Aged Care Reform Pulse Survey
The department wants to hear from the aged care sector to better inform how we can support you to implement aged care reform changes.
As we prepare for changes in aged care, we aim to provide clear and timely information that’s relevant and with the level of detail you need. Depending on the nature of the change, we also consider what else might be helpful like demonstrations, education and training materials and other tailored activities.
This short survey will help us gauge your level of awareness of upcoming changes and the level of support you may need to prepare and implement the changes. We would like to get your views on what’s working and what else we might need to do.
Your input is important to us. Take the survey. It should take no longer than 10 minutes
The survey closes on 14 March 2023.
Please share this link with others, so they can have their say too.
This pulse survey is distributed quarterly (with upcoming changes updated each time) to understand your needs as the reform program progresses.
Quarterly Financial Snapshot of the Australian Aged Care Sector Q1 2022-23
The department has published the first Quarterly Financial Snapshot of the Australian Aged Care Sector for quarter 1 of the 2022-23 financial year.
This snapshot draws on data submitted through the Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) and includes information such as key financial indicators, care minutes, labour and food and nutrition.
The department thanks all providers who completed the QFR and contributed to developing this snapshot.
The department is committed to its stewardship role, as recognised by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and to increasing sector transparency through timely publication of financial performance data.
Download a copy of the report from the department’s website.
Be verified for delivering specialist care to diverse groups
As of 27 February, unverified claims of delivering specialised care to diverse groups are no longer displayed on the My Aged Care (MAC) Find a Provider tool.
Providers who have had their diverse needs specialisations verified will continue to have a tick published on their MAC profiles. Criteria against which the specialisations were verified are also now displayed. This will help older people exploring aged care options to quickly identify services that best suit their circumstances and needs.
For providers, achieving verification of the specialist services you deliver demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive and accessible aged care.
Find out how to apply for verification and review the Specialisation Framework for more detail, including evidence required.
Webinar: Digital Transformation Tech Talk
The department’s Digital Transformation agenda is working to create a better-connected aged care network that is consolidated, sustainable, automated and modern.
Join us for the first Digital Transformation Tech Talk webinar for 2023 on Thursday 2 March at 2pm‑3.30pm AEDT.
Hear more about why we are undertaking this important work. We’ll provide a forecast of the aged care reforms and digital transformation initiatives you can expect in the coming months, as well as a ‘playback’ on the Star Ratings release that went live late last year. You will also have a chance to ask questions.
Register for the Digital Transformation Tech Talk webinar.
Free Workforce Advisory Service available for providers
The Workforce Advisory Service is for residential aged care and home care service providers to develop strategies to help attract, retain and grow the skills of workers. The service supports workforce planning and provides resources and links to available government initiatives.
The service is free, independent and confidential.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is delivering the service until 30 June 2023.
Service providers can apply to access the Workforce Advisory Service on the PwC website.
Better Practice Home Care Package Monthly Statement Template
Home Care Package (HCP) providers should review their monthly statements to ensure they comply with Standard 1, 3(e) of the Aged Care Quality Standards and align with the updated Better Practice HCP Monthly Statement Template and guidance documents.
The updated template can help improve monthly statements to make it easier for care recipients to understand how their package is being spent. It reflects the 1 January 2023 pricing changes.
Providers must give regular monthly statements to care recipients in the month after the service was provided. Statements should be easy for care recipients to understand, with all care and services clearly itemised.
Draft legislation for comment: Residential aged care 24/7 registered nursing reporting and exemption
Draft subordinate legislation for 24/7 registered nursing in residential aged care can be viewed on the department’s website until 13 March 2023.
From 1 July 2023, approved providers of residential aged care must have at least one registered nurse on-site and on duty at all times at each residential facility.
The subordinate legislation says approved providers must report each month on registered nursing staffing, and that the Secretary of the department (or delegate) may grant an exemption from the 24/7 registered nursing responsibility in certain circumstances.
If you would like to comment on the draft legislation, email anaccoperations@health.gov.au by 13 March 2023. Your comments will be considered in the finalisation of the subordinate legislation.
Read more information about Care minutes and 24/7 registered nurses in residential aged care.