Aged Care Updates and Media

Latest Updates

Aged Care Update November 25 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement
Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Aged Care Bill - After its introduction to the Parliament on 12 September, The Aged Care Bill 2024 was referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee.  Following their inquiry, which involved live and written consultation, of which OTA contributed a submission, the Committee have recommended that the Bill be passed through Parliament and for the Support at Home program to commence in July 2025. The Bill has been passed through the lower house and the Senate with amendments and has been sent back to lower house for final approval.
• Consultation on Aged Care Act Rules - the draft rules outlining the care and services were released as Stage 1 of the consultation.  OTA provided a submission  and called for greater clarity around the definition of clinical care and allied health services. Stage 2 of the release has commenced with Stage 2a rules containing the draft rules for Chapter 4 of the Aged Care Bill which relates to the funding of Support at Home.  OTA are reviewing these rules and considering a response. The Department have also released a timeframe for consultation on the rules, an Aged Care Reform roadmap and new materials explaining the proposed aged care reforms.
• National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) – Professional Practice Advisor for Aged Care Christina Wyatt attended the NACA meeting in Adelaide on 21-22 November.  Of note was a presentation provided by Professor Jennifer Tieman and Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates on End of Life Directives for Aged Care (ELDAC) discussing palliative care services under the new End of Life pathway. Attendees also heard from representatives from the Department of Health and Aged Care Erika Barnett, /g Assistant Secretary Support at Home Implementation Team, on the Support at Home Program and Robert Day, Assistant Secretary, Harmonisation & Regulatory Strategy, on the regulatory model, both scheduled to commence from 1 July 2025.

• Erika Barnett, A/g Assistant Secretary Support at Home Implementation Team (speaking in image 1) and Robert Day (speaking in image 2), Assistant Secretary, Harmonisation & Regulatory Strategy.
• IHACPA Support at Home Service List Pricing Consultation - IHACPA released a consultation paper on their proposed pricing approach for the support at home service list which you can read here. OTA have provided a submission
  to IHACPA highlighting several concerns with price setting allied health using inadequate data and the importance of pricing that reflects the true cost of service delivery whether that be direct or indirectly delivered.  Professional Practice Advisor for Aged Care Christina Wyatt also attended a meeting with IHACPA CEO Michael Pervan and his team with AHPA Senior Policy Manager Dr Chris Atmore to discuss the ‘on the ground’ considerations when pricing for allied health services for home based aged care.
• Consultation on AT HM Program - On Nov 7 OTA’s Christina Wyatt and Debra Parnell met with DoHAC representatives on the new AT HM scheme under Support at Home, along with AHPA and other AH Professional reps. Several issues were raised about the details of the AT HM Scheme as outlined in the Aged Care Bill and Services List, including the amounts allocated under the three tiers for AT, and the $15,000 life- time cap for HM. DoHAC representatives advised that the tiered funding cited in the rules are indicative funding levels determined by the Integrated Assessment Tool and additional funding for AT can be requested with the provision of evidence of need.  It was clarified that the Home Modifications top tier funding of $15,000 is a lifetime cap and additional funding cannot be sought above this cap.
• Young people in Nursing Home Alliance - OTA met with members of the Young People in Nursing Home Alliance to discuss the current legislative provisions around people under 65 using residential aged care, and the ongoing issues being faced by people living with progressive neurological conditions entering aged care and being exited from the NDIS. The Alliance have agreed to provide some key messages that debunk many of the current myths around NDIS funding for people over 65 to support OT’s and their clients in these circumstances and will continue to collaborate on ways to build awareness and advocacy opportunities.
• Consultation with Office of Inspector General of Aged Care - Professional Practice Advisor Christina Wyatt was invited to speak with the office of the Inspector General of Aged Care to discuss approaches to ensure they have a truly broad representation of older people in their ongoing consultations. Christina provided some insights around the need to liaise with people living with complex social, financial and housing situations in addition to the other minority groups already identified by the Inspector General’s Office.  A permanent Inspector General of Aged Care was announced in October - Natalie Siegel-Brown will take over from the Acting Inspector-General, Ian Yates AM, in January 2025.
• National Aged and Community Care Providers Conference - OTA attended the National ACCPA conference on from 23-25 October.  OTA hosted a booth where we had a lot of interest from providers and suppliers.  OTA offered a range of resources detailing the role of OTs in aged care and information about the new Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People – you can find these resources on OTAs Working with Older People practice page.   Our Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care Christina Wyatt also presented on a model of care to better embed allied health into residential aged care on the final day of the conference in the Community and Allied Health stream.  The presentation was based on work developed by a small sub-group of the AHPA Aged Care Working Group.  You can read about this model by clicking here.

Webinar on in-home aged care update
The Department will be hosting a webinar providing updates to the incoming changes for home based aged care on Thursday 5 Dec 2024 2:00 pm to 3:30pm. The webinar will focus on the single assessment system, the assistive technology and home modifications scheme for Support at Home and other changes related to phase 1 implementation of Support at Home program from 1 July 2025.

To find out more and to register to attend click here.

Webinar and new resources on Allied Health Quality Indicator
Following the recent announcement by the Federal Aged Care Minister, The Hon Anika Wells, of the introduction of three new staffing quality indicators in residential aged care, including one focussing on allied health, the Department have released resources supporting implementation.  The resources for the new allied health quality indicator can be found here with one focussing on the part of the indicator relating to allied health care minutes, with another focussing on the data around recommended allied health services received.  There are also quick reference guides available and fact sheets with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission releasing this article on the new indicators.

The department are also hosting a webinar on the new staffing quality indicators on Tuesday 3 December 2 – 3 pm AEDT.  To register to attend click here.

Aged Care Transition Taskforce
The Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Anika Wells has recently announced her plans to create a Aged Care Transition Taskforce to support the sector in preparing and adopting the new Aged are Act from 1 July 2025.  The taskforce will be chaired by the current chair of the Council of Elders and member of the National Aged Care Advisory Committee Anne Burgess AM.   Details are pending regarding the start date of the taskforce or who will be involved but it has been reported that representatives from consumer advocates, providers, technology specialists, primary and clinical care will be invited alongside Department and Commission representatives.

Environmental Modifications – capability framework workshops
OTA are continuing their work to develop a suite of Capability Frameworks to support occupational therapy practice. Relevant to Aged Care, work is currently underway to create Capability Frameworks for occupational therapists working with Assistive Technology and Environmental Modifications.

Workshops have been scheduled to conduct broad professional consultation on the proposed domains and capabilities for the new frameworks.  At the time of publication, the workshops on Assistive Technology will have been completed, however the workshops for the environmental modifications framework will still be available:

Environmental Modifications Workshop 1: Monday 25 November 11:30 – 1pm AEDT

Environmental Modifications Workshop 2: Tuesday 26 November 4 – 5:30pm AEDT

OTA are inviting all OTs, including non-members, to register to attend the workshops and to share their feedback via this link.  In March 2025 we will provide another opportunity to provide your feedback on the draft frameworks via an online survey.

Environmental Modifications - consultation on proposed lifetime cap for Support at Home.
The Department recently released information about the tiers of funding available for home modifications under the new Support at Home Program.  The funding is available in three tiers with low capped at $500, medium capped at $2,000 and high capped $15,000.  There is a lifetime cap of $15,000 for home modifications for people using this scheme.

OTA have meet with members of the Support at Home AT HM program to express our concern around this and are meeting again with the team to explore this situation further.  OTA have also written to the Federal Aged Care Minister, Hon Anika Wells, expressing our concern and calling on the government to revisit the funding caps.

Home Modifications Australia have expressed their concern at this lifetime cap and are seeking feedback from clinicians and other people involved in home modifications to understand the impact this cap may have on access to home modifications and health/wellbeing outcomes for older Australians.

To participate in the Home Modifications Australia survey on the lifetime funding cap, click here.

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission blog post on Role of OT in improving mealtimes
OTA and some of our members have been collaborating with clinicians from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Food Nutrition and Dining Team to help build awareness of the role of OT in improving mealtimes.  For OT week, the Commission released a blog post on their website for providers considering the role of OT in mealtimes.  This article was written in collaboration with clinicians supporting mealtimes in residential aged care and supports best practice evidence that shows multidisciplinary approaches in residential aged care achieve best outcomes for older people.

To read the blog, click here.

Change of name from myGovID to myID
The digital ID app myGovID is changing its name to myID.  The app will still allow those with the relevant access to securely log into government services online including Government Provider Management System (GPMS), The Aged Care Gateway and the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal.

To find out more click here.

Home Care Packages Provider Manual update and resources
Following a webinar hosted by the Department and feedback to the office of the Minister of Aged Care, the Home Care Packages Program Operational Manual has been updated.  This revised version provides greater clarification on inclusions and exclusions across the program and compliments a factsheet
recently released by the Department.

To read a summary of the changes click here.

Survey on healthy ageing multidisciplinary services in primary care
Researchers at Flinders University are seeking Occupational Therapists (and other allied health professionals) to complete a survey about multidisciplinary care in primary care to support healthy ageing to adults. The study will explore the role, gaps and opportunities for optimising multidisciplinary care delivered within primary care settings to promote healthy ageing for adults aged 40 years and above in Australia. If you are an Occupational Therapist working in Australia with clients aged 40 years and above to support healthy ageing in community or primary care settings, please complete this survey by clicking here or using the below QR code.

OTA CPD Offerings
Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications. 

This workshop will cover: 

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles 
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements 
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation 
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design 

Date: 30 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS 

Click here to register.

Practice Spotlights
Occupational Therapy Essentials When Assessing Functional Cognition in Older Adults
This session offers an in-depth look at assessment approaches, from selecting the right tools to understanding environmental and contextual impacts. Attendees will gain practical insights through case examples, top tips, and guidance on gathering and using assessment data effectively.

Date: Wednesday 4 December
Time: 3-5pm AEDT
Location: Online (live webinar format)
Presenters: Jacki Wesson & Katya Numbers

Click here to register.

Therapeutic Goal Setting: How to Explore Hope and Aspirations While Creating SMART Goals.
This session will equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to support individuals set aspirational goals that inspire hope, while also breaking them down into SMART goals required by organisations or funding bodies.

Date: Monday 2 December
Time: 12-1.30pm AEDT
Location: Online (live webinar format)
Presenters: Nadine Holgate
Area of Practice: All areas of practice

Click here to register.

Reclaim Your Energy – Burnout Recovery Strategies
This session will support participants to develop practical skills and strategies to manage and prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. Recognising, addressing and managing burnout are important to having balance in your life, job satisfaction and career longevity. Hear from occupational therapist, Nicole de la Perrelle as she shares her experience of how she has done just that. 

