Your Aged Care Update # 26/24
In this issue
News about the reforms
Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy launched
We have released the first Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy and Action Plan for 2024-2029. The strategy sets the direction for innovation and collaboration and the action plan includes the steps we are taking in the first year.
We are working towards a connected and digitally enhanced aged care system that empowers older people.
You are encouraged to share your feedback and ideas for the next phase, including:
building digital maturity
integrating emerging technologies
improving the aged care experience for people using the system.
Read and download the Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy.
Email DigitalReformStrat@Health.gov.au to share your ideas or discuss opportunities to collaborate.
Sector news
Quarterly Financial Report portal open
Providers can now submit their Quarterly Financial Report (QFR) for Quarter 4 2023-2024 (1 April to 30 June 2024) using the Government Provider Management System (GPMS).
Approved residential aged care providers are now required to report on outbreak management expenses.
If any sections of the QFR are missing, incomplete or you are blocked from submitting, contact Forms Administration on (02) 4403 0640 immediately.
For technical support, please call the My Aged Care service provider and assessor helpline on 1800 836 799 and select option 5.
More information is available on the QFR and GPMS resources web pages.
Antiviral treatments for COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to impact aged care homes. Regular vaccinations remain the best defence against severe illness and hospitalisation. Antiviral treatments can also help to treat older people who test positive for COVID-19.
Antivirals are most effective when taken quickly after testing positive to COVID-19 or within 5 days of onset of symptoms. Residents should talk to their GP about getting assessed for these treatments, before testing positive. By giving early consent a resident can get quicker access to treatment, which will then be more effective in reducing severe illness.
Antivirals are readily available through pharmacies under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. They are safe and effective in the treatment of COVID-19.
Read more information on eligibility for COVID-19 treatments in aged care.
Upgrade to Aged Care Learning Information Solution
The Aged Care Learning Information Solution provides education and training to help providers and workers understand their obligations in the delivery of safe, high-quality care.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have recently made some improvements which mean:
it's easier for learners and administrators to find courses
users can register directly for workshops
simpler access to professional development.
Access is free for government-funded aged care providers and their employees. Private providers, individuals and other organisations can register for a fee.
Learn more about education and training from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Residential care
Star Ratings update: Provider preview now available
The latest update to Star Ratings is now available for preview in the Government Provider Management System (GPMS).
The preview period commenced on 8 July and will be available for 2 weeks. It includes updates to:
staffing and quality measures ratings for January to March 2024
residents’ experience ratings for homes that have completed their annual survey between March and May 2024
contemporary compliance ratings.
Read the GPMS user guide for Star Ratings.
For technical support, please call the My Aged Care service provider and assessor helpline on 1800 836 799 and select option 5.
National Immunisation Program free vaccines
Eligible aged care residents can now conveniently access lifesaving vaccines for free.
Funding is now available for pharmacists to provide free National Immunisation Program vaccines, including influenza, at residential aged care homes.
If they haven’t already, aged care providers should talk to their local pharmacy as soon as possible to organise vaccines for their residents.
This will ensure our most vulnerable Australians have protection from COVID-19 and influenza this winter.
Read the media release from the Minister for Health.