & Germany Facilities tours
Tour Option 3 11–29 July U.K. Facilities tours + IAHSA 8th Annual Conference in London + Belgium & Germany Facilities tours
Tour Option 4 – only 5 places left: 11–22 July Netherlands Facilities tours + attendance at IAHSA 8th annual conference in London.
NOTE: Tour runs in parallel to Tour 1.
Limited places are available, so register early!
School of Nursing and Midwifery of Flinders University Mini-Conferences
The School of Nursing and Midwifery is hosting four half-day Mini-Conferences on 2 and 4 December for health professionals and students working across all sectors. These Mini-Conferences are:
- Mini-Conference on Midwifery and Women's Health
- Mini-Conference on Ageing and Health System
- Mini-Conference on Forensic Nursing
- Mini-Conference on Disaster Health.
Please click on the links for further information and to register your interest.
SA Gerontology Level 1 Course
Please click here for details of the SA Gerontology Level 1 Course, which begins Saturday 1 November 2008.
Industry Supporters 2008/09
ACS’ Industry Supporters are currently being negotiated; a complete list will be available on the website next month. At this stage the following Industry Supporters have signed on for this financial year. Please click on the company names for direct links to their website.
New Rostering system released for aged and community care
Healthsolve has announced the release of a new Rostering system designed specifically for the needs of aged & community care. Named Healthsolve RiGHTPEOPLE, the system can be used stand alone or integrated with the Healthsolve Care Management Solution. Please click here for full details.
| Information Technology | |
HealthSolve Pty Ltd provide software solutions for aged, acute, community and primary care that can be shared across all health care sectors. Contact Caroline Lloyd. |
 |
Dataline Visual Link Pty Ltd (DVL) is a premier provider of technology systems to the Australian marketplace with offices in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Bunbury. Contact Michael Fioravanti or Terry McPhee. |
 |
| Staffing and training | |
Prime Medical Placements prides itself in being a strong customer-service focused recruitment organisation with a niche market in the health care industry. Please contact Maria Kourtesis. |
 |
NASANSB is one of largest and most respected nursing agencies in South Australia. With more than 1000 experienced nurses and care workers actively registered with NASANSB, it prides itself on focusing on the needs of both its clients and nurses and continually striving to improve quality of service. Contact Cate Quist. |
 |
Celtic Training & Celtic Care South Australia's premier provider of vocational training in Health, Community Services and Vocational Rehabilitation. Leaders in the provision of quality agency and permanent staff to nursing, health and community services. Contact David Leigh-Ewers. |
 |
| Architects | |
Walter Brooke & Associates In 1974 John Walter and Stephen Brooke established a new architectural practice Before long their entrepreneurial flair developed the practice into one of the busiest self-made names in the competitive Adelaide architectural field. Contact Necia Mickel |
 |
Brown Falconer Group Pty Ltd A multi-disciplinary practice offering comprehensive 'in-house' expertise in Architecture, Interior Design and Building Services. Contact Clive Wilson. |
 |
| Legal practitioners | |
O'Loughlins is a specialist corporate and commercial law firm based in Adelaide, which has established a reputation as a provider of quality legal services with a strong emphasis on client satisfaction. Contact Peter Myhill. |
 |
Fisher Jeffries has developed into one of Australia's leading commercial law practices since its foundation in Adelaide in 1885. Fisher Jeffries is committed to delivering excellent legal services for their clients and offers a full range of commercial law services to its clients in corporations, in small, medium and large businesses and in all tiers of government. Contact Julia Sweeney. |
 |
| Accountants | |
Formed in 1996, Hayes Knight (SA) Pty Ltd is an association of independent accounting and business advisory firms across Australia and New Zealand. Contact Richard Perkins or Kelly Wright. |
 |
PKF Accounting provide a complete accounting service; their team’s expertise and experience is vast and all-encompassing. They offer services clients require at every stage of their business development. Contact Peter Whelan or Geoff Edwards |
 |
BDO Kendalls provides accounting and business advisory services to individuals, corporates and growth-focused enterprises across a broad range of industry sectors, and the public sector. Contact Shirley Schaefer |
 |
| Banking and financial services | |
Prior to the merger, Adelaide Bank was an active participant and advocate in the Aged Care industry for more than 20 years. Bendigo & Adelaide Bank maintains a strong commitment to funding the industry over the long term, providing finance for start-up developments and established facilities. Contact Graham Hackett. |
 |
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