Date: 22 November
Time: 12:00 VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS |11:30 noon SA |11:00 am QLD |10:30 am NT |9:00 am WA
Presenter: Nicole de la Perrelle
Area of Practice: All areas of practice

Click here to register.

Library Resources
NEW: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practice for Aged Care Services Course
OTA are pleased to partner with ACON, Australia’s largest health organisation specialising in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders (LGBTQ+ people) to bring you this course.

This on-demand eLearning is designed for people working with LGBTQ+ older adults to learn more about this community, their health needs and inclusive care strategies. The training covers a range of areas to increase your knowledge and confidence in working effectively and respectfully with LGBTQ+ older adults. 

Click here to register. 

Pain science and pain management over the lifespan: Adult and Geriatric pain management.
In this online recorded webinar, participants will build an understanding on the impact of pain on cognition, affective states and physical capacity and equip participants with skills to assess pain and explore pain management strategies in adults across different life stages and transitions.

Click here to learn more.

Narrative Storytelling: Facilitating Positive Identity Growth
In this recorded webinar approaches to narrative storytelling will be explored, including practical strategies to integrate storytelling into clinical practice. The session will also outline the accessibility of storytelling with people with cognitive and communication challenges.

Click here to learn more.

OTA Supervision Program
OTA has developed this powerful new learning Program to train OT's to become confident Supervisors of others. Over six modules, each with their own set of learning objectives, clinicians will gain the tools necessary to be a competent and effective supervisors, supporting others and expanding their experiences.

Click here to learn more and enrol. 

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules 
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.  

Click here to learn more and enrol.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb 
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers. 

Click here to register.

Aged Care Update October 22 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement

Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Aged Care Bill - After its introduction to the Parliament on 12 September, The Aged Care Bill 2024 was referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry with its report due by the end of October. OTA has made a submission
  to the Committee, reiterating some of our concerns identified in our submission on the Draft Exposure Act, including:
• Inclusion of reablement as a key aspect of aged care
• Ensuring the Statement of Rights are enforceable
• Ensuring High-Quality Care is more than an aspirational benchmark
• Ensuring needs-based assessments are undertaken by qualified clinicians
• Defining clinical care to ensure the full scope of allied health is provided in accordance with assessed need.
• While we acknowledge that some of these issues will be addressed through subordinate legislation or the rules, we are concerned that excluding them from the primary legislation may weaken the Act, compromise the ability to achieve the best outcomes for older Australians needing aged care services, and miss the opportunity to fully implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
• IHACPA Support at Home Service List Pricing Consultation
  - OTA will be creating a submission to IHACPA who are reviewing the pricing for the proposed service list for the new Support at Home Program. IHACPA released a consultation paper on their proposed pricing approach for the support at home service list which you can read here. In our submission, OTA hope to highlight several concerns related to the process IHACPA have set out namely the lack of suitable pricing benchmarks and the lack of data for allied health on cost and service delivery across the current home based aged care programs and the implications this may have for accurate pricing. Submissions close on 25 October.
• Consultation on Aged Care Act Rules - The Department of Health and Aged Care has commenced its consultation with the sector on some of Rules that will be made under the new Act. Stage 1 of the release is the draft rules outlining the care and services that will be available under the new laws. Feedback can be submitted here with submissions closing 31 October 2024.
• Stage 2 of the release contains the draft rules for Chapter 4 of the Aged Care Bill which relates to the funding of age care services. An overview
  of the draft rules is currently available with the full rules due to be released shortly with corresponding opportunity for consultation.
• Release of new aged care staffing quality indicator for allied health – The Hon Minister Anika Wells has confirmed
  that the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program in residential aged care will be expanded to include three new staffing quality indicators – one for enrolled nurses, one for lifestyle assistants and one for allied health. Providers will be expected to start collecting data on these indicators from 1 April 2025 and report on this data every 3 months. Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care Christina Wyatt has been part of the Technical Advisory Group led by the Department developing these new indicators and expanding the QI program into home based aged care. To read more about these indicators click here.
• National Aged and Community Care Providers Conference – OTA will be attending the National ACCPA conference on Wednesday 23-25 October. OTA will host a booth where we will be sharing resources detailing the role of OTs in aged care and information about our new Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People. Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care Christina Wyatt will also be presenting on a model of care to embed allied health into residential aged care on the final day of the conference in the Community and Allied Health stream.

Support a Home Program service list and handbook released

The Department of Health and Aged Care have recently released the service list available through the new Support at Home Program. From 1 July 2025, Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) and Home Care Package program recipients will roll into the new Support at Home Program. The services available under the new program can be found here, along with the Support at Home Program handbook
outlining the details of the new program from 1 July 2025.

Map of Regional Assessment Services

The Department have recently released an interactive map where you can search for Regional Assessment Services across Australia. The map is broken up by Aged Care Planning Region (ACPR) and you can search for assessments services by typing in an address or a postcode.

To use the map click here.

Dementia Guidelines Webinar

Monash University have been funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care to update the Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for People with Dementia. To introduce the project team and outline their plans for the review the will be hosting a public consultation webinar on Thursday 24 October 4:00 – 5:00pm AEDT. To find out more and register to attend click here.

KeepAble wellness and reablement hub seeking feedback

KeepAble is a digital platform that supplies free evidence-based resources with a focus on wellness and reablement. This initiative is part of the Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy and is aimed at encouraging independence and healthy ageing across the Commonwealth funded home based aged care programs.

Their research team are seeking feedback from people working in the aged care sector via brief interviews with participants receiving a thankyou $50 voucher to a retailer of their choice.

To register your interest email KeepAble at: keepable@ilaustralia.org.au

Survey on healthy ageing multidisciplinary services in primary care

Researchers at Flinders University are seeking Occupational Therapists (and other allied health professionals) to complete a survey about multidisciplinary care in primary care to support healthy ageing to adults. The study will explore the role, gaps and opportunities for optimising multidisciplinary care delivered within primary care settings to promote healthy ageing for adults aged 40 years and above in Australia. If you are an Occupational Therapist working in Australia with clients aged 40 years and above to support healthy ageing in community or primary care settings, please complete this survey by clicking here or using the below QR code.

OTA CPD Offerings

How to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measures in occupational therapy practice (Community Living Older Adults – Home Safety)

Join us for this 2 -part interactive online workshop series presented by Dr Bess Fowler that will provide you with the tools to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measure for your clinical practice.  The series will include a project that you will complete in your own time between workshops to support consolidation of your learning from the first workshop.   

Date:

Workshop 1: 06 November 2024

1:00pm NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm SA | 12.30pm NT | 11:00am WA |

Workshop 2: 04 December 2024

1:00pm NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm SA | 12.30pm NT | 11:00am WA |

Presenters: Dr Bess Fowler

Area of Practice: Older Adult Care

Click here to register

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics

This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 15-16 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register

Complex Home Modifications

This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 30 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register

Practice Spotlights

Reclaim Your Energy – Burnout Recovery Strategies

This session will support participants to develop practical skills and strategies to manage and prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. Recognising, addressing and managing burnout are important to having balance in your life, job satisfaction and career longevity. Hear from occupational therapist, Nicole de la Perrelle as she shares her experience of how she has done just that.

Date: 22 November
Time: 12:00 VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS |11:30 noon SA |11:00 am QLD |10:30 am NT |9:00 am WA

Presenter: Nicole de la Perrelle
Area of Practice: All areas of practice

Click here to register

Collective Power: Planning Effective Group Interventions

This Practice Spotlight will provide participants with an understanding of the role of group work in Occupational Therapy, and how group-based interventions can enhance occupational performance across a range of contexts. Participants will be given an overview of the key considerations for planning and marketing a group intervention within their setting, hear from experienced group clinicians about some common pitfalls of group planning, and learn tips and techniques for increasing the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of running group-based interventions.

Date: 14 November
Time: 12:30 pm VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS |12 noon SA |11:30 am QLD |11:00 am NT |9:30 am WA

Presenter: Rachel D’Souza, Jo Rouse & Sonya Vargas Stagg
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register

Library Resources

NEW: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practice for Aged Care Services Course

OTA are pleased to partner with ACON, Australia’s largest health organisation specialising in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders (LGBTQ+ people) to bring you this course.

This on-demand eLearning is designed for people working with LGBTQ+ older adults to learn more about this community, their health needs and inclusive care strategies. The training covers a range of areas to increase your knowledge and confidence in working effectively and respectfully with LGBTQ+ older adults. 

Click here to register

Pain science and pain management over the lifespan: Adult and Geriatric pain management.

In this online recorded webinar, participants will build an understanding on the impact of pain on cognition, affective states and physical capacity and equip participants with skills to assess pain and explore pain management strategies in adults across different life stages and transitions.

Click here to learn more.

Narrative Storytelling: Facilitating Positive Identity Growth

In this recorded webinar approaches to narrative storytelling will be explored, including practical strategies to integrate storytelling into clinical practice. The session will also outline the accessibility of storytelling with people with cognitive and communication challenges.

Click here to learn more.

OTA Supervision Program

OTA has developed this powerful new learning Program to train OT's to become confident Supervisors of others. Over six modules, each with their own set of learning objectives, clinicians will gain the tools necessary to be a competent and effective supervisors, supporting others and expanding their experiences.

Click here to learn more and enrol.

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules

Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb

This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice

This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register

Aged Care Update September 24 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement
Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Aged Care Bill - OTA welcomes the introduction of the new Aged Care Bill to Parliament on Thursday 12 September. The new Act is expected to commence from 1 July 2025 and highlights an intention for:
  • Government to pay 100 per cent of clinical care costs in residential aged care and Support at Home.
  • up to $15,000 available for home modifications under the new Support at Home Program and dedicated funding for the prescription of aids and equipment
  • expanded access to allied health services and restorative support in the new Support at Home program.
  • Increased funds available to people requiring substantial care to remain at home.
• In addition to introducing the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament, the Government released its response to the Aged Care Taskforce with commitment of $5.6 billion investment and reform
• OTA has made numerous submissions related to the new Aged Care Act and its regulation and we will continue to work with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that older people receive the OT services that address their needs and enable them to live as independently as possible.
• Aged Care Digital Strategy – OTA recently reported plans announced by the Government to pilot Virtual Reality and other technologies with occupational therapists as part of their Aged Care Digital and Data strategy. OTA met with members of the Digital Strategy and Investment Branch and Independent Living Australia (ILA) who have been commissioned to complete the pilot on Thursday 19 September. ILA are collaborating with occupatoianl therapist in the field to support the design of two new projects – one considering the use of an AI driven app that can use content gathered from the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) and from conversations between a care manager and an older person to design a restorative care plan. The second project is considering the use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality to support frontline workers visiting older people in their homes to provide advice on low cost items that may support independence. Again, this work is involving occupational therapists in the design stages. OTA will continue to collaborate with ILA and the DoHAC on the outcomes of the project design and pilot stages and provide updates accordingly.
• IHACPA Residential Aged Care Pricing Consultation
  - OTA will be supporting AHPA in a submission to IHACPA who are reviewing the pricing for residential aged care services funded through AN-ACC funding. Consultation closes on Friday 20 September.

