News listing
Your Aged Care Update newsletter issue #20
In this issue, Support at Home program to commence from 1 July 2025, Get involved: Provider workforce survey opens tomorrow.
Aged Care Alert – Home Care Packages subsidy rate to increase from 1 July 2023 to cover the cost of increased wages
The Australian Government will increase the Home Care Packages (HCP) subsidy rate by 11.9% (including annual indexation) from 1 July 2023 to pass on the Fair Work Commission’s 15% award wage increase and ensure HCP recipients continue to receive the same level of care and services.
Your Aged Care update issue #3, 2023
Your Aged Care update #03: Free business advice for eligible providers, Home Care Packages Program updates, and more
Your Aged Care Update newsletter issue #01, 2023
Your Aged Care Update #01: 2023 Residents' Experience Surveys launch, QFR requirements, HCP provider manual updates and more
Your Aged Care Update issue 31, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #31: Star Ratings previews released, Have your say: Exposure Draft of the Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill and more.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Newsletter 5 December 2022
What’s new: Recording of COVID-19 aged care update webinar, Festive season resources for providers and more.
Home Care Packages Program update – November 2022
To reduce excessive administration and management costs in the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, the Australian Government is capping prices. These changes will come into effect from 1 January 2023. Learn about these changes and how you can prepare as a provider.
Your Aged Care Update issue 27, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #27: Consultation closing soon on the revised Aged Care Quality Standards, Serious Incident Response Scheme updates, and more.
Your Aged Care Update issue 23, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #23: Consultation for Aged Care Quality Standards, HCP Program Assurance Community of Practice: Live chat session, Discussion paper: In-home aged care, a Grant Opportunity and more
Your Aged Care Update issue 22, 2022
Your Aged Care Update #22: Code of Conduct for Aged Care, QI data due 21 October, and more
Aged Care Alert – Home Care Package Administration and Management Charges Survey
We wants to hear from HCP providers and employees, particularly financial officers, care managers and package managers, to better understand their services and prices.
Aged Care Alert – Home Care Package monthly statements are changing
This alert outlines the new changes to Home Care Package monthly statements.
Award changes and the impact on the Home Care Packages Program
Changes to the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Award (SCHADS) will be implemented on 1 July 2022.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Issue 2021/21
In this Issue: My Aged care reforms and partnerships, Extensions to the Aged Care navigator trials and new residential aged care system, Quality indicator reminder, home care provider research findings, Free interpreting services for aged care providers, medicine-related education programs and more.
Improved Payment Arrangements – video and fact sheet to help care recipients
Please share these resources with your care recipients to help them understand their Home Care Package.
September 2021 indexation: Updated Schedules, Quarterly Review and decrease to MPIR
An update of the Schedules for residential and home care fees and charges and subsidies and supplements will take effect from 20 September 2021.
Home care providers survey – help shape the new Support at Home program
The department has extended the deadline for the Support at Home survey to 5pm (AEST) Tuesday 31 August 2021.
Home Care Packages – changes to financial reporting requirements
Home care providers will have new reporting requirements incorporated into the 2021 22 Aged Care Financial Report (ACFR).
Update: Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19 (SACWIC) grant opportunity deadlines
This Grant Opportunity is now open to approved residential aged care providers, approved National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP) providers and approved home care providers. It is initially limited to Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
Services Australia aged care quarterly review
The next Services Australia quarterly review for Residential Care and Home Care will take place on 16 January 2021 with a date of effect of 1 January 2021.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Issue 2020/27
What’s new: operation hours over the holiday period, the CARE-IT Report, Aged Care Signage to 57 languages, Home Care Packages Program Data Report and more.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 18 December 2020
Extending mental health support for aged care residents; resources from Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission; Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission visitor access campaign; reminder about entry restrictions to RACFs and more.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 11 December 2020
What’s new: webinars from ACSA, Safer Care Victoria and the VACRC, reminder about entry restrictions during the Christmas period, deadline for variations to payment 3 of the workforce retention bonus and more.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 2 December 2020
What’s new: Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s Progress Report and the updated National COVID-19 Aged Care Plan, outbreak management planning for RACFs, virtual ACFI reviews, updated Directions for SA and Victoria and SACWIC Grants still open.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 25 November 2020
What’s new: extended timeline to apply for Business Improvement Fund Grants, updated NSW advice for Victorian visitors, translated aged care COVID-19 resources available and updated aged care visitation guidelines for residential aged care.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 20 November 2020
What’s new: It’s OK to continue to receive home care in SA, Flu Vaccination information, and the Aged Care Workforce Retention Payment 3 and audit program.
