Community Care News Digest - Aged Care Reforms & Transition News - FEB 23

AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS

ACCPA Reform Update

Troy Speirs, Senior Policy Advisor of Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) informed the attendees (including the Western Sydney Community Forum) about the latest updates released by the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA). The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) has been extended until 30 June 2024 to align with the beginning of the Support at Home Program; all providers should have received a letter specific to their funding and outputs. The factsheet below outlines the similarities and differences between the 22-23 period and the 23-24 extension period.

CHSP 2023–2024 Extension provider factsheet

Fair Work Commission Announcement Today

ACCPA joined Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), Council on the Ageing (COTA) and some large providers in filing a joint statement with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) on 16 December 2022, for the interim 15% pay increase for direct aged care workers to be implemented as soon as possible without phasing in, and to be fully funded by the Government including on-costs. The Government’s submission stated that the pay increase should be phased over two dates – 10% on 1 July 2023 and 5% on 1 July 2024. In today’s announcement, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) overruled this phased approach and determined that the 15% should be paid in full from 30 June. The Government stated that additional funding would be made available at the same time as the increase, however more clarity is needed on what they consider to be on-costs and how the funding would be calculated.

The Future of Home and Community Care Hybrid Conference

When: 4-5 April 2023

Where: Hybrid Conference: Sydney, NSW & Online

How much: Various

This conference, organised by The Hatchery and COTA Australia, will focus on the Support at Home Program. Topics include: what the model will mean for consumers and providers: discussing new developments and updates such as regulatory changes and the care assessment model; and preparing for the transition. If tickets are bought before 24 February 2023, you can save $200.

More information and to register

Reforming In-Home Aged Care Additional Information

The Department of Health and Aged Care has released the next round of documentation for the new in-home aged care program, and is seeking feedback to ensure continual input is received from the providers and service users of the aged care sector and their experiences and expertise are heard and integrated. Documentation includes a factsheet to help older Australians supported by in-home aged care services to transition to the new program, as well as a co-designed report discussing a new assistive technologies and home modifications scheme for in-home aged care.

Older Australians Fact Sheet No.1

Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications Scheme for in-home aged care

View the in-home aged care program 2023 engagement calendar

More information

Visit the Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub

Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) Aged Care Survey

The Australian Government is reforming the National Aged Care Scheme (My Aged Care) and would like feedback about people’s experiences with the scheme, what supports and services older Australians need to live well, and what people would like to see in the new scheme. Responses will be de-identified.

Access the survey

Home Care Packages Program Pricing Update

From 1 January 2023, there are now caps to prices in the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, to minimise administration and management costs. From 27 February 2023, providers will not be able to enter prices above the legislated caps in the Provider Portal. These system caps will only affect updated prices. Exit amount and separate third party charge fields will also be removed. For any support or enquiries, visit the My Aged Care website or contact the Service Provider Helpline on 1800 836 799.

Home Care Packages Program update

Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Capping Home Care Charges) Principles 2022

Profile tips for Home Care Package providers