Study on perceptions of allied health role in palliative, end of life care
Researchers at the Flinders University are inviting allied health clinicians and tertiary educators in dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech pathology with experience in aged and palliative to participate in a new study. The study aims to explore perceptions and experiences of allied health roles in palliative, end of life care. Participants will be asked to undertake a 30-45 minute online interview via Microsoft Teams and will receive a $25 gift card for their involvement. To find out more about the study and to register your interest, use the QR code below.

Survey on healthy ageing multidisciplinary services in primary care
Researchers at Flinders University are seeking Occupational Therapists (and other allied health professionals) to complete a survey about multidisciplinary care in primary care to support healthy ageing to adults. The study will explore the role, gaps and opportunities for optimising multidisciplinary care delivered within primary care settings to promote healthy ageing for adults aged 40 years and above in Australia. If you are an Occupational Therapist working in Australia with clients aged 40 years and above to support healthy ageing in community or primary care settings, please complete this survey by clicking here or using the below QR code.

New Palliative Care resource for people living with an intellectual disability
The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have released new resources and a tool kit to support a tailored model of care for people living with an intellectual disability receiving palliative care. The resources are available to support health professionals and those living with an intellectual disability and their supporters.

The resources are free and available to download online. To find out more click here.

2023 Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey report
Findings from the 2023 Aged Care Provider Workforce Survey was released on 27 August. The report details the staff employed in the aged care sector during 2023 with specific details about the allied health workforce namely:

• Allied health professionals constituted 5% (21,600) of the direct care workforce
• 60% of those delivering direct care were permanently employed (10,900), 18% were subcontracted or agency staff (3,300), 9% were casual/fixed term contractors (1,700) and 12% were employed in other ways, including independent contractors (2,240).

To read more from the reports findings, click here.

New training to support trauma informed practice in aged care
A new five-part course has been developed by Helping Hand and Relationships Australia to support trauma informed approaches and conversations in aged care. The program covers a range of topics like past abuse and neglect, traumatic events, family conflict, grief and loss and other important areas that may lead to trauma with the aim of equipping staff with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate such sensitive topics should they arise. The training also supports staff to understand how they can provide ongoing support and care from a trauma aware and healing informed perspective.

To find out more about the training, click here

New Care Standard for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care have developed national Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Clinical Care Standards.

With COPD affecting so many Australians over the age of 40 (one in 13) these Standards aim to reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life for people living with COPD by ensuring accurate diagnosis and best-practice management in both community and hospital settings.

To launch these new standards, a webcast will be held on Thursday 17 October 2024 12-1pm AEDT.

To find out more click here.

OTA CPD Offerings

NEW - Exploring complex systems theory in managing pain with an OT lens – two-part online workshop series
This two-part series is designed to deepen your understanding of complex systems theory and its application to managing pain, applicable to a variety of clinical settings and across the lifespan. The sessions will not only introduce the concept of complex systems theory but consider the application to OT models and how it supports self-management approaches for chronic conditions.

Date: Monday 30 September and Monday 28 October
Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm AEST
Click here to register – Early bird closes 2 September.

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
This full day workshop will give you the skills to use Motivational Interviewing in your clinical practice. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that gives OTs strategies and skills to support their clients to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing is particularly useful for supporting client ambivalence, relapsing conditions, lack of importance, confidence, and readiness to change, and discord between client and therapist.

Motivational Interviewing has a strong evidence base for use across a wide range of areas including mental health, substance use disorders, physical health addressing exercise, diet, pain management, diabetes, oral health, and within education, employment, and correctional services.

This workshop is suitable for OTs at any stage of their career.

For those who attend this course in Melbourne there will be a follow up online 90 minute workshop on 4th October as a check-in on how you are going implementing Motivational Interviewing into your practice, opportunity to ask any questions you may have and consolidate your learning.

Michelle Taylor will be your course trainer, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience in using Motivational Interviewing in practice as well as in providing training and developing models of practice that use MI.

Date: 11 October 2024
Location: Zoom webinar
Time: 8:30 – 4:30 AEST
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 22 September.

Care of People with Dementia in their Environment “COPE” Program
This online interactive workshop of the COPE Program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to undertake comprehensive assessment of the person with dementia, care and environment to enhance the lives or people with dementia.

Dates: 30 & 31 October
Time: 9am-5pm AEST
Location: Online
Click here to register – Early bird closes 22 September.

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 15-16 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register – Early bird closes 6 October.

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 30 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 20 October

Practice Spotlights

Collective Power: Planning Effective Group Interventions
This Practice Spotlight will provide participants with an understanding of the role of group work in Occupational Therapy, and how group-based interventions can enhance occupational performance across a range of contexts. Participants will be given an overview of the key considerations for planning and marketing a group intervention within their setting, hear from experienced group clinicians about some common pitfalls of group planning, and learn tips and techniques for increasing the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of running group-based interventions.

Date: 14 November
Time: 12:30 pm VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS |12 noon SA |11:30 am QLD |11:00 am NT |9:30 am WA
Presenter: Rachel D’Souza, Jo Rouse & Sonya Vargas Stagg
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 20 October

Library Resources

NEW: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practice for Aged Care Services Course
OTA are pleased to partner with ACON, Australia’s largest health organisation specialising in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders (LGBTQ+ people) to bring you this course.

This on-demand eLearning is designed for people working with LGBTQ+ older adults to learn more about this community, their health needs and inclusive care strategies. The training covers a range of areas to increase your knowledge and confidence in working effectively and respectfully with LGBTQ+ older adults. 

Click here to register.

Pain science and pain management over the lifespan: Adult and Geriatric pain management.

In this online recorded webinar, participants will build an understanding on the impact of pain on cognition, affective states and physical capacity and equip participants with skills to assess pain and explore pain management strategies in adults across different life stages and transitions.

Click here to learn more.

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules

Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb

This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice

This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register.

Aged Care Update August 27 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement
Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

1. Meetings with Parliamentarians - Christina Wyatt, Professional Practice Advisor of Aged Care for Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), was invited by Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) as a key member of the AHPA Aged Care Working Group to attend several meetings at Parliament House on Wednesday 14 August. The meetings were an opportunity to discuss a model of care that embeds allied health into residential aged care, a product developed by members of AHPA Aged Care Working Group including OTA. Meetings were held with Dr Mike Freelander, Co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Aged Care and Chair of Standing Committee for Health and Aged Care, Helen Haines, Independent Federal Minister for Indi, shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Ruston's advisor Holly Crothers and the Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport Hon Minister Anika Wells' advisor Summer Brady. The discussions highlighted the current allied health access and clinical care issues being experienced by residents of aged care facilities. In each meeting there was positive sentiments and acknowledgement of the value allied health bring in residential aged care and the need for more to be done. AHPA aims to pursue these conversations further with these and other Parliamentarians to build the awareness and commitment for greater allied health access.
2. National Aged Care Alliance - Debra Parnell, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, and Christina Wyatt, Professional Practice Advisor for Aged Care attended the National Aged Care Alliance in Canberra on Thursday and Friday 14-15 August. There were several speakers who attended including Ged Kearney, MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Rebekah Sharkie MP, Co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Aged Care, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson on Aged Care, and Representatives from the Department of Health and Aged Care. There was strong support for introduction of the new Aged Care Act as soon as possible, and for the Human Rights approach of the Act, and needs based assessment to ensure people in aged care received the services they need. It was particularly pleasing to hear the recognition of the importance of allied health in aged care, and the need to address the reduction in the provision of allied health in residential aged care.
3. Parliamentary Friends of Aged Care event - Debra Parnell, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor, and Christina Wyatt, Professional Practice Advisor for Aged Care were joined by aged care advocates, consumers and providers at an event hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Aged Care in collaboration with COTA and OPAN, and Maggie Beer Foundation. The event focussed on the work of Maggie Beer and her allied health team in the recent ABC TV show Maggie’s Big Mission. A panel of consumers, advocacy groups and Maggie shared their views on how a human rights approach, as called on by the draft Aged Care Act, can ensure better nutrition and dining experiences for older people living in residential aged care. Newly appointed Minister for Older People, Kate Thwaites, spoke of her role in taking a wholistic approach to older people and the issues impacting on them.
4. Aged Care Quality and Safey Commission – Christina Wyatt, along with Policy and Advocacy Senior Advisor for AHPA, met with Anthony Speed Executive Director, Quality Assessment and Monitoring and Tim O’Mahoney, Senior Director, Intelligence and Analysis at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to discuss the revised Quality Standards and the work underway to build a new allied health quality indicator. We highlighted the lack of clear reference to allied health across the standards and indicators presently and the importance of these quality systems to embed existing evidence based best practice that includes allied health services.

^{Members of the AHPA Aged Care Working Group with Rebekha Sharkie, MP (centre) at NACA}

^{Christina Wyatt and Senator Penny Allman-Payne at NACA}

^{Mirjana Jovetic, Minister Helen Haines and Christina Wyatt}

^{Kym Torresi (Speech Pathology Association), Chris Atmore (AHPA), Tammy Tyrrell, MP Christina Wyatt, Mirjana Jovetic (Australian Physiotherapy Association) at OPAN Parliamentary Friends of Aged Care event}

Media on Capability framework for occupational therapists working with Older People
OTA’s new Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People has been profiled in Aged Care Media highlighting it’s value for both OT professionals and aged care providers.

The articles, profiled in Australian Ageing Agenda and in Hello Care, describe how providers of aged care services can use the frameworks to better understand the scope of occupational therapy practice to support increased workforce capability, build compliance and support optimal clinical care.

To read the articles click links below:

Australian Ageing Agenda: Resource details OT for aged care
Hello Care: Occupational Therapy Framework underpins renewed allied health focus

Survey on healthy ageing multidisciplinary services in primary care
Researchers at Flinders University are seeking Occupational Therapists (and other allied health professionals) to complete a survey about multidisciplinary care in primary care to support healthy ageing to adults. The study will explore the role, gaps and opportunities for optimising multidisciplinary care delivered within primary care settings to promote healthy ageing for adults aged 40 years and above in Australia. If you are an Occupational Therapist working in Australia with clients aged 40 years and above to support healthy ageing in community or primary care settings, please complete this survey by clicking here or using the below QR code.

Changes to Aged Care funding categories on OTA ‘Find an OT’
OTA have recently made some changes to the Find an OT feature on our website for OTs delivering aged care services.

