Sector News

From 1 July, the new General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) commenced, providing incentive payments to practices and general practitioners for delivering regular visits and care planning to older people living in residential aged care homes. This incentive requires MyMedicare registration and is voluntary for both consumers and general practices.

Understanding mental wellbeing, the presence of mental health conditions, and incidence of self-injury in aged care service users is important to establish needs and plan for policy and service delivery. This AIHW web report provides a snapshot of what is known about the mental health needs of individuals at the time of assessment for aged care services (that is, prior to, or at, entry to care) and of deaths due to suicide while accessing aged care,

From 1 July 2024, funding will be available for community pharmacies and aged care providers to employ on-site pharmacists in residential aged care homes.  

Aged care on-site pharmacists will regularly review medications to reduce medication related harm and optimise the use of medicines.  They will also work with aged care staff to improve health outcomes of residents and build confidence with families and carers.

A new fact sheet from ACQSC explains residential aged care provider responsibilities regarding VAD requests and explains the important role of palliative care in supporting resident quality of life and preventing and relieving suffering.

From 1 July 2024, the National Sign Language Program (NSLP) now includes sign language interpreting and captioning services for health and medical appointments.  The National Sign Language Program provides support for people to connect with aged care services and other professional and social activities. This may include banking, attending weddings, funerals, clubs and cultural events.

All services are free of charge and delivered by Deaf Connect. To make a booking, people can visit Deaf Connect / call: 1300 773 803 / FaceTime: 0407 647 591 / SMS only: 0476 857 251

The Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029 and Action Plan sets our direction to deliver the highest quality, person-centred care for older people. This will drive a sustainable and productive care and support economy, through data and digital innovation. The strategy is supported by an action plan.

To inform the development of Standard 5 – Clinical Care (Standard 5) and associated implementation resources, the Health Commission sought a rapid review of peer-reviewed research and grey literature related to the experiences, priorities and clinical care needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This rapid review highlights the importance of culturally safe, responsive, and holistic approaches to ageing and aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The five themes outlined the importance of preservation and expression of culture, cultural identity, and connection to family, community, and Country for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, this is not always reflected within mainstream aged care frameworks, policies and practices

Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) is developing resources to help aged care services innovate. Whether you are a recipient of aged care or a home care or residential aged care worker, the ARIIA team would value your perspective on what helps effect change in the sector. Use the link provided to register your interest.  

Where an older person has not been able to arrange aged care services themselves and do not have family members or friends who can help, care finder services can support. Through this service, specialist care finders provide intensive one to one support to assist people navigate and access aged care services. Most people who need aged care can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 244 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to discuss their needs. Face-to-face help is also available in Services Australia centres, with local SA based Aged Care Specialist officers. Visit Services Australia website to find out more or call 1800 227 475. 

Healthcare staff working with older people (e.g., in residential aged care) are invited to apply for a three-day introductory arts and health training program—Off Grid—to develop their creative skills to lead those in their care to engage in arts activities to improve well-being. This is an initiative involving Global Arts and Health Alliance and Flinders University taking place in South Australia across September 2024.  

For more information or to express interest in attending this free program, contact artsandhealthalliance@flinders.edu.au