Calls to the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner increased by 30 per cent following the announcement of the aged care royal commission, a government committee has heard.
Australian Aged Care Quality Agency
Spirituality program recognised nationally
Residential aged and community care provider Catholic Healthcare has been recognised for its spiritual care program at Meaningful Ageing Australia’s national awards in Melbourne.
Quality agency provides update on trial of new standards, guidance for providers
The pilot of the single aged care quality framework showed the new common standards are applicable across different settings but also highlighted gaps around language and areas related to emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Noticeboard: Anglicare Sydney takes over ARK Health Care Parramatta
Also in this wrap: St Ives Home Care rebrands; Benetas and Macedon Ranges Health amalgamate; and Mercy Health and Southern Cross Care complete merger.
Single quality framework another step closer
Legislation to change to a single set of quality standards across aged care programs has been introduced into Parliament ahead of the proposed July implementation date.
Staff vaccination programs widespread, but uptake low
Aged care facilities with at least three-quarters of staff vaccinated against the flu have fewer influenza outbreaks, however only 15 per cent of facilities have achieved this, according to a national review.
Spot check accreditation audits legislated
Aged care facilities will no longer be given notice of the date of their re-accreditation audit nor of the members of the assessment team.
Providers await detail on aged care quality framework
The release of new draft aged care standards brings a single quality framework one step closer, but despite a proposed mid-year start date there is still much unknown, including about a pilot underway.
Call to urgently fix funding of clinical expertise in residential care
Despite the sector’s many recent advances, the clinical governance systems in residential aged care “are lacking”, an Australian aged care CEO will tell an international conference.
Aged care quality review backs independent regulator, star rating system
The Carnell and Paterson review has made 10 recommendations aimed at boosting consumer protection, compliance monitoring and transparency.
Quality agency to conduct sector-wide review of infection control procedures
The Minister for Aged Care has ordered an urgent review into the infectious disease management practices of all aged care facilities following an increase in flu-related deaths in residential aged care this winter.
Government moves to make flu jab compulsory for residential care staff
There is broad support for a government initiative to roll out flu vaccinations to aged care workers, but provider peaks have called on the community to also ensure best practice is followed.
Resthaven and Bushland Health pick up prestigious awards
A wellness and reablement initiative and a nurse practitioner model for palliative care have been named as the inaugural winners of the National Innovation and Excellence in Aged Care awards.
Cost recovery charges for unannounced compliance checks illegal, industry peaks say
Aged care peak organisations and some large providers have expressed concern at the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency’s plan to charge operators to conduct annual unannounced spot checks on them.