Those currently registered under ‘Aged Care Practice’ would have previously selected 'Aged Care Funding' on the funding scheme tab. This option listed both Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages program (HCP) funding together.

Based on member feedback, we have split the Aged Care Funding option into the two current home based aged care funding programs. The options now are Aged Care (Commonwealth Home Support Program) and Aged Care (Home Care Packages).

We encourage you to log onto the OTA website and update your details to reflect the funding scheme/s that you operate under. You can select both or just one.

To do this go to ‘https://otaus.com.au/mydetails’ and click on ‘Update Details’ to change accordingly.

If you have any issues please reach out to the Professional Practice Team.

New End of Life Law training for clinicians
End of Life Law for Clinicians (ELLC) has updated its free online training program about end of life law. The updated modules cover topics like the role of law in end of life, substitute decision making for medical treatment, and voluntary assisted dying with new modules included on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and diverse health populations.

To find out more click here.

New webinar on End of Life Conversations in Aged Care
End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) are hosting a webinar on why it’s important to have end of life conversations with older people and their family members. This free webinar, scheduled for 11 September 11:30 AEST, will explore how new resources developed by ELDAC are available to build people’s confidence in having these important conversations. There will also be the opportunity to evaluate how these resources can make a difference.

To find out more, click here.

Mental health webinar series: Episode 4 Mental health presentations in persons with dementia
The Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care at La Trobe University will be hosting their fourth in a series of five free webinars in their 2024 National Mental Health Webinar Series

This webinar, convened by Professor Joseph Ibrahim, addresses mental health presentations in persons with dementia. It includes a panel discussion with subject matter experts A/Prof Stephen Macfarlane Head of Clinical Services, The Dementia Centre, HammondCare, Carolyn Kirby, Dr Christine While and occupational therapist A/Prof Sanetta Dutoit from The University of Sydney.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday 4 May, from 1-2 pm AEST and are designed for aged care staff, nurses, facility managers, allied health staff and medical practitioners.

For more information about the series or to register to attend click here.

National Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program
Anglicare has developed free online suicide prevention training workshops to equip those working with older people with the knowledge to help prevent suicide

The course runs for 3 hours and provides information on how to identify the signs of suicide, tips on how to speak with older people about suicide and guidance on how to refer for professional support.

To find out more, email Anglicare at suicide.prevention@anglicare.org.au or click here.

CPD
NEW - Hot Topic: Optimising the mealtime experience for older adults: The role of OT and the multi-D team.
Hear from Elizabeth Oliver, occupational therapist and care change consultant with Maggie Beer on ABC TVs recent show Maggie’s Big Mission [you can watch the show by clicking here]. Elizabeth will explore the role of the OT in the mealtime experience and how this correlates with our knowledge of ageing and other complications faced by older people.

Date: Wednesday 11 September
Time: 4:00-6:00pm AEST
Click here to register

NEW - Webinar series: Managing behaviours associated with dementia: The role of OT two-part series
This series will consider the changes faced by many people living with dementia on their psychological wellbeing and their presentation. The discussion will focus on how to identify, assess for changes associated with dementia that may impact a person’s behaviour and psychological wellbeing, and explore strategies to support the development of individualised behaviour support plans for both residential aged care settings, in accordance with mandated requirements, and in home care settings.

Date: Tuesday 17 September and Tuesday 12 November
Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm AEST
Click here to register - Early bird closes 27 August

NEW - Exploring complex systems theory in managing pain with an OT lens – two-part online workshop series
This two-part series is designed to deepen your understanding of complex systems theory and its application to managing pain, applicable to a variety of clinical settings and across the lifespan. The sessions will not only introduce the concept of complex systems theory but consider the application to OT models and how it supports self-management approaches for chronic conditions.

Date: Monday 30 September and Monday 28 October
Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm AEST
Click here to register – Early bird closes 2 September.
 

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
This full day workshop will give you the skills to use Motivational Interviewing in your clinical practice. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that gives OTs strategies and skills to support their clients to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing is particularly useful for supporting client ambivalence, relapsing conditions, lack of importance, confidence, and readiness to change, and discord between client and therapist.

Motivational Interviewing has a strong evidence base for use across a wide range of areas including mental health, substance use disorders, physical health addressing exercise, diet, pain management, diabetes, oral health, and within education, employment, and correctional services.

This workshop is suitable for OTs at any stage of their career.

For those who attend this course in Melbourne there will be a follow up online 90 minute workshop on 4th October as a check-in on how you are going implementing Motivational Interviewing into your practice, opportunity to ask any questions you may have and consolidate your learning.

Michelle Taylor will be your course trainer, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience in using Motivational Interviewing in practice as well as in providing training and developing models of practice that use MI.

Date: 13 September 2024
Location: Zoom webinar
Time: 8:30 – 4:30 AEST
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care

Click here to register

Date: 11 October 2024
Location: Zoom webinar
Time: 8:30 – 4:30 AEST
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care

Click here to register – Early bird closes 22 September.

Care of People with Dementia in their Environment “COPE” Program
This online interactive workshop of the COPE Program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to undertake comprehensive assessment of the person with dementia, care and environment to enhance the lives or people with dementia.

Dates: 30 & 31 October
Time: 9am-5pm AEST
Location: Online

Click here to register – Early bird closes 22 September.

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 13-14 September
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register

Date: 15-16 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register – Early bird closes 6 October.

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 28 September
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register - Early bird closes 25 August

Date: 30 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register - Early bird closes 20 October

Library Resources

NEW: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practice for Aged Care Services Course

OTA are pleased to partner with ACON, Australia’s largest health organisation specialising in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders (LGBTQ+ people) to bring you this course.

This on-demand eLearning is designed for people working with LGBTQ+ older adults to learn more about this community, their health needs and inclusive care strategies. The training covers a range of areas to increase your knowledge and confidence in working effectively and respectfully with LGBTQ+ older adults. 

Click here to register. 

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register.

Aged Care Update 23 July 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement
Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Quality Indicators in Home Based Aged Care – OTA have presented a submission to the Department in response to their consultation paper on their plans to expand the quality indicator program into home based aged care. The submission highlights the need to clearly stipulate the value and role of allied health professionals and specifically occupational therapists when meeting several of the indicators proposed and the need for greater emphasis on measuring referral and utilisation of allied health services delivering evidence based best practice. You can read the submission by clicking here.
• Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) conference - Occupational Therapy Australia’s Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care, Christina Wyatt, attended the Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) conference in Adelaide on 4 and 5 July. With a focus on living well, ageing well and dying well, attendees heard from a range of Australian and International speakers including Interim Inspector of First Nations Aged Care Andrea Kelly, Nat Cook, South Australian Minister for Human Services, Seniors and Ageing well and Hon Annika Wells, Federal Minister for Aged Care. The overwhelming focus on the conference was innovation with speakers talking about environmental design innovations, novel approaches to using digital technology to address social isolation and models of care that integrate virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The Department also announced the release of the new Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024-2029 aiming to better connect the aged care system, support improved clinical and care outcomes and enable older people to be better informed and in control of their care.
• Aged Care Worker Registration -
  OTA welcomes the decision that AHPRA registered health professionals, including OTs, will not be required to undergo the worker screening component of the new registration program. OTA has advocated on this matter in several submissions on the new regulatory framework, and in collaboration with AHPA. To work in a risk-assessed role in aged care under the new system from 1 July 2025, workers will need one of the following:
• an Aged Care Worker Screening Check
• an NDIS Worker Screening Check
• or AHPRA registration

To find out more about the scheme and the requirements click here.

Request for Tender to develop learning modules for Working with Older People Capability Framework
Following the launch of the new Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People at OT Exchange last month in Perth, OTA are now proceeding with the development of learning modules.

A Request for Tender document is now available for parties interested in developing learning modules to support the achievement of foundational skills and capabilities to reflect the current framework.

You can request a copy of the Request for Tender by emailing professionalpracticeadmin@otaus.com.au

To better understand the work undertaken by OTA to build this capability framework, click here.

Changes to Aged Care funding categories on OTA ‘Find an OT’
OTA have recently made some changes to the Find an OT feature on our website for OTs delivering aged care services.

Those currently registered under ‘Aged Care Practice’ would have previously selected 'Aged Care Funding' on the funding scheme tab. This option listed both Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages program (HCP) funding together.

Based on member feedback, we have split the Aged Care Funding option into the two current home based aged care funding programs. The options now are Aged Care (Commonwealth Home Support Program) and Aged Care (Home Care Packages).

We encourage you to log onto the OTA website and update your details to reflect the funding scheme/s that you operate under. You can select both or just one.

To do this go to ‘https://otaus.com.au/mydetails’ and click on ‘Update Details’ to change accordingly.

If you have any issues please reach out to the Professional Practice Team.

Release of Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024 – 2029
The Department have released their first Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy and Action Plan for 2024-2029. The strategy, developed via consultation with various stakeholders including OTA, outlines plans to better improve digital platforms across the sector, address digital literacy needs and improve data collection and utilisation.

Key points of the Action Plan include

• plans to have key data standards related to the national Minimum Data set ensuring standardised reporting in digital systems,
• the sharing of Aged Care Support Plans in My Health Record and
• plans to trial virtual reality with 20 occupational therapists to pilot use of this technology in service delivery.

OTA are engaging with the department to explore their plans around the trial of virtual reality with occupational therapists and offer our support and collaboration with this work.

New Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)
The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) is the new tool for assessing eligibility of older people for government subsidised aged care and was officially introduced on 1 July 2024 replacing the National Aged Care Screening and Assessment Form (NSAF).

The introduction of the IAT coincides with the first phases of implementation of the Single Assessment System. The Single Assessment System will see all people seeking Commonwealth Aged Care funded services being assessed by a single assessment workforce replacing existing Regional Assessment Teams and Aged Care Assessment Teams.

Aged care eligibility requirements or referrals to urgent services remain the same under the IAT.

OTA have lobbied and collaborated extensively with the Department to ensure the IAT tool accurately reflects the occupational therapy needs of older Australians and ensures timely and consistent referral to occupational therapy services.

Recent discussions with the Department suggest that whilst the IAT is now being used, the intention is for this tool to continue to evolve to align in preparation for the new Support at Home Program implementation in 2025.

OTA will continue to collaborate with the Department to ensure this tool supports access to occupational therapy services and correctly classifies older people for the funding and services needed.

To read more about the new Integrated Assessment Tool click here.

New Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines
Following extensive consultation, of which OTA were involved, the Department have released the new National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines. These guidelines outline ways in which residential aged care settings and providers can improve their design to meet the needs of those living and working within them.

The Principles and Guidelines were developed in response to recommendation 45 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and recommend four key principles supported by a series of guidelines and practical checklists:

1. Enable the Person
2. Cultivate a Home
3. Access the Outdoors
4. Connect with Community

To read a copy of the guidelines click here.