Advice for South Australian Aged Care Providers during lockdown
Information to assist aged care providers during the SA lockdown.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 18 November 2020
What’s new: updated Direction for South Australian residential aged care, ACQSC assessment contacts of South Australian residential services, ACOC & ACOS closing this Friday, providers to use ACPP instead, Victorian Guiding Principles ending on 30 November and updated NSW advice for aged care.
Aged care providers in South Australia reminded to stay vigilant
A reminder for aged care providers in South Australia to remain vigilant.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 23 October 2020
What’s new: grief and trauma support webinar, guide to buying PPE for COVID-19, nutrition for seniors and ACQSC translated resources.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 16 October 2020
What’s new: testing of asymptomatic residential aged care workers in Victoria, grief and trauma support for the aged care sector, new COVID-19 supplement, extended support for aged care workers in grant, hay fever and COVID-19 and updated NSW restrictions.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 14 October 2020
What’s new: updated visitor exclusions for NSW aged care facilities; updated visitor restrictions, mask rules and testing requirements in Victoria; mental health support available; translated resource: Six steps to stop the spread of COVID-19; and a reminder to stay home if unwell.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 9 October 2020
What’s new: Federal Budget 2020-21, VACRC PPE donning and doffing posters and reminder of translated resources available.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 7 October 2020
What’s new: updated directive from Queensland Health, additional PPE for Victorian providers, DHHS resources for Victorian providers, latest COVID-19 data update for aged care providers and LASA National Ten Days of Congress.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 2 October 2020
What’s new: Aged Care Royal Commission COVID-19 report, additional P2/N95 masks for Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, advice on returning to work for aged care workers in Victoria, updated NSW advice for providers and a reminder on the third retention bonus payment.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 30 September 2020
What’s new: emergency leave for aged care residents extended to 30 June 2021, access to emergency CHSP services during COVID-19 extended, updated Queensland Health restrictions and NSW Health advice for seniors: gathering safely.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 25 September 2020
What’s new: extension of the Guiding Principles for residential aged care, information on how to use and clean face shields, general reminder on PPE usage and sourcing and reminder to providers on Aged Care training modules.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 23 September 2020
What’s new: Outbreaks decline in Victoria as efforts focus on prevention and recovery, Dementia Action Week, updated NSW advice and distribution of PPE, National Cabinet update on state emergency plans, and reminder to access expert webinar content.
Indexation rates for Residential Aged Care and Home Care Packages
An update of the schedules for residential and home care fees and charges and subsidies and supplements will take effect from 20 September 2020.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 18 September 2020
What’s new: Personal protective equipment (PPE) reminder for aged care workers, PPE best practice webinar, support for aged care workers, National Aged Care Emergency Response briefing pack for workers, and Victorian Aged Care Response Centre marks 7 weeks in operation
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 16 September 2020
What’s new: weekly data snapshot of COVID-19 cases in residential aged care, returning residents from hospital to residential care, updated advice for NSW and QLD providers, and VACRC 'Lunch and Learn' webinar series.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 11 September 2020
What’s new: additional measures to protect healthcare workers, ‘R U OK?’ day – checking on staff and colleagues, counselling for Victorian aged care workers, short-term home support for residents on leave and VACRC Webinar Series.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 9 September 2020
What’s new: Home Affairs measures to support the Aged Care sector, independent reviews into 2 further COVID-19 outbreaks, Workforce Retention Bonus update, resources for CHSP providers, information supporting staff to return to work safely and webinar series for residential facilities.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 4 September 2020
What’s new: webinar – guiding principles, statement from the ACQSC on regulatory activities, updated aged care directions in Queensland, updated advice on accessing CHSP services during COVID-19, a reminder – stay home when unwell, and infection control training.
