Aged & Community Care Providers Association’s Post

🚨 Important Update in Healthcare for 2024! 🚨 As of October 1, 2023, a new Place of Service Code 27 has been introduced, specifically designed for outreach sites and locations like the streets where healthcare professionals provide essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. This new code is a crucial step in recognizing and supporting the healthcare needs of those without stable housing. However, please note that Medicare will not be processing claims with this code at this time, which means any claims submitted will be returned. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to enhancing access to healthcare for vulnerable populations and acknowledging the important work being done in non-traditional settings. Let’s continue advocating for equitable healthcare access and support the vital services reaching those in need! #HealthcareInnovation #Homelessness #OutreachServices #HealthEquity #PlaceOfServiceCode27 #2024Healthcare

Aged Care Commissioner, Carolyn Cooper, joined RNZ on Nine to Noon today, highlighting the mounting pressure on aged care services, particularly in regional towns like Wairoa. With the closure of local facilities, many families are left caring for vulnerable elderly relatives at home, often in inadequate conditions.   The Commissioner pointed out critical gaps in our system, reflecting concerns the Aged Care Association have raised for years, noting “there’s no continuum of care that’s properly designed across the country". She goes on to emphasise the need for community-designed care services that reflect local needs.   Te Whatu Ora are developing a new funding model, and the Aged Care Association continues to urge for better consultation and transparency. The sector simply must be involved in shaping any future models to ensure sustainable, high-quality care for our elderly population. Without proper sector involvement, we risk further straining already struggling providers and leaving older New Zealanders without the support they need.   It's time for a unified approach that prioritises the well-being of our elderly and ensures no community is left behind in accessing essential care. https://lnkd.in/gCgdH646

📣 HUGE news for Rural Aged Care! 📣 A brilliant article by Aged Care Insite, goes through the current government's plan to invest heavily into Aged Care, particularly in the areas that are most desperate for support. My three key takeaways are: 💵 The Australian government is allocating $900 million to improve aged care services in rural, remote, and specialist areas as part of a broader $5.6 billion reform package. 🏡 $600 million will go toward the “Support at Home” program, streamlining care access and replacing several existing programs by 2027. 🏥 The remaining $300 million will fund infrastructure to support aged care providers in underserved regions, aiming to enhance care accessibility for vulnerable populations. Full article linked below:

We are pleased to announce our support for the Aged Care Taskforce Report, emphasising the need for collaborative action to ensure a sustainable aged care sector. Our CEO, Russell Bricknell, highlighted the report as a critical step in guiding necessary reforms to provide high-quality care for all older Australians. In addition to ongoing reforms, including the introduction of the new Aged Care Act and improvements to Home Care, we are advocating for increased funding for Home Care Packages to address growing waitlists. We are also working alongside UnitingCare Australia to promote equal access to aged care services, regardless of financial circumstances. Furthermore, we are urging the Government to prioritise affordable housing in aged care discussions, emphasising the importance of addressing housing and homelessness issues facing older Australians. Read more https://lnkd.in/gQijK6Qe

Closer look at Support at Home. Along with the tabling of the Aged Care Act on 12 September, the Government released an overview of its final version of Support at Home. This is at least the fourth iteration of the new program. I know many people will be examining the further detail of Support at Home as it is released in coming days, and I look forward to hearing their insights. For my part, I will be considering the likely impact of the program against the following ten threshold questions. Given that projected waiting times will still be three months (in 2027) for an older person to be allocated a place in Support at Home after assessment, what supports will be available for individuals with urgent needs while waiting? How will Support at Home manage the dramatic changes in the degree and type of support needed by many older people due to major changes in their circumstances, such as significant rapid deterioration in their health or the loss of informal carer support? Will the already protracted waiting times for assessment and reassessment blow out further? Will the new (very welcome) palliative care and restorative funding streams be accessible quickly enough to maximise their benefit? Given the 10% cap on the cost of care partnering, will this funding be sufficient to deal with the intensity of partnering support required by many older people, especially those with poor cognition or those lacking family assistance? How will the tiered financial contribution requirements for Everyday Living and Independence play out in practice given that many existing services involve a range of tasks which may cover elements of multiple contribution levels? Will Support at Home and other changes being introduced at the same time further drive up the already high unavoidable costs of administration for aged care providers? Will the program be affordable in the long run for both older people and the community? Will Support at Home open the door to corrupt practices and targeting by organised crime as has happened with the NDIS? What will the unwelcome, unintended consequences of Support at Home be? #CouncilOfEldersAgedCare #supportathome #agedcare #homecare #AgedCareRoyalCommission #agedcarereform #ACCPA #AnikaWells #cota #paulsadler

