Government support for providers and workers

We provide support to Australian Government-funded residential aged care services in managing COVID-19 outbreaks. Read about the supports for the sector in 2024 and how we assist with your outbreak management planning.

Aged Care Outbreak Management Support Supplement

The Aged Care Outbreak Management Support Supplement (the Supplement) funds approved aged care providers. It replaces the previous COVID-19 grants application process and is now active.

The supplement contributes to the cost of planning for and managing outbreaks, including COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The funds are intended to be used for the purchase of rapid antigen tests (RATs), personal protective equipment (PPE), additional workforce and other items needed for effective outbreak management.

Annual amounts are weighted over 11 months from 1 February 2024 to 31 December 2024.

You will receive an annual amount of $941.35 per resident, which equates to:

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 Outbreak Management Support 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 or read the frequently asked questions

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
  • updates to IPC guidance to support best practises. 

Vaccination

The Department of Health and Aged Care provides vaccination advice and support for the aged care sector. This includes where there is a clear gap in provision of services by primary care providers, we will assist with providing access to COVID-19 vaccination for your residents. 

For more information click the following link

Mental health supports

We provide grief and trauma support for people in the aged care sector who have been affected by COVID-19, through:

A range of digital and telehealth support services are available for help with mental health including support for vulnerable people and those with severe and complex needs.

Visit the Head to Health website for information about mental health and digital support. You can also make a free call to Head for Health on 1800 595 212 (weekdays 8.30am-5pm) and receive mental health advice, information or referral to appropriate mental health services. 

Resources

Publications and fact sheets

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

Aged Care COVID-19 enquiries

Residential aged care providers can contact us to request surge workforce support.
Date last updated:

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