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This section will keep you up to date with news in the palliative care sector. Please note that the links below were current at the time of posting, however links may become obsolete as websites update their content.
The information required for the palliative care status form has been streamlined to make it easier to use. This includes a simpler ‘Part B: Medical Assessment’. Palliative care status is specifically for individuals with an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less AND an AKPS score of 40 or less, who enter permanent residential care for the purpose of receiving planned palliative care. Visit entering residential aged care for palliative care for more information.
The information in the palliative care status form has been simplified. This includes a more streamlined ‘Part B: Medical Assessment’. The form still needs to be submitted within 14 days from notification of the care recipient’s permanent entry. Submission is by attaching the form to the palliative care applications in the My Aged Care Service Provider Portal.
NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association has produced a series of leaflets titled ’10 questions to ask’ that provides information about residential aged care in a range of languages, including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The leaflets are free to download and share with people in your care or potential residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Each one focuses on an individual aspect of care to increase consumer knowledge and make the journey into residential aged care easier.
The Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care (IGAC) is conducting a review to assess whether My Aged Care enables older Australians to navigate to and initiate the assessment process required for entry to the aged care system in a timely manner, regardless of their location, health requirements, cultural background, identity or prior knowledge of the system. The Review wants to hear from people who have used My Aged Care in the past 5 years to seek an assessment for care, or who are planning to use My Aged Care in the future. People who have experienced a barrier to using My Aged Care, whether through access difficulties, personal circumstances, technological barriers, or any other issue, are also invited to participate.
Further information is available at the Office’s website
The aged care system is designed to support the needs of older Australians and is generally seen as an unacceptable setting for younger people (aged under 65) to live. Despite this, many younger Australians live in permanent residential aged care.
This report describes younger people’s use of health services while living in residential aged care during 2020–21, using linked data in the National Integrated Health Services Information (NIHSI).
Australia’s aged care system offers a variety of services to cater to people as they age. A update from AIHW provides data on a number of aspects up to 30 June 2023 including:
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) supports regular in-person volunteer visits to give friendship and companionship to older people, in their own or residential aged care home. Regular visits from volunteers can help improve the quality of life of older people and help them feel less isolated.
Share what’s working well and what can be improved. Complete DoHAC’s 2024 Aged Care Worker Survey by 30 April. Open to all aged care workers who provide one-on-one care, including nurses, personal and home care workers and allied health professionals working in
This survey is also open to independent contractors, agency and labour hire staff working in aged care.
Western Australia's Department of Health has released an education and training framework for health professionals, aged care staff and organisations involved in providing end-of-life care and palliative care in WA. This digital resource will help identify learning needs and connect users with relevant resources based on their education needs.
Patients, carers, community groups, health and aged care professionals, and organisations can connect with grief and bereavement resources and supports through a Bereavement Navigation Service, delivered by FocusOne Health. The service will also engage with government and private organisations, community stakeholders, health and aged care providers, and support networks to increase grief and bereavement capabilities, normalise discussion surrounding death and dying matters, and identify and manage grief and bereavement in the community.
To speak to a Bereavement Navigator, call 1800 725548 (PALLI8) or (08) 8472 8255.
You can also email FocusOne Health directly about this service on bereavement@focusonehealth.com.au.
Access and refer to the Palliative Care Connect website www.palliativecareconnect.com.au which features key information about palliative care and bereavement supports.