Caregiving for a loved one is among the most demanding, challenging, and rewarding human activities. Although children are commonly thought of as the recipients of care – rather than the givers – children all over the world participate actively in caregiving every day. The US does yet not have formal policies or support systems in place for these young people as we do for adult caregivers. Furthermore, schools do not typically identify or provide support for Caregiving Youth, which puts them at risk for academic, social, and emotional challenges. In the UK, the rights of “young carers” are recognized and upheld by national governments, caregiving advocacy groups, health care services, and schools. The United States needs to do the same. #CaregivingYouth #YoungCaregivers #KidsAreCaregiversToo #YoungCarers *** Image Credit CNN Top Ten Heroes 2012.

How Can We Help Seniors Living Alone?🏡 According to the Ministry of Health (Singapore) 2023, many seniors are choosing to live independently, but this newfound freedom can come with significant challenges. Everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and managing medications can become daunting obstacles for those living alone. It’s crucial for us as a community to recognize these difficulties and offer support where it’s needed most. Whether it’s through regular check-ins, community programs, or simply being there to lend a helping hand, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Let’s come together to ensure that our seniors can live comfortably and safely in their own homes. #SeniorCare #CommunitySupport #MOH2023 #AgeingWell #CaregiverSupport #SGassist #CareConnect #CareForCaregiversMovement #FamilyCarePlanning #CaregivingJourney #EmpowerSeniors #SeniorVolunteerism #PurposefulLiving #CommunityBuilders #SilverAmbassadors #CommunityCare

Earlier this year, an independent taskforce made 23 recommendations to save aged care in Australia so that everyone can age with dignity. In less than a week, the Federal Government will decide whether it will put these common-sense proposals into the Budget - and for the Opposition to support them too. These recommendations – including asking those who can to make a small contribution to their accommodation costs – are fair and reasonable. It will mean the difference between an aged care system where all older Australians receive high quality care, whatever their income, and an under-funded system that condemns our parents and grandparents to lower standards, less choice, and poorer outcomes. This is the chance to get aged care right, for all of us. #agedcare

When a well paid person like Kate Garraway can not afford the care for her husband where does that leave the rest of the population. Her statements describe the atrocious state of our care systems perfectly. The NHS funds some people with long-term complex health needs. The criteria to qualify for free social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS makes it nearly impossible for most people to get it. In fact the more complex the needs I would even suggest the harder it is, usually because families have had to take the terrible decision to put their loved ones onto paid for care provision. At this point it is normally deemed that needs are being met and therefore they don't qualify. When will we start to see the need to offer better and more appropriate care and rehabilitation? #continuinghealthcarefunding #kategarraway #derekdraper #disabilityrights #NHS https://lnkd.in/dTvs5Ri2

Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) is committed to advocating for the rights and safety of the elderly and vulnerable individuals within care settings and provides crucial support to numerous families navigating complex and often distressing situations. These efforts have been particularly focused on addressing the challenges faced by families when care needs change or concerns are not addressed sufficiently. During this period, CCFTV has observed a concerning trend of increased evictions from care homes, often triggered by changes in the care needs of residents. These issues of notice served can have a significant emotional and financial impact on families, who are often left without clear guidance or adequate support. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in complaints related to unresolved care concerns, highlighting systemic issues within some care environments. CCFTV continues to provide a voice for families and vulnerable residents, advocating for transparency, safety, and quality of care. Through our work, aim to ensure that the concerns of families are heard, addressed, and resolved in a manner that prioritises their loved one’s dignity and well-being. https://lnkd.in/eiRXQdW2 #FamiliySupport #CCFTV #CareHomes #CareProviders #TransparencyInCare