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July 2024
Welcome to the latest news bulletin from Sector Support and Development.
In this edition, we bring you important updates on the Aged Care Reforms, RAS assessment services, and the new Aged Care Act.
We also introduce the new CHSP Handbook, a vital resource for service providers.
Additionally, we cover the upcoming 3G network shutdown and how it may impact services, and older people.
Finally, don't miss out on upcoming training designed to support your professional growth and development, including an opportunity for free AUSLAN training for volunteers in CHSP services.
Changes to delivery of entry-level (RAS) aged care assessment services in Victoria from 1 July 2024
As of 1 July 2024, older people will be assessed through the new Single Assessment System using the new Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) for all existing aged care services.
These 4 assessment organisations listed below will be responsible for providing Regional Assessment Services (RAS) across Victoria in Southern Metro Region until the introduction of the Single Assessment System workforce early next year. For other regions see here.
If a client requires urgent access to services or the wait for an assessment exceeds 28 days contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
New Regulatory Model
There will be a new regulatory model affecting all age care providers that will commence with the new Aged Care act, at this stage July 2025.
This is the most up to date information about the new regulatory model.
On Tuesday 16 July, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission held a webinar - A new regulatory strategy for aged care.
If you were unable to attend the event, would like to revisit the webinar or share it with your colleagues, the webinar recording is now available.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Manual 2024–2025
The CHSP Manual 2024–2025 has been updated to reflect minor changes to policy and program requirements. This version supersedes previous versions.
This 2024–2025 manual provides an overview of the CHSP, including the service types it funds and requirements for delivering those services. It is for CHSP providers to use, and forms part of their CHSP grant agreement.
Here is a 5-page summary including all the changes.
3G network closure – what should providers be doing?
Australia’s mobile network operators are switching off their 3G networks.in September 2024.
3G devices that are affected include:
- medical, panic and fall alarms or pendants
- personal devices such as tablets or mobile phones
- devices loaned or given to residents that need a network connection to work
- modems
- smart watches or smart appliances.
Providers who source, provide, or maintain these devices for their aged care and services, need to identify anyone who may be affected by these changes as quickly as possible. There may be a high risk to people receiving care if these devices don’t work, especially in emergency situations.
You can find more information on the Department of Health and Aged Care website, under the heading 3G Network shutdown and impact on client devices and on the Department of Infrastructure’s website.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Sector performance report
In the Commission’s latest aged care Sector Performance Report (Quarter 3: January – March 2024) Quality Standard Two (Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers ) is a rising area of concern for Home Care providers. This standard and standard Eight now has more non-compliance than any other Quality Standard in home services.
SMR SSD Note
We are hosting three Goal Directed Care Planning workshops in September that will allow you to demonstrate that you and you staff are working in a person-centred way which directly applies to Standard Two of the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Southern Metro Region Training and Development priorities for 2024-2025 survey results
Thank you to everybody who provided input in our recent training needs survey.
The top 5 priorities for support and training are listed below.
- Business transformation (financial planning, budgeting, business sustainability, understanding unit cost, reporting and data literacy)
- Understanding the Aged Care Quality Standards and how this will impact service delivery
- Providing leadership support and training for staff (resilience, change management, motivating and empowering staff)
- Understanding the new Aged Care Act and how that will impact service delivery
- Understanding the new Integrated Assessment Tool and connecting with the new integrated assessment service
The most pressing issue from the survey was unit price confusion and its impact on client services indicating a need for increased financial resources, and education of funding models and business practices.
Additionally, communication and translation of age care reform changes to staff and clients is problematic, underscoring the need for clearer guidelines and support during transition.
Training
Goal Directed Care Planning (GDCP) workshops. Share with your staff and/or colleagues as places are starting to fill up quickly. These workshops will allow you to demonstrate that you are working in a person-centred way which directly applies to Standard Two of the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Developing Effective Goal Directed Care Plans
This workshop provides staff with practical tools and strategies to support understanding and embedding effective person centred goal setting and care planning. Great for those new to GDCP.
When: Thursday 22 August 9:30am to 4:30pm
Where: Mentone Lifesaving Club
Cost for CHSP Providers: Free
Goal Directed Care Planning in Group Sessions
Tips and tricks to help you set individualised goals and create meaningful care plans quickly and easily, within a group setting. Particularly focused on Social Support Groups.
