Aged care news highlights from the fortnight ending 16 August 2024, aggregated by Ideagen.

The information in the ACE Wrap is aggregated from other news sources to provide you with news that is relevant to the aged care sector across Australia and worldwide. Each paragraph is a summary of the subject matter covered in the particular news article. The information does not necessarily reflect the views of Ideagen.

Residential Care and General Aged Care News

Sector Performance Report – latest insights

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released the Sector Performance Report for January – March 2024. It includes insights and information on:

• compliance   
• worker regulation  
• workforce responsibilities  
• food, nutrition and dining. 

The report gives an overview of data points used to assess performance. This includes audit findings, complaints, serious incidents and mandatory reporting. Read or download the Sector Performance Report for Quarter 3.  

Australian aged care sector financial report now available

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, financial performance across the aged care sector is steadily improving. Read about it in the latest financial report on the Australian aged care sector. Financial information submitted by providers through their annual financial reporting requirements is used to produce the report. The report is all about making the sector more transparent and accountable. This helps older people make informed decisions about their care. Providers can also use the report to compare their own performance with the wider sector. Read the report and other financial information about the aged care sector.

Aged care providers losing $15.65 per resident per day on operations

According to The Weekly Source, the aged care sector made a net loss of $1.7 billion in 2022-23, or a loss of $25.31 per resident per day, an improvement on the net loss of $2.3 billion recorded in 2021-22, according to the Australian Government's Financial Report on the Australian Aged Care Sector 2022-23.

Government invests $3.7m in aged care infection control research

According to Inside Ageing, the Australian Government has announced a $3.7 million investment to bolster infection prevention and control (IPC) in aged care settings. This funding will be allocated to four research projects focusing on improving IPC practices to ensure the safety and well-being of older Australians in residential care facilities.

Pressure builds on government to table new Aged Care Act

According to Inside Ageing, as reported by the ABC, the government faces increasing scrutiny over whether it will table the new Aged Care Act in parliament by the end of 2024.

Funding reform: ‘time is of the essence’, say experts

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, if the federal government continues to delay on funding reform, then up to 75 per cent of aged care homes are predicted to operate at a loss, says a new report.

Providers need more lead time on reforms, finds IG

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the government should place a higher priority on ensuring providers have enough time to plan for change and the appropriate sequencing of reforms, according to a report on reform implementation progress tabled in parliament on Friday.

IG pushes for unrationed aged care

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, the Inspector-General of Aged Care is calling on the government to seriously consider implementing a demand-driven aged care program – as recommended by the royal commission – in a report tabled in parliament on Friday.

Residents’ Experience Survey: What we heard in 2022 and 2023

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, over the last two years, we spoke with close to 75,000 people across the country to hear about their experiences living in aged care homes. Between 2022 and 2023, we saw some real improvements. Most pleasingly, 85% of residents surveyed in 2023 said they would recommend their home to someone they know. Read the Minister’s media release on the findings, as well as the full report and a summary factsheet on our website. The 2024 survey is underway and will be completed by October 2024. Find out more about the Residents’ Experience Survey.

Using the Services Australia aged care provider portal

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, from October 2024, you won’t be able to submit claims and requests to Services Australia by email if you can complete them in the Aged Care Provider Portal. You’ll need to use the portal for the following tasks unless they’re more than 2 years old: 

• entry events and updates 
• applications for Oxygen and Enteral Feeding and Dementia and Cognition (homecare) supplements  
• registering or renewing A User details. 

Get help using the Aged Care Provider Portal on the Services Australia website. 

Supporting you in reporting your 24/7 Registered Nurse coverage

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, we have created a 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) coverage tool to support you with your monthly 24/7 RN reporting. The 24/7 RN coverage tool helps identify periods which are not covered by an RN shift each month. Together with the model pack, the 24/7 RN tool will also make it easier for you to respond to care time reporting assessments. This tool only supports 24/7 RN reporting, so you must still use GPMS to report on your 24/7 RN coverage. Download the 24/7 RN coverage tool. For more information about care time reporting assessments, you can contact ANACCReportingAssessments@health.gov.au.

The right to disconnect is coming to Australia. What does this mean for you?

According to Aged Care Insite, this month, changes to the Australian Fair Work Act will give workers the formal right to disconnect from all work communication outside their usual work hours. But what exactly will the new laws mean for Australian businesses, managers and employees?

More money for dementia-specific respite care

According to Aged Care Insite, in a direct response to Royal Commission recommendations for the delivery of specialised dementia care, the Australian government has invested a further $16 million to bring in what they have dubbed a 'new era in dementia respite care.'

Home Care News

Increased use of external staff for care sends home care profitability to five-year low

According to The Weekly Source, the Federal Government’s Financial Report on the Australian Aged Care Sector 2022-23 showed the declining profitability of home care operators. Home care providers recorded an average EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of $1,007 per care recipient per day in 2022-23, down from $1,232 per recipient per day in 2021-22. It was the second consecutive annual decline, and the lowest result in at least five years.

Legislation

No significant developments this week.