Information on the aged care wage increase
A webinar on the aged care wage increase was held on Thursday 15 June, and included information on:
- funding arrangements for residential aged care, Home Care Packages Program and Commonwealth Home Support Programme
- guidance material for providers for passing on wages
- accountability and transparency.
The slides from this presentation can be found on the department’s website.
Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport has also written to providers about the Australian Government’s $11.3 billion investment to fund the Fair Work Commission’s decision of a 15% increase to the award wages of many aged care workers.
Quality indicator reporting: New process via GPMS
The new Quality Indicator application on the Government Provider Management System (GPMS) will go live in July.
A GPMS profile will automatically be created for all existing users of the quality indicator reporting function in the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal. The function within My Aged Care will be decommissioned at this time.
This means all quality indicator data for Quarter 4 2022-23 is to be submitted in GPMS by Friday 21 July.
Make sure you are prepared for this new requirement by referring to GPMS resources and advice about access and log in details. Your existing QI reporting users will receive an email with instructions on how to prepare to login to GPMS, to facilitate access in July.
Resources are available to support your preparation:
- GPMS resources webpage includes quick reference guides, videos and other resources
- QI Program webpage for guidance on data collection and submission.
If you require assistance, please call the My Aged Care Provider and Assessor Helpline on 1800 836 799.
OPAN webinar: Star Ratings, 24/7 nursing and Home Care Packages
OPAN is hosting a “Star Ratings, 24/7 nursing and Home Care Packages: what’s the latest?” webinar on Tuesday 27 June at 1pm-2pm AEST for older people, their families and carers.
Department representatives will be joining the panel to discuss:
- Star Ratings for residential aged care
- the introduction of mandatory 24/7 registered nursing in residential aged care
- the increase to Home Care Packages to meet 15% wage rise for aged care workers.
Panellists include:
- Craig Gear OAM, CEO, Older Persons Advocacy Network
- Dr Nick Hartland, First Assistant Secretary, Home and Residential Division, Department of Health and Aged Care
- Joshua Maldon, Assistant Secretary, Choice and Transparency Branch, Department of Health and Aged Care.
Encourage your clients to register for the webinar on OPAN’s website.
Action required: Registered Nurses’ Payment grant agreements
The Department of Health and Aged Care has assessed all grant applications for Round 1 of the Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment (GO5820).
Most providers should have received a grant agreement. Please sign your agreement as soon as possible so payment can be provided.
A representative of the department will call each application contact to assist with signing and returning the agreement.
If you have not yet received your grant agreement or have any questions, please contact ACRNpayment@health.gov.au
Include your application reference number with your contact details.
Display your diverse needs specialised services on My Aged Care
Do you provide specialised services for people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences? If so, you’re encouraged to apply to have this specialisation verified and reflected on My Aged Care, in line with the My Aged Care Provider Specialisation Verification Framework.
Verified specialisations will show on your service’s My Aged Care profile. This ensures older people and their representatives can see this information when they’re searching for a provider on My Aged Care.
Having a verified specialisation will acknowledge that your services provide culturally safe, appropriate, and inclusive care that is tailored to the needs of each individual, consistent with the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Reminder: Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey closing soon
The Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey is currently underway.
Thank you to selected providers who have completed the survey. Your participation will directly contribute to the workforce data and evidence, and help the Government understand the workforce challenges. You can request an individualised report on the profile of your workforce once the data analysis is completed.
Selected providers needing assistance to complete the survey can contact the helpline on 1800 800 996 (free call 9am–8.30pm AEST weekdays) or email acpws@srcentre.com.au
It is mandatory for selected providers to complete the survey, and it is not too late to volunteer to be part of the project. Providers interested in completing the survey can email acpws@srcentre.com.au
The survey is open until 30 June 2023. Visit the SRC website for more information.
Commission webinar: Co-designing for the Future of Aged Care
The Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program will be hosting a webinar on Co-designing for the Future of Aged Care on Wednesday 21 June at 12pm‑1pm AEST.
Co-designing aged care services with consumers can deliver wide reaching and long-term benefits. How can leaders make sure their organisations are able to support this process?
Panellists Anna Donaldson, David Panter and Evonne Miller will discuss some strategies for executive leaders and governing body members to ensure co-design principles are understood and used.
Enrol in the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program, register to attend the webinar, listen to the podcasts and explore other learning activities.
Reminder: People and perceptions in palliative care: workforce insights free event
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care invites you to attend a free palliative care breakfast event on Thursday 22 June at 7am‑9am AEST. The event will be held in South Melbourne, and you can also participate online.
Hear from some of Australia’s eminent palliative health care experts about what good palliative care looks like, and the free palliative care education and training opportunities available to you. There will also be a panel Q&A session.
Emergency leave for aged care residents extended to 31 December 2023
Emergency leave for permanent aged care residents has been extended for 6 months.
This means residents who wish to temporarily relocate during COVID-19 outbreaks can continue to use emergency leave instead of social leave through to 31 December 2023.
Aged care homes will still be paid residential care subsidy when residents are on emergency leave.
Providers are reminded that an emergency leave claiming type is now available in the Aged Care Provider Portal. This means the social leave event type can no longer be used for claiming emergency leave.
For general claiming and payment assistance contact Services Australia on 1800 195 206 or aged.care.liaison@servicesaustralia.gov.au.
For information on emergency leave see: