Aged & Community Care Providers Association

The ACCPA National Conference is set to return to the Adelaide Convention Centre from 23-25 October, and it promises to be the biggest event yet. Here's what you can look forward to: • Inspiring keynotes: Gain insights from industry leaders and visionaries who are driving the future of aged care. • Concurrent sessions: participate in deep-dive discussions and practical workshops to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge. • Expert panels: Join engaging conversations with thought leaders on the latest challenges and innovations. • Networking opportunities: Build connections with professionals, thought leaders, and potential partners in the field. • Innovations showcase: Explore over 200 trade exhibition booths to discover cutting-edge solutions and advancements in aged care. Early bird registrations close 20 September > https://lnkd.in/g29vu8fZ Thank you to The Lookout Way who are one of our platinum sponsors for 2024. Lookout is the only digital care management platform built by care, for care. Lookout’s end-to-end platform focuses on delivering the highest quality experience for clients and their families while supporting all key home staff to work at the top of their capability - care management, rostering, finance, customer service, clinical care, ICT and executives. Lookout delivers efficiencies across care businesses to enhance profitability, simplify governance and improve client outcomes. #ACCPANC24 #AgeofExcellence #AgedCare

This morning our CEO Tom Symondson appeared on Nine Today Extra discussing how the reforms will improve aged care, particularly for older Australians choosing to age at home. He also discussed the improvements that Australians can expect in terms of the quality of care and availability. Watch the full interview below.

Understanding the multifaceted benefits of protein for your aged care residents is not just a matter of science, but an essential requirement to sustain vitality and quality of life among Australia’s ageing population. What are the protein requirements of older people, how can providers help to increase protein intake in their residents, and what is the role of protein diversity? Find out in this piece by HarvestB in our latest issue of Aged Care Today > https://lnkd.in/gtDSmU4v #AgedCareToday #AgedCare #Nutrition

Many times over the past year, I honestly wondered if this day would ever come. And by the end of yesterday, I was almost convinced it wouldn't. But, after a mammoth last ditch effort, agreement was finally reached today between the Government and the Opposition on the new Aged Care Act and it has now been introduced to Federal Parliament at last. This deal sees the new Act deliver on the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce - recommendations that should not just make our sector truly sustainable for the first time in decades, but allow it to grow to the scale necessary to serve every older person who needs our support into the future, whenever and wherever they need it. It also sees the removal of proposed criminal penalties, penalties that went far beyond the accountabilities called for by the Royal Commission and risked driving good people out of our sector in the midst of a workforce crisis. In my advocacy career, which started two decades ago, I can safely say that I have never experienced anything like this. A genuinely brave reform, supported by both sides of politics, that promises to change our sector forever. And getting here has been truly a hard fought battle with so many ups and downs, twists and turns, I have been dizzy for months. I have long since lost count of the number of meetings attended, calls made, media interviews and speeches given to try to persuade people to deliver this outcome. One day, I may write a book about it, but not today. I want to congratulate and thank Minister Anika Wells for her bravery in leading this reform and incredible committment to delivering it, and Shadow Minister Anne Ruston who never stopped fighting for the best possible outcome and managed to win the support of her party for this deal - no mean feat. Thanks must also go to Minister Mark Butler for his role in the negotiations, and the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for committing to, and delivering, a bipartisan outcome in the national interest. I also want to thank my incredible team - in particular, Roald Versteeg, Jay Moran, Peter O'Dempsey, as well as our state managers, policy team, comms team and so many others. Their efforts to work with the government, the opposition and the cross bench has been exceptional and I am so very proud of them all. And thanks also to our members supported us and never failed to answer our calls for help along the way. Now, of course, this isn't done yet - the Bill now has to pass through parliament, with the first stop a Senate Inquiry. Our team is already hard at work scrutinising the whole 550 page document and we will be ready to play our part in that process. But today was a good day. Aged & Community Care Providers Association

In breaking news, both sides of the Australian government have reached bipartisan agreement on historic reforms that will be vital to all Australians now and in the future. A new, rights-based Aged Care Act was the number one recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and the Act will also deliver on dozens of other recommendations. It’s hoped these reforms will bring structured and sustainable financial security to the sector, leading to a vibrant, growing aged care system, that meets the needs of older Australians now and in the future. Read our media release > https://lnkd.in/giGXTWWq #AgedCareAct #AgedCare #Reforms

Today is #RUOKDay, a powerful reminder to check in on those around us, especially older Australians who may be feeling isolated or lonely. At ACCPA, we recognise the unique challenges faced by the aged care community, and we know that a simple conversation can make all the difference. Loneliness can have a profound impact on mental and physical health, particularly for older people. Whether it’s a resident, a colleague, or a loved one, take a moment today to ask, “Are you okay?” Your kindness could be the connection someone really needs. • Find helpful resources: www.ruok.org.au/ • For ageing-specific support: https://lnkd.in/dmP5jav  • Don't forget to reach out to your workplace's HR and management resources for further help and guidance. Together, let’s foster a caring community where no one feels alone. #RUOKDay #RUOKDay2024 #RUOKAnyDay

Join us for the next webinar in ‘Older Minds Matter’ series on Thursday, 17 October. Explore what is ‘person-centred care’ and how it supports an older person’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.   Person-centred care focuses on the individual rather than their condition, enhancing care quality and promoting empowerment and independence. In this 1.5-hour session, we will discover how this approach recognises and respects the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences that influence the level of care, as well as the significance using this approach within the Aged Care Quality Standards and the new Support at Home Program.   This session is perfect for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) personal aged care workers, team leaders, supervisors, and volunteers.   Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of older adults! Discounted price for CHSP providers is available. Sign up now to secure your spot today > https://lnkd.in/gUKERMbM   #ACCPAWebinar #AgedCare #MentalHealth #CHSP

It has been a busy morning for our CEO Tom Symondson who also appeared on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News Breakfast. He expressed deep concern over the opposition's last-minute objections, warning that delaying reforms could result in further damage to the aged care sector and highlighted the urgency, noting that facilities are closing, beds are unavailable, and older Australians are waiting too long for care. Tom Symondson calls for immediate action, stressing that the system can not survive without these critical changes. Watch the full interview below.

Our CEO, Tom Symondson, appeared on Seven Network Sunrise this morning, calling on all political parties to urgently introduce the aged care reform before the upcoming election to prevent further damage to the sector. Watch the full interview below.

The benefits of exercise are well established – from preventing chronic disease to improving physical function, and enhancing mental health and wellbeing – but it becomes more important as we age. Increasingly, retirement villages are incorporating on-site health and wellness centres, but what should gyms look like and how do you get people actively involved in using them? We can look to examples of active retirement villages, like AURA by Livewell Communities in South Australia, for fresh ideas. If you’re thinking about installing or upgrading a gym in your village, take a look at this Aged Care Today story by HUR Australia > https://lnkd.in/dJmCPKhY #AgedCareToday #RetirementLiving #RetirementVillages