Thank you for continuing to stay up to date with the latest information.
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and workforce, particularly your communications teams and encourage them to subscribe for future updates. You can view past editions of the Protecting Older Australians Newsletter as well as other announcements for the aged care sector on the department's website.
Anyone living in an aged care facility, their family or representative who needs support should contact the Older Person’s Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600.
Update on Aged Care and COVID-19 with the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services
The Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, invites aged care providers to an update on Aged Care and COVID-19.
The session will be held online on Thursday 31 March, 12.00pm – 1.00pm (AEDT)
Please register to attend. We are aiming to limit registration to one representative per organisation, so please have a discussion within your organisation to nominate an appropriate attendee.
The session will include a moderated Q&A session with the Minister and Department of Health officials and we encourage you to submit questions in advance.
Further information
To find further information please visit our website or email us if you have any questions:
Email: AgedCareCOVIDLiaison@health.gov.au
Website: health.gov.au/covid-advice-aged-care.
Useful links for the sector:
- Industry Code for Visiting in Aged Care Homes – Updated 22 March 2022
- Applications now open for the Specialist Dementia Care Program in 9 Primary Health Network regions: Apply now on GrantConnect - Grant Opportunity (GO 5304)
Reminder – COVID-19 Portal PPE requests
A reminder that from 30 March 2022, approved providers will be able to request additional PPE to support an active COVID-19 outbreak, via the COVID-19 Support Portal.
Approved providers are responsible for maintaining their standard PPE supply through their existing commercial channels. A standard pack co-contributes to the supply along with PPE from the facility. Requests through the COVID-19 Portal are only for additional PPE to support a current outbreak.
An updated quick reference guide with step-by-step instructions on how to order, as well as an updated FAQ's document for the COVID-19 Support Portal, will be available shortly on the My Aged Care Resources webpage to support providers in the transition.
The COVID-19 Support Portal is accessed through the My Aged Care Provider Portal.
If you are experience any issues with the portal, please call the My Aged Care Service Provider Helpline on 1800 836 799.
Home based aged care providers should continue to request emergency PPE supplies through the National Medical Stockpile by applying online through the Department Consultation Hub.
Updated Industry Code for Visiting in Aged Care Homes
The Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19 (the Code) was developed by aged care industry peaks and consumer groups, to help providers apply restrictions with care and compassion, keeping residents and their loved ones at the centre of decision making. The Code was updated on 22 March 2022.
This latest update incorporates updated definitions of an aged care exposure to COVID-19 and an aged care outbreak of COVID-19, in line with the updated CDNA guidelines.
If you have any concerns or feedback on the Code:
- aged care providers and other industry stakeholders, please email visitoraccesscode@agedservices.asn.au
- residents, carers, families and friends wishing to report concerns where the Code is not being effective in facilitating visits or any other feedback, please email: AgedCareVisitorsCode@cota.org.au or call 1300 COTA AU (1300 268 228).
NSW Health updated advice for RACFs
The advice from NSW Health for residential aged care facilities has been updated on 25 March 2022.
Summary of the key updates as follows:
- Reminder to be alert given increasing cases in community
- Updated information for visitors recommending that each visitor shows evidence of a negative RAT result taken within 24 hours of entry
- Simplified testing advice for residents leaving the facility to attend a family gathering or event
- Updated routine testing advice for staff
Please check the NSW Health website regularly for updates.