When: Tuesday 10 September 9:30am to 12:30pm
Where: Woodlands Golf Club, Mordialloc
Cost for CHSP Providers: Free
Reviewing Goal Directed Care Plans
This workshop will focus on strategies and tools to support staff to monitor and review Goal Directed Care Plans (GDCP). This will help you with client reviews.
When: Tuesday 10 September 1:30 to 4:30pm
Where: Woodlands Golf Club, Mordialloc
Cost for CHSP Providers: Free
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Training - Dementia mild to moderate
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based psychosocial group program for people with mild to moderate dementia. It consists of 14 or more sessions of themed activities designed to stimulate cognition and maximise the potential of the person with dementia. CST aims to engage people in a relaxed group setting.
CST has been shown through numerous research studies to produce improvements in cognition, communication, and quality of life for people living with dementia.
When: Wednesday
16 October 9:30am to 4:30pm
Where: Woodlands Golf Club, Mordialloc
Cost for CHSP Providers: Free
Advance Care Planning/Shared Decision Making
This one-hour, online information session for CHSP providers will provide an overview of:
- What Shared Decision Making and Advance Care Planning (ACP) is
- The legal documents involved and your responsibilities
- Why it is important for your clients to be offered an opportunity to undertake ACP
- How you can introduce ACP to your clients and support them to complete ACP
There will be opportunity for questions and discussion.
Small group session, limited places, facilitated by Monash Health.
When: Tuesday 29 October 10am to 11am
Where: Online via Teams
Cost for CHSP Providers: Free
The Bayside City Council Sector Support and Development Team have partnered with the Grampians Region Sector Development Team to present an online interactive webinar: Reflective Diversity Conversations utilising the Exploring Diversity & Wellness, A Toolkit for Reflective Conversations
Join us in this interactive and engaging online workshop as we use the Exploring Diversity & Wellness toolkit to
Demonstrate and strengthen your knowledge of diversity and intersectionality, particularly in understanding the diverse needs of the consumers we work with.
Explore inclusive service principles that strengthen person-centred care.
Apply a diversity & intersectionality lens within the Aged Care Quality Standards
Learn how reflective conversations can support a better understanding of the people you work with and how to deliver services that better meet their needs.
There will be an opportunity for participants to engage with like-minded providers, ask questions, and discuss best practice for optimal outcomes.
When: Tuesday 13 August 10:00am to 11:00am (AEST)
Target Audience: Mangers, Team Leaders, and Coordinators of all CHSP programs
Register below: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing your own link to join the meeting. You will need to register prior to the meeting.
Other Training
Planning for Diversity
OPAN is running free Planning for Diversity workshops in Victoria from 17 July 2024 to provide strategies, tools, and practical information to help aged care providers deliver safe and inclusive services for older people.
Cultural Diversity in Ageing Webinar Series 24-25
The online Cultural Diversity in Ageing Webinar Series 2024-25 Cultural Diversity in Ageing Webinar Series 2024-25 aims to engage staff working within the aged care sector with skills and knowledge to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse older people, their families, carers.
Code of Conduct webinar recording
Currently the Code of Conduct doesn’t apply to CHSP providers however, these providers must still provide safe and respectful care in keeping with the Code.
This webinar is useful for Board members, CEOs, managers and senior staff to understand how the principle of the current code can be applied to practice whilst also preparing for the implementation of the new Aged Care Act after 1 July 2025.
Volunteers
Latrobe University are very excited to be offering AUSLAN training to Volunteers. This course is online and free for all CHSP Volunteers. Places are limited so please make sure you make a booking!
In these courses you will learn:
- About Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
- About deafness, Deaf Community and Culture
- Auslan vocabulary & how to sign short Auslan sentences or phrases
- Learn how to communicate with deaf people in Auslan without voice
- Develop an appreciation for Auslan & develop practical Auslan skills
- Access genuine Auslan with deaf teacher Lisa Mills
- Learn through fun and informal online video tutorials & a student handbook
- Receive a good introduction before committing to accredited course
If you have volunteers who wish to enroll, please email Adriana Pezzutto adriana.pezzutto@lchs.com.au
Resources
As the demand for aged care services grows, it’s crucial for providers to adopt strategies that position them as employers of choice. This guidebook is designed to help aged care organisations, including CHSP providers, create supportive and engaging work environments to attract and retain skilled workers.
Connect with the sector support & development team
Alison Clarke
Regional Advisor Sector Support & Development
M: 0419 376 893
E: AClarke@bayside.vic.gov.au
Louise Jardine
Sector Support & Development Project Officer
M: 0408 394 038
E: ljardine@bayside.vic.gov.au
