Aged care news highlights from the fortnight ending 2 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

Tick Tock: Are the new Quality Standards going to be released on time?

Hello Leaders contacted the Department of Health and Aged Care [about the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards] to provide our readers with a current update. The Department of Health and Aged Care’s spokesperson told hello leaders the following:

• The final draft of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards was approved by the Government and published on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website in December 2023.
• This final draft is being used to translate the strengthened Quality Standards into law under the new Aged Care Act. While some changes are expected between now and the release of the final draft of the Aged Care Act, the Department expects only minor adjustments to ensure consistency with language in the legislation.
• Providers will need to meet the requirements under the strengthened Quality Standards at the commencement of the new Aged Care Act.

ACCPA calls on politicians to back Taskforce recommendations immediately

According to Hello Leaders, industry peak body Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) wants the current political impasse over the Aged Care Taskforce suggestions to end, urging politicians to back the recommendations so that much-needed reforms can be put into motion.

Regulatory Bulletin on Infringement Notices

According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, we recently published a Regulatory Bulletin on infringement notices. The bulletin explains how we issue and manage infringement notices. We encourage you to read this bulletin and the Commission’s Compliance and Enforcement policy. These documents help you understand:

• what offence and civil penalty provisions are
• our decision-making processes for infringement notices
• what we must do when we issue an infringement notice.

If we issue you with an infringement notice, we will send you information about your non-compliance, why we have issued the notice and how you can respond. We will also send you a copy of the infringement notice regulatory bulletin.

Bolton Clarke nurses stop work in pay dispute

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, workers for Australia’s largest not-for-profit aged care provider have taken industrial action this week. Organised by the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Bolton Clarke nurses and personal care workers held a two-hour stop work rally in Melbourne for better pay and conditions.

Older Australians’ concerns about online security being addressed

According to Aged Care Insite, research has found that older Australians are "tech-savvy and social but limited by cyber safety and scam concerns." The study, conducted by aged care provider Benetas, surveyed just over 1000 Australians aged 65 and over about their digital habits.

Sector performance – latest insights

According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, our latest aged care quarterly Sector Performance Report is now available. The report includes data from 1 January to 31 March 2024 (Quarter 3 2023–24).

Governance compliance still an issue, says report

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, governance compliance continues to be an area of concern for the sector’s regulatory body, according to the latest analysis. Released last week by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the January to March 2024 sector performance report shows that three of the 10 quality standard requirements with lowest compliance relate to standard 8 – organisational governance: effective organisation-wide governance systems, risk management systems, and clinical governance framework.

Monthly Care Statements

According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the Department of Health and Aged Care encourages all residential aged care providers to offer Monthly Care Statements to residents from 1 October 2024. These statements will help you improve communication and develop processes and care planning with your residents. Starting the statements early will also help your planning before they become mandatory.

Home Care News

No significant developments this week.

Legislation

No significant developments this week.