More resources ahead of new Act
The department has published several new resources to help the sector as it transitions to the new Act, including some policy guidelines that have been released ahead of 1 November but are not applicable until then.
With the new Aged Care Act coming into effect on Saturday, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released new support documents to help providers as they transition.
Among them is guidance for providers on establishing Support at Home service agreements and guidance on key messages to assist older people in understanding the new agreements.
The information for providers regarding the new SaH service agreements includes links to a template for establishing a service agreement, information on the transition to new agreements, participant contributions and pricing.
The key messages document includes similar information but for older people currently receiving support through a home care package and who are transitioning to SaH on 1 November.
The department has also released information on eligibility and access to the temporary aged care surge workforce, which the department provides to eligible aged care homes that have been impacted by COVID-19.
Ahead of 1 November, the department has also published the policy on submitting a complaint about a registered supporter to the System Governor and the possible outcomes of the complaint-making process. It is not applicable until 1 November.
A template on submitting complaints about a registered supporter has also been released in anticipation of the Act being implemented and is also not applicable until then.
The policy on information sharing requirements relating to registered supporters has also been published in anticipation of the Act commencement. The department noted that it too is not applicable until 1 November and that the Act and Aged Care Rules take precedence over the policy.
A factsheet on how residential care providers can prepare for success in a competitive market was also made available this week, as were two factsheets on changes to how residential care places are being allocated to better embed choice and control for older people. One is for providers and one is for consumers.
Information on how to properly report offline beds post-1 November is also available here and the Transition Care Program Guidelines are available here.
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae has also made the Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2025 to help aged care providers as they transition to the new Aged Care Act.
The transitional rules aim to provide guidance and set expectations for implementing the Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions Act and can be read here.
Comment on the story below. Follow Australian Ageing Agenda on LinkedIn and Facebook, sign up to our twice-weekly newsletter and subscribe to AAA magazine for the complete aged care picture.