Revised CHSP Manual for 2024-25
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Manual has been revised for the 2024-25 period.

Several changes have been made which you can read a summary of here. Some changes include:

• Updates to existing content about clients needing services that exceed entry level support (section 4.4)
• Updates to existing content about out of scope activities for domestic assistance and home maintenance (section 5.1)
• New content regarding Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (section 5.1)

You can obtain a copy of the updated CHSP Manual 2024-2025 by clicking here.

Webinar on Intergenerational programs
Swinburne University’s Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults will be holding a webinar on intergenerational programs in residential aged care. This free webinar will consider the benefits of intergenerational programs, address changing steortypes of ageing and explore the interaction and understanding achieved through such programs between younger people and older people.

The webinar will be held on Friday 26 July, 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm (AEST).

To register and find out more, click here.

Updates to Services Australia website
Changes have been made to Services Australia’s website too make it easier for health professionals and aged care providers to find and read the information they need and to complete key tasks

New features include updated content and improved navigation and search functions.

To visit the Services Australia site for health professionals click here.

CPD
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
This full day workshop will give you the skills to use Motivational Interviewing in your clinical practice. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that gives OTs strategies and skills to support their clients to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing is particularly useful for supporting client ambivalence, relapsing conditions, lack of importance, confidence, and readiness to change, and discord between client and therapist.

Motivational Interviewing has a strong evidence base for use across a wide range of areas including mental health, substance use disorders, physical health addressing exercise, diet, pain management, diabetes, oral health, and within education, employment, and correctional services.

This workshop is suitable for OTs at any stage of their career.

For those who attend this course in Melbourne there will be a follow up online 90 minute workshop on 4th October as a check-in on how you are going implementing Motivational Interviewing into your practice, opportunity to ask any questions you may have and consolidate your learning.

Michelle Taylor will be your course trainer, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience in using Motivational Interviewing in practice as well as in providing training and developing models of practice that use MI.

Date: 13 September 2024
Location: Zoom webinar
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 25 August.

Date: 11 October 2024
Location: Zoom webinar
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 22 September.

How to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measures in occupational therapy practice (Community Living Older Adults – Home Safety)
Join us for this 2 -part interactive online workshop series presented by Dr Bess Fowler that will provide you with the tools to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measure for your clinical practice. The series will include a project that you will complete in your own time between workshops to support consolidation of your learning from the first workshop.

Date:
Workshop 1: 14 August 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Workshop 2: 18 September 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Presenters: Dr Bess Fowler
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 28 July.

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 19-20 August
Location: Launceston, Tasmania (venue TBC)
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 21 July.

Date: 13-14 September
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 22 August.

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 22 August
Location: Launceston, Tasmania (venue TBC)
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register

Date: 28 September
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 25 August

Oedema: How to identify, assess & manage
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 16-17 August
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel, 28 Albion Street Surrey Hills, NSW, 2010
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register – 30% off May Member Special

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register

Practice Spotlights
OTA is excited to launch a new offering - Practice Spotlights.

Practice Spotlight events will provide opportunities for OTs to increase their knowledge and develop skills across various areas of practice. These sessions will be focused on practical skill development and application to practice.

Suitable for OTs at all stages of their career, Practice Spotlights will provide OTs with valuable opportunities to learn and grow.

Practice Spotlight – Neurological Practice Skills for Early Career OTs
Enhance your skills and knowledge in neurological assessment and intervention through an engaging six-part webinar series spread across six months.

Join us as we explore topics ranging from neurological assessment and clinical reasoning to evidence-based interventions for upper limb rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, and vision re-training.

Date:
Webinar 1: Neurological Assessment 5th July 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 2: Clinical Reasoning and development of treatment plans 2nd August 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 3: Evidence Based Upper Limb Interventions 6th September 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 4: Cognitive Rehabilitation 4th October 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 5: Vision, visuospatial and visual perception re-training 1st November 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 6: Implementing your plan and problem solving challenging situations 6th December 2024 (Friday)

Time:

July, August, September and October webinars commence at:
12 noon | VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS |
11:30am | SA, NT |
10:00am | WA |

November and December webinars commence at:
12 noon | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS |
11:30am | SA |
11:00am | QLD |
10:30am | NT |
9:00am | WA |

Presenter: Nicole de la Perrelle
Click here to register

Practice Spotlight - Functional Cognition Explained
Join us for this session as we put functional cognition under the spotlight. We will explore why it is so important for OTs to know what functional cognition is, consider ways to assess it, and highlight strategies that ensure interventions are tailored to meet cognitive abilities and support independence and meaningful participation.

This session will:

• Explore what functional cognition is and what it is not
• Highlight the latest research on functional cognition
• Discuss assessment approach to assessing functional cognition
• Standardised vs non standardised assessments

• Detecting subtle impairment
• Performance based vs self/ informant report

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your practice and make a significant impact on how you approach functional cognition with your clients.

Date: Wednesday 21st August 2024
Time: 4:00pm VIC, NSW, Qld, ACT, TAS | 3:30pm SA, NT | 2:00pm WA
Presenters: Dr Jackie Wesson and Dr Katya Numbers
Click here to register

Aged Care Update 25 June 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement
Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Star Rating consultation - OTA has collaborated with AHPA and other allied health peaks to present a submission on the Star Rating system. Our submission raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency with the current system noting that many providers can achieve 3 stars or more despite having significant non-compliance with the Quality Standards. We have called for a better system to support older people and their families to clearly identify the range of services offered by aged care providers including greater reference to reablement and restorative care services and allied health services.
• Single Assessment Workforce and new aged care assessment tool – from 1 July 2024 older people entering the aged care system will undertake a new assessment called the Integrated Assessment Tool. This will now be administered via a Single Assessment workforce which integrates the existing Aged Care Assessment Teams and Regional Assessment Services plus adding additional assessors via providers who have been approved through the tender process. OTA met with members of the Department to discuss the work underway to implement the IAT and the next stages of this work as Support at Home commences in 2025. OTA will continue to collaborate with the Department on this work to ensure that the assessment tool, assessment teams and the pathway itself supports the accurate and timely identification of occupational therapy need and referral.
• Letter to Minister Butler and Minister Wells
  - In March OTA wrote to the Minister for Health and Aged Care expressing our concerns about some aspects of the report and recommendations made by the Aged Care Taskforce, and in particular on-going uncertainty about the funding of OTs in aged care. We recently received a response from the Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, who provided assurance that the government is committed to ensuring allied health services are provided in residential aged care and that under Support at Home allied health will be available as an ongoing service, as well as through an expanded restorative care pathway to support restoration and maintenance of function through a multidisciplinary approach. She also indicated that the government also has plans to review the current Schedule 1 in the Quality of Care Principles to ensure greater transparency around provider level obligations for delivery of services such as allied health.
• Quality Indicators in Home Based Aged Care – the Department have released a consultation paper on their plans to expand the quality indicator program into home based aged care. OTA will be making a submission to the current consultation due on 9 July. To read more about this work and to participate in the consultation click here.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People
OTA launched their new Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People at OT Exchange last week in Perth. You can access a copy of the new framework by clicking here.

OTA are now exploring a request for tender process to have learning modules developed to support the development of foundational skills and capabilities to reflect the current framework.

To better understand the work undertaken by OTA to build this capability framework, click here.

Capability Framework for Pain
One of the actions under the new OTA Workforce Development Plan is to develop capability frameworks in different areas of practice. The capability frameworks are designed to support the development of skills, knowledge and expertise across our profession, guide scope of practice, build the profile of occupational therapists and add weight to advocacy for increased funding and recognition. Each framework will be developed in collaboration with an expert advisory group and will involve extensive consultation with the profession. OTA is currently in the process of developing a Pain Management Capability Framework. We are hosting consultations workshops to provide an opportunity for OTs at all career stages to contribute their ideas to the development of the framework.

The below workshops are open to registration. Any OT with who has current or past experience working with clients who experience pain are encouraged to participate. OTA members and non-members are welcome to join.

Monday 22 July: 12.30pm-1.30pm VIC, NSW, TAS, ACT, QLD | 12pm-1pm SA, NT | 10.30am-11.30am WA

Wednesday 24 July: 4pm-5pm VIC, NSW, TAS, ACT, QLD | 3.30pm-4.30pm SA, NT | 2pm-3pm WA

To register for the Pain Management Capability Framework workshops click here.

You can learn more about the process being undertaken to build the new framework and members of the expert advisory group supporting this work by clicking here.

Early Career Practice Principles Document- Consultation Workshops
Findings from the OTA Workforce Development Project found that there were inconsistencies in the experiences of new graduates and early career OT’s. While some early career OTs reported very positive experiences in their transition to practice, others reported feeling under supported and overwhelmed. One of the actions under the new OTA Workforce Development Plan is to develop an Early Career Practice Principles Document that outlines what a good transition to practice looks like for early career therapists in terms of supports required etc. The document will be developed with the support of the OTA Practice Standards Committee. We also want to ensure the document reflects the expectations of the broader profession and will be holding consultation workshops in July. We are looking to have broad representation in these workshops from OTs at all career stages, practice settings, locations etc. While we know that some OT’s are employed or supervised by non-OT’s we are seeking representatives from the OT profession only at this stage. OTA members and non-members are welcome to join.

The following workshops are open for registrations:

Workshop for academics/universities:
Monday 22nd July @ 11am-12pm VIC, NSW, TAS, ACT, QLD | 10.30am-11.30am SA, NT | 9am-10am WA

Workshop for graduates and early career therapists (0-5years post-graduation): Monday 22nd July @ 4pm-5pm VIC, NSW, TAS, ACT, QLD | 3.30pm-4.30pm SA, NT | 2pm-3pm WA

Workshop for OT’s 5+ years post graduation: Wednesday 24th July @ 12pm-1pm VUC, NSW, TAS, ACT, QLD | 11.30pm-12.30pm SA, NT | 10am-11am WA

To register for the Early Career Practice Principles workshops click here.

Feedback on consultation for Draft Aged Care Act
OTA were pleased to see that feedback collated from the consultation on the Draft Aged Care Act reflect the many concerns raised by our submission. This includes issues with the speed at which this Act was being implemented with limited stakeholder engagement, issues with the definition of high quality care and the need for greater transparency around terminology including ‘aged care worker’.

OTA will continue to monitor the work being undertaken in this space and update the profession as this work progresses. You can read a summary of the consultation feedback by clicking here.

New services for people living with hearing loss
The Continuity of Support for the National Auslan interpreting Booking and Payment Service program (CoS for NABS) will end on 30 June 2024 with a National Sign Language Program (NSLP) commencing from 1 July 2024.

