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Dear Valued Service Provider,
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This edition of your e-Bulletin sadly falls during a new lockdown, and I hope you, your loved ones, staff and clients are safe and healthy.
Understandably with the lockdown you are focused on the day-to-day operations to keep your staff and clients well. We encourage you to also keep a focus on the future, as the reforms are only around the corner. Given that our workforce will be largely impacted by the changes, this month’s content includes an article that invites you to think about the future of your workforce, as well as the latest news, learning opportunities and events, and resources to support the mental health and wellbeing of both clients and staff.
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Your workforce:
where do you want it to be?
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Last month’s Aged Care Budget and published reforms was received with mixed feelings by the Sector. Our article about the Federal Budget acknowledged the pressure on our workforce, and how the Sector will be required to go the extra mile, once again, with the same limited resources. On the brighter side, we know that the Government has adopted several recommendations from the Royal Commission Final Report which look at aged care workforce planning and career pathways.
We acknowledge that this won’t happen overnight, but the Sector should not wait for these bodies to be established and recommendations to be implemented. At the service provider’s level, we anticipate there will be an increased need for visibility and data around workforce, so we need to start preparing for it now.
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Planning for another year of
Sector Support
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As all organisations that deliver Sector Support are approaching the end of their current work plans, Sector Support, Development and Training staff from close to 30 NSW organisations met during the SSDN Planning workshop on 16-17 June 2021. This was a great opportunity to examine the implications of the reforms and budget and discuss areas of collaboration for the next year.
In addition to this meeting, your Sector Support team has collected ideas and insights in the future of aged care from experts like yourself through a Sector Needs survey. Your feedback is invaluable and will help shape what we deliver across the Northern Sydney region in 2021-2022.
It has been a privilege working with you and we look forward to another year supporting you to thrive in your Aged Care sector role and adapt to future changes.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout and Community Workshops
Regular updates on the vaccination campaign, its different phases and eligibility can be accessed on the Department of Health’s website here. To combat misinformation and uncertainty around the COVID-19 vaccinations, Sydney North Health Network and local GPs have been organising community workshops.
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The workshops cover the different vaccines, side effects, eligibility, vaccine hubs, and myth busting. If you are interested in organising a workshop for your community, please contact smoltzen@snhn.org.au.
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Aged Care Legislation recognises NDIS worker screening
The Australian Government is streamlining the dual regulatory framework for aged care providers that support NDIS participants. NDIS worker screening clearances will now satisfy the requirements for aged care staff and volunteers. Click here for more information and to download fact sheets.
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New Quality of Life and Quality of Care Experience assessment tools
Caring Futures Institute from the Flinders University has developed two quality assessment tools to measure the quality of life and quality of care experience of older Australians. The tools will help providers to monitor quality outcomes across their services and are available for use Sector-wide. More information is available here.
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Have a say in the design and implementation of the Aged Care reforms
The Department of Health has set up an Aged Care engagement form where senior Australians, their families and carers, the aged care workforce, providers and other organisations can register their interest in being involved in the implementation of the reforms. The online registration form can be accessed here. After registration, updates on activities and invitations to join those that are relevant to participants will be sent via email.
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Multicultural Social Support Group
On Thursdays, Brookvale
CAPAH Multicultural is offering a centre-based respite and social support group for seniors and their carers. Local participants will be able to enjoy a weekly program and engage in social activities. For more information, contact susan@capahmulticultural.org. Download the flyer here. Note this group’s meetings will be dependent on the latest COVID-19 advice from the Government.
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Next Aged Care Reform Webinar: Improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in aged care
Monday 19 July 2021, 3.00pm-4.30pm (AEST), online
As part of its series of webinars to share aged care reform information announced in the 2021-2022 Budget, the Department of Health will be discussing how the reforms will improve access to and quality of aged care delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including in remote communities. To register and join the webinar, click here.
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Free 'Dementia Discovery' course
Anytime, online
Dementia Training Australia has developed a course called ‘Dementia Discovery’ which provides staff with knowledge about dementia and gives direction on where to access further training and resources. Each module is mobile-friendly and takes between 15-60 minutes to complete. Certificates of completion are awarded upon completion of each module. You can access these resources here.
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Check all other trainings and webinars on our
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2021 Sector Support Initiatives
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We have a number of workshops and events that we have tailored to support home and community care providers, their staff and their consumers. Download the 2021 Sector Support Calendar now to see what's coming up.
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| In-house workshops for staff |
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| In-house workshops for consumers |
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Our in-house workshops are free and offer practical support for both staff and consumers. For more information, download the flyer here or contact Rosanna Commisso.
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Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of older people
Julie Bajic Smith at WiseCare has developed resources to help workers deliver personalised care and support their clients’ wellbeing. Try to do this “Five Facts About Me” exercise with your clients to learn about what is important for them, or learn about emotional wellbeing of older people in her book’s chapter here.
If you prefer audio resources, Julie’s podcast 'The Voice of Aged Care' is a great learning platform. Additional resources and information are available on Wise Care's website.
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Emotional Wellbeing for Older Persons In-Reach Program (EWOPI)
Supported by the Northern Sydney Primary Health Network, this free program will provide emotional support for older people who are experiencing social isolation, loneliness, loss or wellbeing issues. The service will provide personalised one-on-one support to identify and address the desired outcomes. Mandarin speaking staff are available. For more information, download the flyer here.
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COVID-19 Aged Care Grief and Trauma Support
The Department of Health provides a variety of free resources and services for residents, home care recipients, families and friends of older Australians, and aged care staff. Anyone can access these services, which include specialised counselling, trauma-informed care training, dementia support, advice and advocacy, and crisis support. These can be accessed here.
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