Aged Care Financing Authority (ACFA) project on improving home care payment arrangements – consultation period now open
The consultation period for ACFA’s project looking at the financial impact of improving home care payments arrangements is now open. In forming its advice to Government, ACFA is seeking written submissions responding to its consultation paper by 12 November 2019.
Have your say by lodging a written submission to acfa.secretariat@health.gov.au OR post to:
ACFA Secretariat
Department of Health
MDP 465
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601
If you require further information, please email acfa.secretariat@health.gov.au
Home Care recipients moving into residential care
Under the Aged Care Act 1997, entry into permanent residential care will result in the withdrawal of an active Home Care Package.
If your client’s needs change and they are entering into permanent residential care, it is your responsibility to:
- discuss with the client and agree on a cessation date
- notify the Commonwealth within 31 days of the client ceasing services
- calculate the unspent funds.
Further information on the calculation of unspent funds can be found on the department’s website.
To record the change via Services Australia's online claiming portal you must use code ‘17’. Home care services should be ceased at least a day prior to your client entering residential care. This will ensure there is no overlap between claims for residential or home care.
If your client enters residential respite care, it may be appropriate to suspend home care services during the respite. To suspend services you need to agree to a suspension date with the client.
Further information on the suspension of a Home Care Package can be found on the department’s website.
National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program – introduction of 2 new quality indicators
The department has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to develop two new quality indicators (QIs) relating to:
- medication management
- falls and fractures.
The process currently being undertaken by PwC to develop the two new QIs includes an evidence–based literature review, sector and expert consultation, as well as piloting.
Consultation on the development of the two new QIs is underway and will provide an opportunity to receive feedback on the existing QI measures: pressure injuries, use of physical restraint and unplanned weight loss.
Residential aged care services wishing to participate in the pilot of the new QIs should register their interest via email to PwC: AgedCareQI@au.pwc.com.
Accessing sensitive information on My Aged Care
The Contact Centre or assessors may add a sensitive note or attachment to a client’s My Aged Care record. These could contain information sensitive to that client, for example:
- financial issues
- safety concerns
- health issues
- legal situations.
Sensitive notes or attachments are not visible through the provider portal. Instead, a message will display on the client’s record stating “The client has a sensitive note/attachment on their record”.
If you see this message on your client’s record, you should contact the assessor directly, or call the My Aged Care service provider and assessor helpline on 1800 836 799. They will be able to provide you with any relevant information, if it impacts on services you provide.
You can find more information on the department’s website.