The NSLP will include sign language interpreting and captioning services for health and medical appointments to support deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing older people. This is in addition to the support already provided to Deaf people engaged in aged care services and other professional and social activities.

This service will be provided free of charge and delivered by Deaf Connect.

To find out more click here.

Consultation on referrals via My Aged Care
The Department of Health and Aged Care has commissioned Leapfrog Research to undertake 1:1 interviews and workshops with professionals who assist people (older people and/or their carers) to navigate the My Aged Care system, or who receive referrals or connect people to services.

Consultation workshops will be held in the weeks commencing 17th June and 8th July, and you can participate in two ways:

• For those who feel this would fall within their work remit, there are daytime slots
• For those who would prefer to participate outside their formal work, there are evening slots available, as well as a thank you gift voucher in recognition of their time

To participate, contact Louise Neylan, louise@leapfrogresearch.com.au.

OTA in radio interview on home-based occupational therapy
Whilst attending the OT Exchange in Perth, Professional Practice Advisor for Aged Care Christina Wyatt participated in an interview with ABC Radio Perth. In this interview Christina was able to describe the role of the occupational therapist in supporting people to positively age in place.

You can listen to a recording of the interview here.

New TV show showcasing role of OT in residential aged care
Maggie Beer has partnered with ABC TV and a residential aged care provider to create a new TV show exploring the nutrition and dining needs of residents. Maggie has collaborated with an occupational therapist as part of this work to ensure the dining experience supports the needs of those living in residential aged care.

The show Maggie Beer’s Big Mission will air on ABC TV Tuesday 9 July 8:30pm. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Virtual training on dementia related behavioural emergencies
Dementia Australia is offering free virtual reality training workshops to help aged care workers respond to dementia related behavioural emergencies.

This new training supports people to better recognise the signs that behaviour is escalating, understand the impacts of stress on behaviour, consider de-escalation techniques and ways to reduce the risk of harm to all parties.

The workshops are being run until 30 June 2025 across Australia.

To find out more click here.

Webinar: Personality disorders in aged care settings
Swinburn University’s Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults are hosting a webinar on common personality disorder presentations. The training is suitable for all staff working across aged care and will discuss assessment and treatment strategies of personality disorder across a range of settings.

The webinar is scheduled for Friday 28 June 4:45 to 6:00pm (AEST).

To find out more click here.

CPD
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
This full day workshop will give you the skills to use Motivational Interviewing in your clinical practice. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that gives OTs strategies and skills to support their clients to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing is particularly useful for supporting client ambivalence, relapsing conditions, lack of importance, confidence, and readiness to change, and discord between client and therapist.

Motivational Interviewing has a strong evidence base for use across a wide range of areas including mental health, substance use disorders, physical health addressing exercise, diet, pain management, diabetes, oral health, and within education, employment, and correctional services.

This workshop is suitable for OTs at any stage of their career.

For those who attend this course in Melbourne there will be a follow up online 90 minute workshop on 4th October as a check-in on how you are going implementing Motivational Interviewing into your practice, opportunity to ask any questions you may have and consolidate your learning.

Michelle Taylor will be your course trainer, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience in using Motivational Interviewing in practice as well as in providing training and developing models of practice that use MI.

Date: 13 September 2024
Location: Zoom webinar
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 25 August.

The Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System (PRPP)
The Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System of Task Analysis (PRPP System) comprises an Assessment (PRPP Assessment) and an Intervention (PRPP Intervention) component. PRPP Assessment course is a pre-requisite for PRPP Intervention.

This course will provide training for the PRPP Assessment. PRPP Assessment (PRPP-A) is an assessment of functional cognition which looks specifically at how people apply cognitive strategies to any needed or desired everyday task or routine. It is an authentic, culturally responsive approach that is person-centred, criterion-referenced and ecologically valid.

The PRPP-A is administered in two stages. Stage One is used to assess occupational performance mastery; that is, how well the occupation is performed. Stage Two is used to identify reasons for task performance mistakes. An information processing model of cognition underpins the structure of Stage Two.

Participants learn about the occupational therapy focus of the assessment, the theoretical and conceptual foundation on which the assessment is built, the specific models of cognition and evidence base that supports the structure of the assessment and how to reliably assess dimensions of attention, perception (Perceive), learning/memory (Recall), higher cognition (Plan) and response activation (Perform) within the context of the everyday occupations being performed.

The PRPP System is applicable for use with people of any age or diagnosis at any level of cognitive functioning (comatose/high functioning) who have difficulty coping with the cognitive demands of daily life in home, community, or health care contexts from acute care to community living.

Date: 12 August to 16 August 2024
Location: Darwin NT CBD – Venue TBC
Presenters: Dr Christine Chapparo and Dr Judy Ranka
Area of Practice: neurology, paediatrics, developmental disabilities, aged care, and mental health
Click here to register - Early bird closes 28 June.

How to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measures in occupational therapy practice (Community Living Older Adults – Home Safety)
Join us for this 2 -part interactive online workshop series presented by Dr Bess Fowler that will provide you with the tools to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measure for your clinical practice. The series will include a project that you will complete in your own time between workshops to support consolidation of your learning from the first workshop.

Date:
Workshop 1: 14 August 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Workshop 2: 18 September 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Presenters: Dr Bess Fowler
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 28 July.

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 12-13 July 2024
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register.

Date: 19-20 August
Location: Launceston, Tasmania (venue TBC)
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 21 July.

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 29 June
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register.

Date: 22 August
Location: Launceston, Tasmania (venue TBC)
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 21 July.

Oedema: How to identify, assess & manage
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 16-17 August
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel, 28 Albion Street Surrey Hills, NSW, 2010
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register.

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register – 30% off May Member Special.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register.

Practice Spotlights
OTA is excited to launch a new offering - Practice Spotlights.

Practice Spotlight events will provide opportunities for OTs to increase their knowledge and develop skills across various areas of practice. These sessions will be focused on practical skill development and application to practice.

Suitable for OTs at all stages of their career, Practice Spotlights will provide OTs with valuable opportunities to learn and grow.

Practice Spotlight – Neurological Practice Skills for Early Career OTs
Enhance your skills and knowledge in neurological assessment and intervention through an engaging six-part webinar series spread across six months.

Join us as we explore topics ranging from neurological assessment and clinical reasoning to evidence-based interventions for upper limb rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, and vision re-training.

Date:
Webinar 1: Neurological Assessment 5th July 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 2: Clinical Reasoning and development of treatment plans 2nd August 2024(Friday)
Webinar 3: Evidence Based Upper Limb Interventions 6th September 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 4: Cognitive Rehabilitation 4th October 2024 (Friday)
Webinar 5: Vision, visuospatial and visual perception re-training 1st November 2024(Friday)
Webinar 6: Implementing your plan and problem solving challenging situations 6th December 2024 (Friday)

Time:
July, August, September and October webinars commence at:
12 noon | VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS |
11:30am | SA, NT |
10:00am | WA |

November and December webinars commence at:
12 noon | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS |
11:30am | SA |
11:00am | QLD |
10:30am | NT |
9:00am | WA |

Presenter: Nicole de la Perrelle
Click here to register.

Practice Spotlight - Lighting Up – Managing burnout & compassion fatigue
Are you thinking of leaving your job or even the OT profession to find more satisfaction elsewhere? Are you finding it difficult to complete tasks that seem simple, procrastinating, feeling inefficient or unmotivated? Are you feeling stressed with decreasing tolerance? These could all be signs that you are on the path of burnout.

This 2-part workshop builds on previous webinars that OTA have run on burnout and compassion fatigue with a strong practical focus. Registrant numbers are strictly capped at 20 to facilitate this practical, interactive and safe space to develop their own personal compassion fatigue and burnout management and prevention plan. It is preferrable that those attending this workshop to have completed either Balance or Burnout - An OT approach to managing burnout and compassion fatigue by Nicole de la Perrelle

Dates:
Workshop 1: 9th July 2024 (Tuesday) | Workshop 2: 20th August 2024 (Tuesday)

Presenter: Nicole de la Perrelle
Click here to register.

Aged Care Update 23 April 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement
Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Roundtable with Inspector General for Aged Care - The Office of the Inspector-General for Aged Care is undertaking a consultation for their report on the implementation of the Royal Commission recommendations. OTA held a roundtable discussion involving consumers who use allied health as part of their aged care services, and clinicians working in aged care. The meeting was held in collaboration with AHPA, Physiotherapy Association and Speech Pathology Association. The Inspector General of Aged Care, Mr Ian Yates AM, and members of his team attended the roundtable and heard a range of stories outlining how the lack of access to allied health services and assistive technology have negatively impacted consumer wellbeing and increased carer burden, and how current reforms are impacting access to allied health services.
• 
• Delay to Aged Care Act – the Hon Minister for Aged Care, Annika Wells, has confirmed recent media reports that the Aged Care Act will not be implemented by July 2024 as anticipated and will likely be delayed until 2025. There are no clear details at this time of when the Act will be implemented nor is there any clarification on whether this delay will see the delay to the implementation of any reforms planned for 2024.
• Quality Standards – The Department of Health and Aged Care have confirmed, with the delay to the Aged Care Act, that there will be a delay to the implementation of the Revised Quality Standards. Currently, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have a consultation open on the guidance materials for the implementation of the new Quality Standards closing on 30th
  April. OTA are reviewing the materials and plan to submit a response to the consultation.

Aged Care Capability Framework
OTA are continuing their work to develop an Aged Care Capability Framework and are commencing their next stage of consultation. From Monday 15 April until Sunday 28 April.

OTA are inviting all OTs, including non-members, to review the current draft and complete a short survey to share their feedback.

We are keen to hear from OTs working across a range of settings, geographical locations and at different career stages. As such we encourage you share this information with your networks to assist us in obtaining a broad range of responses.

You can view the draft here and complete the survey by clicking here.

For more information about the work undertaken by OTA to build our capability frameworks, click here.

New Dementia Brochure for allied health
The National Centre for healthy Ageing at Monash University are leading an MRFF funded project aims to reduce stigma associated with dementia, increase knowledge in dementia and dementia rehabilitation, and promote access to rehabilitation for people with dementia. The INCLUDE: right to rehabilitation for people with dementia project team have developed a new brochure outlining the role of allied health in dementia care and dementia rehabilitation.

You can find a copy of the brochure by clicking here.

The team are also developing new dementia rehabilitation training modules that have recently undergone a first trial and is due for a second trial in mid-2024.

Young Onset Dementia Project
The Joint Solutions Young Onset Dementia Project is being conducted by Advocacy groups and researchers to collect data on young-onset dementia (YOD) pathways to care including gaps, barriers, and positives to inform a national system of care and roadmap of responsibility for people living with young onset dementia.

