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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.
This report outlines the Inspector-General’s assessment of the progress the Australian Government has made in implementing reforms in response to recommendations made by the Aged Care Royal Commission. The Inspector-General calls for the government to implement the needs-based approach the Royal Commission envisaged, which together with a rights-based legislative framework is the bedrock of the aged care system Commissioners believed Australia should move towards.
The Commission has published a fact sheet about providers’ responsibilities when older people in their care ask for support with voluntary assisted dying.
Advance Care Planning Australia is hosting a one-day National Symposium at the Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 8 November 2024. The theme ‘Best Practice Advance Care Planning in Aged Care: Supporting older persons’ right to person-centred care’ will be front and centre. Any questions, contact the Advance Care Planning Australia Team on 1300 208 582 or acpa@advancecareplanning.org.au
Navigating changes to care for people living with dementia can be complex and emotional. Dementia Support Australia has released videos and other resources for hospital and aged care staff, and family carers, to assist and guide the person living with dementia during transitions in care.
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.