This toolkit, released in June 2016 by the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit, supports a consistent approach to identifying, responding and preventing the abuse of older people. Each of the 5 steps has practical information and tools which guide staff from elder abuse identification through to response.

Below are some highlights from the Round 3 - NDIS Provider Forum held at Penrith and other forums held in July and August 2016, particularly focusing on information relevant to Community Care Supports Program (CCSP) providers.

WSCF developed a video resource to assist aged care providers, particularly those funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), in unpacking proposed reforms. The Aged Care Sector Committee released the aged care “Aged Care Roadmap” in April 2016, to provide advice on future directions for aged care. The Roadmap’s aim is to generate discussion across the aged care sector and Government regarding future reforms. It is the most informative document available, painting a picture of what the future of aged care could look like as aged care reforms continue to unfold. WSCF’s two-minute video introduces the “Aged Care Roadmap” in a simple format. The video ends with a “clickable content”, highlighting the nine key areas (“destinations”) of reforms, and including executive summaries of each “destination”. The video also includes a web link to the original Roadmap document, for those...

In April 2015, the Australian Government tasked the Aged Care Sector Committee with developing a roadmap that sets out future reform directions for aged care.  This Roadmap has just been released and it outlines the Committee’s views on “what is required to realise a sustainable, consumer-led aged care market, where consumers have increased choice and control of what care and support they receive as well as where, how and when they receive it” (page 2).  It identifies 9 key domains for further action including: How do consumers prepare for and engage with their aged care? How are eligibility and care needs assessed? How are consumers with different needs supported? How do we make dementia core business throughout the system? What care is available? Who provides care? Who pays? How will the formal and informal workforce be supported? How will quality...

The Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS) updated its website on 18 December 2014. The update announced the extension of current funding for HACC services, with time variations for certain service types. This is much-awaited and welcome news, as the HACC sector prepares to transition to the new Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) by June 2015. Majority of current (HACC) providers will receive two years of continued funding until 30 June 2017, including an initial period of transition. Services that are funded under Sector Support and Development (or “non-output”) services will have contracts extended until 31 October 2015, while arrangements for CHSP sector support and development are being reviewed and settled. Current funding under Counselling, Support, Information and Advocacy for care recipients will be extended until 31 October 2015, while activities are being reviewed. Current funding for assessment, case management or client care coordination services will...

With the 2015 federal budget officially announced today, Minister of Social Services Scott Morrison and Assistant Minister Mitch Fifield issued media releases that give us a more or less clearer glimpse of government’s additional (broad) plans for the future. The two separate media releases outline the breakdown of budget and plans for three key community care programs: Home Care Packages (HCP), Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The full text of the media releases can be found below (click on the links): Supporting Greater Choice for Older Australians  2015 Budget to Support NDIS Roll-out, Disability Employment and Carers  Items/plans for CHSP/HCP that are worth noting: Older Australians receiving Home Care Packages will have control over their funds, similar to NDIS, from 1 February 2017. (Currently, HCP funding goes straight to service provider and the...