Convened by the YPINH National Alliance and involving a consortium of leading dementia organisations including the Young Onset Dementia – Special Interest Group (YOD-SIG), Eastern Cognitive Disorders Clinic (ECDC), and Dementia Australia (DA), this Federal Government funded project is seeking insights from people living with YOD, their families and those working with people living with YOD. The surveys, built in collaboration with researchers from the University of Melbourne, can be accessed below:

• People living with young-onset dementia
• Caregivers
• Clinicians
• Professional and Community services, including NDIS
• General Practitioners

Mental Health Webinar Series
La Trobe University and aged care provider Uniting AgeWell have joined forces to present the 2024 National Mental Health Webinar Series to address the urgent need for better mental health care for people living in residential aged care services. Convened by Profession Joseph Ibrahim from the Australia Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care at La Trobe University, the series is aimed at people working in aged care, including allied health professionals, and focusses on five key areas for improving mental health for older people – access to mental health services; wellness and social inclusion; depression recognition and management; mental health presentations in persons with dementia; and mental health crises including suicide and other emergencies.

The second episode in the series on ‘Wellness and social inclusion’ is scheduled for 8 May 1pm AEST. To register click here.

Launch of clinical care standard for psychotropic medicines
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care will be launching their first national Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard on Thursday 9 May 12:00 – 1:00 pm AEST.

OTA have provided input to the development of this standard, with particular attention on the role of allied health professionals like OTs in delivering non-pharmacological strategies to manage symptoms of cognitive disability and impairment and limit the use of psychotropic medicines and prevent the use of harmful approaches, such as restrictive practices.

You can register to attend the launch by clicking here.

Resources for carers supporting someone at the end of life
CarerHelp has free online resources to support people who are caring for someone at the end of life The resources cover topics such as managing common symptoms, emotional care, financial advice, how to care for a dying person, and managing grief.

You can request hard copy postcards and posters by emailing: carerhelp@flinders.edu.au.

To read more about the CarerHelp or to download and share the resources click here.

CPD for Aged Care
Motivational Interviewing
This full day workshop will give you the skills to use Motivational Interviewing in your clinical practice. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that gives OTs strategies and skills to support their clients to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing is particularly useful for supporting client ambivalence, relapsing conditions, lack of importance, confidence, and readiness to change, and discord between client and therapist.

Motivational Interviewing has a strong evidence base for use across a wide range of areas including mental health, substance use disorders, physical health addressing exercise, diet, pain management, diabetes, oral health, and within education, employment, and correctional services.

This workshop is suitable for OTs at any stage of their career.

For those who attend this course in Melbourne there will be a follow up online 90 minute workshop on 17th May as a check-in on how you are going implementing Motivational Interviewing into your practice, opportunity to ask any questions you may have and consolidate your learning.

Michelle Taylor will be your course trainer, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience in using Motivational Interviewing in practice as well as in providing training and developing models of practice that use MI.

Date: 12 June 2024
Location: Novotel Murray Street, Perth, CBD
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

The Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System (PRPP)
The Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System of Task Analysis (PRPP System) comprises an Assessment (PRPP Assessment) and an Intervention (PRPP Intervention) component. PRPP Assessment course is a pre-requisite for PRPP Intervention.

This course will provide training for the PRPP Assessment. PRPP Assessment (PRPP-A) is an assessment of functional cognition which looks specifically at how people apply cognitive strategies to any needed or desired everyday task or routine. It is an authentic, culturally responsive approach that is person-centred, criterion-referenced and ecologically valid.

The PRPP-A is administered in two stages. Stage One is used to assess occupational performance mastery; that is, how well the occupation is performed. Stage Two is used to identify reasons for task performance mistakes. An information processing model of cognition underpins the structure of Stage Two.

Participants learn about the occupational therapy focus of the assessment, the theoretical and conceptual foundation on which the assessment is built, the specific models of cognition and evidence base that supports the structure of the assessment and how to reliably assess dimensions of attention, perception (Perceive), learning/memory (Recall), higher cognition (Plan) and response activation (Perform) within the context of the everyday occupations being performed.

The PRPP System is applicable for use with people of any age or diagnosis at any level of cognitive functioning (comatose/high functioning) who have difficulty coping with the cognitive demands of daily life in home, community, or health care contexts from acute care to community living.

Date: 12 August to 16 August 2024
Location: Darwin NT CBD – Venue TBC
Presenters: Dr Christine Chapparo and Dr Judy Ranka
Area of Practice: neurology, paediatrics, developmental disabilities, aged care, and mental health
Click here to register - Early bird closes 28 June

Narrative Storytelling: Facilitating positive identity growth
The aim of this webinar is to introduce the audience to the therapeutic benefits of supporting clients to share their personal stories of lived experience. Research evidence and a model of narrative storytelling will be used to illustrate the transformative potential of narrative storytelling in supporting positive identity growth. Key areas of exploration include:

• Storytelling as meaningful occupational engagement;
• Building human connections through sharing stories of lived experience; and
• Enabling personal reflection and self-learning through storytelling.

Approaches to narrative storytelling will be explored, including practical strategies to integrate storytelling into clinical practice. Accessibility of storytelling with people with cognitive and communication challenges will also be outlined.

Date: 29 May 2024
Presenters: Kate D’Cruz
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Older Adult Care
Click here to register - Early bird closes 12 May

Hot Topic: Unpacking Sensory Approaches in OT
Join us at this Hot Topic to consider which sensory approaches might be useful as part of your OT clinical practice and which approaches may best benefit your clients as we unpack the use of sensory approaches in occupational therapy practice.

The session will commence with an overview of sensory approaches focusing on research, evidence, and the contemporary OT landscape. Differences in language / terminology and approaches will be explored.

This will be followed by a panel of experienced OTs sharing their experiences in using sensory approaches in their clinical practice across a range of life stages, areas and presentations including autism, dementia, psychosocial disability.

The role of OT and the unique skills OTs bring to understanding the sensory needs of individuals will be discussed and case examples provided.

This is a great opportunity to be a part of the conversation about sensory approaches in OT and a valuable prelude to other sensory offerings we have planned this year including theTina Champagne tour.

Date: 27 May 2024
Location: Online
Time: 12 noon | VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS | 11:30am | SA, NT | 10:00am | WA |
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 15 May

Sensory Modulation and Trauma-informed care – Tina Champagne
Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce that world-renowned occupational therapist, Dr. Tina Champagne will be bringing her expertise in Sensory Modulation and Trauma-informed care to Australia in June 2024. Tina has a wealth of knowledge in the use of sensory modulation approaches with people living with dementia having recently released a new book on Sensory Modulation in Dementia Care.

Tina is hosting two types of events in Australia: masterclasses and workshops covering various topics and experience levels. The main difference lies in the depth of exploration and level of interaction. Masterclasses, designed for all learning stages, adopt a lecture-style format with broad applicability, while workshops, tailored to specific learning stages, offer highly interactive sessions.

Sensory Modulation and Trauma Informed Care Masterclass.
Date: Tuesday 11 June 2024
Time: 8.30am – 4.00pm
Location: Melbourne Windsor Hotel
Audience: Occupational Therapists working across the mental health, aged care and Psychosocial Disability Sectors.

Sensory Modulation and Trauma Informed Care Masterclass
Location: Perth Pan Pacific Hotel
Date: Wednesday 12 June 2024
Time: 9 – 5pm (5pm-6pm drinks reception). While this is 30 minutes longer than the Melbourne masterclass, the amount of contact time will be the same (6 hours).
Audience: Occupational Therapists working across the mental health, aged care and Psychosocial Disability Sectors.

Level 1 - Sensory Modulation, Trauma and Attachment Informed Care Workshop
Location: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Date: Tuesday 18 June – Wednesday 19 June 2024
Time: 9am – 5pm
Audience: Occupational therapists enhancing foundational skills in the application of sensory modulation.

Level 2 - Embedding Sensory Approaches and Trauma Informed Care in Occupation-Based Practice Workshop.
Date: Thursday 20 June - Friday 21 June 2024
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Audience: Occupational therapists developing advanced skills in the application of sensory modulation or for those who have already taken the Level 1 workshop.

For more information about each event, including learning outcomes, pricing, and inclusions, please click here. Click here to register.

How to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measures in occupational therapy practice (Community Living Older Adults – Home Safety)
Join us for this 2 -part interactive online workshop series presented by Dr Bess Fowler that will provide you with the tools to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measure for your clinical practice. The series will include a project that you will complete in your own time between workshops to support consolidation of your learning from the first workshop.

Date:
Workshop 1: 14 August 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Workshop 2: 18 September 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Presenters: Dr Bess Fowler
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 28 July

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 10-11 May 2024
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register.

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 29 June
Location: Sydney
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 18 May

Oedema: How to identify, assess & manage
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 24-25 May
Location: Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register

Practice Spotlights
OTA is excited to launch a new offering - Practice Spotlights.

Practice Spotlight events will provide opportunities for OTs to increase their knowledge and develop skills across various areas of practice. These sessions will be focused on practical skill development and application to practice.

Suitable for OTs at all stages of their career, Practice Spotlights will provide OTs with valuable opportunities to learn and grow.

Practice Spotlight – Cellulitis….. What can an Occupational Therapist do?
Do you see people with red swollen legs and feel unsure about whether you can or should address this concern? This webinar is for you!
The webinar will overview the experience of cellulitis. Cellulitis is often considered a simple infection and is managed with antibiotics alone. However, rates of recurrent cellulitis are high indicating this approach requires review. Repeated episodes of cellulitis can lead to sustained disruption to occupational roles, and high financial cost and resource use for health care systems and individuals. Evidence review has identified an important role occupational therapists can play in reducing rates of cellulitis recurrence through education and provision of compression.

