Aged Care Outbreak Management Supplement
The Aged Care Outbreak Management Supplement funds approved aged care providers. It replaces the previous COVID-19 grants application process and is now active.
This supplement contributes to the cost of planning for and managing outbreaks, including COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The funds can be used for the purchase of rapid antigen tests (RAT), personal protective equipment (PPE) and associated workforce requirements.
First payments have commenced, with the annual amount weighted over 11 months from 1 February 2024 to 31 December 2024.
You will receive an annual amount of $941.35, which equates to:
- $2.81 per day per occupied bed for approved residential aged care providers
- $2.81 per day per operational place for Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC).
This assumes the bed or place is filled for the full period throughout 2024.
There is no need to apply – all eligible providers will be paid this supplement automatically:
- Residential aged care providers will be paid through the Services Australia regular monthly aged care payment processes.
- MPS providers will be paid through the Department of Social Services funding system.
- NATSIFAC providers will be paid through existing funding arrangements.
This approach to funding streamlines payment arrangements, and moves to a more business-as-usual model for managing outbreaks.
See the supplement rate in the Schedule of Subsidies and Supplements for Aged Care.
Surge workforce program
The surge workforce program will continue in 2024 to help providers manage COVID-19 outbreaks and other non-COVID-19 emergencies, to ensure high-quality care.
This includes:
- supporting aged care homes impacted by an outbreak of COVID-19 and experiencing critical workforce shortages
- continuing support for at-risk providers experiencing outbreaks of COVID-19 or other emergencies especially for rural, remote and First Nations services
- time-limited support, that can be rapidly deployed to assist providers where resident safety is at risk and all other avenues for staffing have been exhausted.
If you wish to access the surge workforce support, you must first exhaust all your existing partnerships and recruitment channels.
We consider requests on a case-by-case basis. The availability of surge workforce support is dependent on the availability of staffing resources.
You can request these supports by emailing us.
Personal protective equipment and rapid antigen test kits
From 1 May 2024, providers need to source PPE and RAT kits through their own commercial suppliers. Supplies can no longer be requested via the My Aged Care portal.
Contact us for any queries.
Infection prevention and control
Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures will continue and include:
- access to IPC resources and online training
- surveillance and monitoring activities
- research and evaluation into existing IPC processes, including the IPC Lead role.
2023 COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Grant applications are now closed
Residential and home care service providers can no longer apply for the 2023 COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Grant. Applications for the grant ended on 3 April 2024.
The conclusion of the grant will support providers to transition towards managing the costs of COVID-19 outbreaks as part of normal business.
Ad hoc grants for Commonwealth Home Support Program providers
We fund ad hoc grants for Commonwealth Home Support Program providers who need extra support to respond to unforeseen and exceptional circumstances.
Aged care grants contact
Mental health supports
We provide grief and trauma support for people in the aged care sector who have been affected by COVID-19, through:
The support includes improved advocacy assistance as well as grief and bereavement counselling.
Free webinars are available on grief and trauma:
- Accessing grief and trauma support during COVID-19 from the Older Persons Advocacy Network
- Identifying and managing trauma within the aged care sector, from Phoenix Australia
- Trauma and Dementia webinar from Phoenix Australia
- Peer support for staff working in residential aged care facilities and providing home care packages from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
- The loss and grief experienced by aged care staff in the wake of COVID-19 from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement.
Visit Head to Health for information about mental health and digital support.
A range of digital and telehealth support services are available for help with mental health during the pandemic, including vulnerable people and those with severe and complex needs.
Resources
Publications and fact sheets
COVID-19 resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers
Webinars
For more information, watch webinars:
Stay informed
To stay up to date on aged care and COVID-19:
Find the latest advice and resources in your state or territory from your local public health agency.
Contact