Update to residential and home care subsidies and supplements from 1 September 2020
Temporary funding increases for residential and home care providers are now in place, to support additional costs and workforce supply pressures resulting from COVID-19.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 2 September 2020
What’s new: additional funding to reinforce Australia’s aged care sector, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission update on infection control spot checks, managing coronavirus clinical waste in Victoria and updated advice from NSW Health.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 28 August 2020
What’s new: Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) update, update for Queensland providers, updated NSW Health advice for aged care providers, Workforce Retention Bonus Second Payment, National Meals on Wheels Day and nutrition during COVID-19.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 update 26 August 2020
What’s new: AHPPC statement on the national response for residential aged care facilities, funding for the aged care sector, National Aged Care Emergency Response Program, Victorian Aged Care Emergency Response Hub, older persons support line and updated advice for providers from NSW Health
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 21 August 2020
What’s new: support for managing COVID-19 related costs, information on CHSP support available for residents moving out of a RACF, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission statement on regulatory actions to support Victorian aged care homes and workforce retention bonus second payment.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 19 August 2020
What’s new: communication when a resident tests positive for COVID-19, operational update from the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre, South Australia health directions for aged care workers, dementia behaviour support during COVID-19, and dementia training
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 12 August 2020
What’s new: Face-to-face personal protective equipment training in Victoria, use of face shields and goggles in residential aged care facilities, use of P2/N95 Respirators in Victoria, Victorian Permitted Worker Scheme, updated restrictions and advice from New South Wales, Aged Care Employee Day.
Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19 (SACWIC) Grant Opportunity now open
This Grant Opportunity is open to approved residential aged care providers, approved National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP) providers and approved home care providers.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Issue 2020/16
In this issue: join the online Dementia Community of Practice, update on the Specialist Dementia Care Program, National Congress on food, nutrition and the dining experience in aged care homes, Home Care Packages Program data report 3rd quarter 2019-20.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 15 July 2020
What’s new: advice on use of masks and PPE, emergency CHSP COVID-19 funding, statement from the Commissioner on COVID-19 situation in Victoria and retention bonus reminder.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 10 July 2020
What’s new: letter to home care and CHSP providers, CHSP emergency funding reminder, summary of supports for seniors in Victoria, reminder about who to contact with a positive COVID-19 case and survey reminder.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 8 July 2020
What’s new: managing health risks as COVID-19 restrictions ease and survey for aged care workers on communication during COVID-19.
Minister Colbeck's letter to aged care providers 7 July 2020
Read a message for aged care providers from the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 3 July 2020 – Addition
What’s new: updated Industry Code on Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19 and translations of COVID-19 resources.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 3 July 2020
What’s new: an update on COVID-19 in Victoria, workforce retention bonus payment, workforce Surge FAQs and social support for senior Australians during COVID-19.
Protecting older Australians – COVID-19 update 1 July 2020
What’s new: Short-Term Restorative Care and Transition Care fact sheets, workforce surge measure, Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) Alliance webinar.
Indexation rates for Residential Aged Care and Home Care Packages and changes to the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR)
An update of the schedules for residential and home care fees and charges, as well as subsidies and supplements will take effect from 1 July 2020.
Protecting older Australians – COVID-19 update 26 June 2020
What’s new: residential respite fact sheet, temporary subsidy increase for Home Care Packages during COVID-19, translated resources and a reminder: Stay COVID free – do the 3.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Issue 2020/14
In this issue: deeming rates and base interest rate (BIR) changes; launch of the quality vision for aged care, understanding and accessing Department of Veterans' Affairs webinars, emergency leave provisions, Home Care Package inclusions/exclusions and the Home Care Packages provider survey report.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Update 20 June 2020
What’s new: AHPPC update on visitor restrictions for residential aged care facilities, workforce retention bonus payment FAQs and funding support summary for aged care during COVID-19.
New sign language interpreting service
From June 2020, aged care assessment and delivery services can access free sign language interpreting services to help older Australians fully participate in their aged care services.
Protecting older Australians: COVID-19 update 7 May 2020
Information about emergency personal monitoring technology for senior Australians, conducting dementia and cognition supplement assessments by videoconference, webinar reminder, and consultation closing on access code.
COVID-19 guide for providers of in-home aged care
A guide for home care and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers to help manage COVID-19.
Implementation of improvements to payment administration arrangements for home care packages placed on hold
On 27 March 2020, the Australian Government announced the improved payment arrangements for home care would be placed on hold due to the current situation with coronavirus (COVID-19).
Indexation rates for Residential Aged Care and Home Care Packages and Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR) changes
An update of the schedules for residential and home care fees and charges, as well as subsidies and supplements will take effect from 20 March 2020.
How to protect yourself and the people you are caring for from infection with COVID–19
An online training module is available on infection control for care workers across all sectors in preparing for COVID–19.
New resources on aged care COVID–19 preparedness
Resources on COVID–19 preparedness including link to 13 March 2020 webinar for the aged care sector.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2020/04
In this issue: Changes to the My Aged Care authentication service, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s monthly newsletter, resources on diverse population groups and more.
Palliative Care Prognostic Tools Survey
A survey is open to aid understanding of palliative care tools in aged care services.
Coronavirus (COVID–19) health package announced
The Prime Minister announced a range of measures to combat COVID–19.
Improvements to payment administration arrangements for home care packages
Information relating to payment arrangements for home care packages.
Novel coronavirus – important information for aged care workers, residents and families
We have prepared fact sheets for the aged care sector with information on the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Home Care providers in affected bushfire areas
Approved aged care providers have an important role to ensure care recipients continue to receive quality care during and after emergency events by being well prepared for any events that might affect services.
Home Care Packages (HCP) Program Data Report 1st Quarter 2019-20
The Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, and Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, has released the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program Data Report covering the period from 1 July to 30 September 2019.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/20
In this issue: Home care survey, streamlined assessment webinar, QI data collection and more.
Preparing for heatwave conditions
Heatwave conditions are expected across much of Australia for the remainder of the week.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/18
In this issue: Notifying material changes, Consultation on Dementia Framework, Reablement Trial resources and more.
Home care provider survey
The department is seeking participation from home care providers in a national survey about the types, volume and cost of care and services delivered as part of home care packages.
Message from Services Australia: Online claiming for aged care providers is changing
Attached is a communique from Services Australia.
Material change form update
The department has made updates to the material change form to make it clearer what information you need to provide when submitting a change, including in relation to third parties.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/16
In this issue: ACFA consultation, moving from home care to residential, sensitive client information and more.
Accounting and Business Advisory Services now available
Residential and home care service providers can now apply for free independent business advisory services to help them review their operations and provide advice on business management and financial strategies.
Accounting and Business Advisory Services now available
Residential and home care service providers can now apply for free independent business advisory services to help them review their operations and provide advice on business management and financial strategies.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/15
In this issue: Charter educational activities, Home care pricing compliance, New Quality Indicators and more.
Home Care Packages (HCP) Program Data Report 4th Quarter 2018-19
The Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, and Minister for Youth and Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, has released the Home Care Packages Program Data Report covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2019.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/13
In this issue: Home Care Pricing, QI Data Collection and Residential funding reform.
Message from Services Australia: Error with July 2019 claims for some home care package services
Services Australia has identified an error with the payment of home care subsidy and supplements impacting the July 2019 claim. The issue was identified early and only impacts services that lodged their claims for July between 1 and 4 August 2019.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/10
In this issue: Business Advisory Services, Home Care and the Australian Consumer Law, ACFI Review Records Management and more.
Reminder to complete home care pricing information
Home care providers should by now have met the 1 July 2019 home care pricing requirements. This includes publishing pricing information in the new home care pricing schedule, displayed on the My Aged Care website.
Services Australia letter regarding reduction in home care fees from 1 July 2019
Services Australia issued a letter on 25 June 2019 to Home Care Package Providers to advise of the reduction to the maximum basic daily fees for some Home Care Packages from 1 July 2019.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/08
In this issue: ACFA Annual Report, Home Care Pricing, CHSP service delivery information and more.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Special Edition 01 July 2019
In this issue: Information about the changes that take effect from today, <strong>1 July 2019</strong>.
Indexation rates for Residential Aged Care and Home Care Packages and changes to the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR)
An update of the schedules for residential and home care fees and charges, as well as subsidies and supplements will take effect from 1 July 2019. This is in line with changes to the age pension and indexation rates.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/07
In this issue: New approved provider forms, Quality Reform Webinars now available, Home Care pricing and more.
Reduction in home care fees from 1 July 2019
As part of the 2018-19 MYEFO Boosting support for older Australians measure, the Government announced a reduction in basic daily fee, with a greater reduction for those on lower packages.
Information for the Aged Care Sector Newsletter Issue 2019/05
In this issue: Proposed new residential care funding model, HCP pricing information and more.
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