Join experienced occupational therapist, Amanda Pigott to explore this topic.
Date:30 May 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS,QLD | 11:30am | SA, NT | 10:00am | WA |
Click here to register – Early bird ends 2 May 2024

Aged Care Update 28 May 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement
Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Quality Standards – OTA have presented a submission to the Department of Health and Aged Care on the draft guidance material for Revised Quality Standards. In our response, OTA called for greater reference to the role of allied health professionals like occupational therapists in the actions across the revised standards and the need for more explicit detail of how providers and their workers must operate to demonstrate achievement of the standards to ensure high quality and consistent care and services for older people.
• Quality Indicators - OTA attended a meeting with the Quality Indicators Section of the Choice and Transparency Branch of the Department of Health and Aged Care to discuss the definition of allied health for both quarterly financial reporting and for costing work conducted by IHACPA. Representatives from AHPA and Speech Pathology Association also attended. Discussion was had around the need to support accurate data collection on the allied health workforce utilisation by aged care providers and actions were identified to help both providers and allied health professionals contracted into residential aged care settings to support improved data quality.
• Federal Government Budget announcements for Aged Care –the 2024/25 federal budget announced $2.2 billion over five years to support aged care reform with the following specific budget commitments:
  • $531.4 million to release an additional 24,100 Home Care Packages in 2024–25
  • $111.0 million over 4 years for implementing the new aged care regulatory framework and the final report of the capability review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC)
  • $37.0 million over two years from 2024-25 to reduce wait times for the My Aged Care Contact Centre due to increased demand and service complexity – or $18.5 million a year.
  • $30.4 million over three years from 2024-25 to States and Territories to continue to deliver the Specialist Dementia Care Program – or $10.1 million a year.
  • $56.8 million over 5 years to expand the Acute to Residential Care Transition Service for people living with dementia
  • $1.7 million in 2024–25 for continued support for the Australian Dementia Network
  • $190.0 million over 3 years to extend and review/redesign the Transition Care Programme
  • $1.4 billion over 5 years to upgrade the technology systems and digital infrastructure across the sector.

You can read OTAs post-budget analysis here.

• Aged Care Act – Federal Budget announcements confirmed that the Aged Care Act will be deferred until 1 July 2025. As previously reported, the Revised Quality Standards will be implemented with the new Aged Care Act in July 2025.
  You can read more about the work underway to rebuild to act here and read a copy of our submission on the Aged Care Act exposure draft here.
• Support at Home AT and HM pathways – OTA recently wrote to the Support at Home Implementation team within the Department of Health and Aged Care regarding its work in developing the assistive technology and home modifications pathway for the future Support at Home Program. In our letter we reiterated our interest in supporting and informing the design and planning of this work and the value of working collaboratively with the assistive technology and home modifications assessors and prescribers to ensure the program works effectively. A meeting is being arranged with the Department project leads for 28 May to discuss this work and opportunities for continued collaboration further.
• National Aged Care Alliance - Professional Practice Advisor Christina Wyatt attended the two day National Aged Care Alliance meetings on Thursday 23 and 24 May. The Alliance heard from a range of presenters including the Council of Elders and National Aged Care Advisory Council and representatives from the Department discussing the Aged Care Act, budget commitments and reform updates.
• Correspondence from Hon Minster Annika Wells, Minister for Aged Care - OTA recently wrote to Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Hon Annika Wells, Minister for Aged Care to confirm the governments intention for funding allied health services based on the recommendations. Minister Wells has responded confirming that allied health would be included under the definition of clinical supports for the future Support at Home Program but acknowledged that no recommendations related to allied health in residential aged care was made by the taskforce. Equally Minister Wells confirmed that Schedule of Specified Care and Services set out in Schedule 1 of the Quality of Care Principles 2014 that defines the care and services that all aged care homes must provide to permanent residents and residential respite clients is due to be updated to make it more user-friendly and contemporary. In past correspondence, and in collaboration with AHPA, OTA have written to the Minister with our concerns about the opacity around the current wording of the schedule so we hope this work will make it clearer for all of how federal aged care funding ensures access to allied health services.

Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People
OTA are continuing their work to develop Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People. Over the last two weeks of April, OTA completed the second stage of professional consultation. We wish to thank those who participated in this consultation and shared their views on the draft capability framework. This information has allowed us to finalise our first version of the Aged Care Capability Framework which OTA are hoping to launch at the OT Exchange in Perth on 13-14 June.

For more information about the work undertaken by OTA to build our capability frameworks, click here. Details about where you can view the first version will be shared in the coming weeks.

New flyers on Parkinson’s Disease
OTA have been collaborating with Parkinson’s Australia who have recently released some new flyers related to occupational therapy practice. The flyers cover the role of Occupational therapy in Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinson’s friendly environments and driving with Parkinson’s Disease. OTA plan to continue to work with Parkinson’s Australia to develop further information sheets on other topics such as falls, fatigue, alternatives to driving, communication, cognitive changes, and personal care.

New study testing dementia rehabilitation training
The National Centre for Healthy Ageing at Monash University are leading an MRFF funded project that aims to reduce stigma associated with dementia, increase knowledge in dementia and dementia rehabilitation, and promote access to rehabilitation for people with dementia. The INCLUDE: right to rehabilitation for people with dementia project team are seeking OTs across Australia who work with older people regardless setting to participate in their study. The study involves free access to a self-paced Introduction to Dementia Rehabilitation e-course (~6 hours over 4 weeks) and completing 2 surveys. The course will commence in July 2024.

If you wish to find out more please contact Dr Angel Lee or Catherine Devanny by emailing: ecourse.include@monash.edu

Launch of DREAM Project
The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre out of the University of Tasmania and releasing a new offering that will be integrated into their existing EQUIP Aged Care Learning Packages. The Dream Project aims to provide additional resources to those involved in aged care, particularly respite care. The offerings are free and includes access to dementia support coaches, a community of practice, specialised education modules on dementia respite care and the Wicking’s current dementia education offerings.

To find out more visit DREAM project website www.dream.utas.edu.au or email: dream@utas.edu.au

AIHW Dementia Awareness Survey results
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recently released the findings of a survey of their Dementia Awareness Survey, conducted between July and August 2023 involving more than 5000 people aged 18 years and over. This first of its kind survey builds a foundational understanding of the population’s knowledge, behaviour and attitudes around dementia with future surveys aiming to monitor how these might change over time.

To read more about the survey and a summary of the findings click here.

Launch of clinical care standard for psychotropic medicines
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care publicly launched their first national Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard on Thursday 9 May. OTA were involved in the development of this standard, with particular attention on the role of allied health professionals like OTs in delivering non-pharmacological strategies to manage symptoms of cognitive disability and impairment and limit the use of psychotropic medicines and prevent the use of harmful approaches, such as restrictive practices.

You can view the standard by clicking here.

National Palliative Care Workforce survey and updated Palliative Care standards
Palliative Care Australia have recently updated and released a revised version of the Palliative Care Standards. The standards were originally released in 2018 and offer simplified, user-friendly self-assessment tools to support their nine standards covering assessment, care planning, support for carers, care provision, care transitions, grief and bereavement, service culture and quality improvement as well as staff training and qualifications.

Additionally, they have released a national survey aiming to better understand the challenges, barriers and successes in delivering or accessing palliative care across a range of settings. People working in any service that provides palliative care in Australia, including specialist palliative care services and those providing palliative care as part of their work in primary care, aged care and other health care settings are invited to participate.

You can find a copy of the revised standards here.

You can find a link to the national palliative care workforce survey here.

Webinar: Older Women and Elder Abuse
The Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults at Swinburne University are hosting a free session on Older Women and Elder Abuse. This webinar highlights the higher incidence of elder abuse experienced by older women and addresses the factors that can reduce and prevent the abuse.

It will be held online on Friday 31 May 4:45pm to 6:00pm AEST

To find out more and to register for the event click here. To see upcoming webinars being offered by the Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults or to access previous recordings click here.

CPD
Motivational Interviewing
This full day workshop will give you the skills to use Motivational Interviewing in your clinical practice. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that gives OTs strategies and skills to support their clients to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing is particularly useful for supporting client ambivalence, relapsing conditions, lack of importance, confidence, and readiness to change, and discord between client and therapist.

Motivational Interviewing has a strong evidence base for use across a wide range of areas including mental health, substance use disorders, physical health addressing exercise, diet, pain management, diabetes, oral health, and within education, employment, and correctional services.

This workshop is suitable for OTs at any stage of their career.

For those who attend this course in Melbourne there will be a follow up online 90 minute workshop on 17th May as a check-in on how you are going implementing Motivational Interviewing into your practice, opportunity to ask any questions you may have and consolidate your learning.

Michelle Taylor will be your course trainer, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience in using Motivational Interviewing in practice as well as in providing training and developing models of practice that use MI.

Date: 12 June 2024
Location: Novotel Murray Street, Perth, CBD
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

The Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System (PRPP)
The Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System of Task Analysis (PRPP System) comprises an Assessment (PRPP Assessment) and an Intervention (PRPP Intervention) component. PRPP Assessment course is a pre-requisite for PRPP Intervention.

This course will provide training for the PRPP Assessment. PRPP Assessment (PRPP-A) is an assessment of functional cognition which looks specifically at how people apply cognitive strategies to any needed or desired everyday task or routine. It is an authentic, culturally responsive approach that is person-centred, criterion-referenced and ecologically valid.

The PRPP-A is administered in two stages. Stage One is used to assess occupational performance mastery; that is, how well the occupation is performed. Stage Two is used to identify reasons for task performance mistakes. An information processing model of cognition underpins the structure of Stage Two.

Participants learn about the occupational therapy focus of the assessment, the theoretical and conceptual foundation on which the assessment is built, the specific models of cognition and evidence base that supports the structure of the assessment and how to reliably assess dimensions of attention, perception (Perceive), learning/memory (Recall), higher cognition (Plan) and response activation (Perform) within the context of the everyday occupations being performed.

The PRPP System is applicable for use with people of any age or diagnosis at any level of cognitive functioning (comatose/high functioning) who have difficulty coping with the cognitive demands of daily life in home, community, or health care contexts from acute care to community living.

Date: 12 August to 16 August 2024
Location: Darwin NT CBD – Venue TBC
Presenters: Dr Christine Chapparo and Dr Judy Ranka
Area of Practice: neurology, paediatrics, developmental disabilities, aged care, and mental health
Click here to register - Early bird closes 28 June

Narrative Storytelling: Facilitating positive identity growth
The aim of this webinar is to introduce the audience to the therapeutic benefits of supporting clients to share their personal stories of lived experience. Research evidence and a model of narrative storytelling will be used to illustrate the transformative potential of narrative storytelling in supporting positive identity growth. Key areas of exploration include:

• Storytelling as meaningful occupational engagement;
• Building human connections through sharing stories of lived experience; and
• Enabling personal reflection and self-learning through storytelling.

Approaches to narrative storytelling will be explored, including practical strategies to integrate storytelling into clinical practice. Accessibility of storytelling with people with cognitive and communication challenges will also be outlined.

Date: 29 May 2024
Presenters: Kate D’Cruz
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

Hot Topic: Unpacking Sensory Approaches in OT
Join us at this Hot Topic to consider which sensory approaches might be useful as part of your OT clinical practice and which approaches may best benefit your clients as we unpack the use of sensory approaches in occupational therapy practice.

The session will commence with an overview of sensory approaches focusing on research, evidence, and the contemporary OT landscape. Differences in language / terminology and approaches will be explored.

This will be followed by a panel of experienced OTs sharing their experiences in using sensory approaches in their clinical practice across a range of life stages, areas and presentations including autism, dementia, psychosocial disability.

The role of OT and the unique skills OTs bring to understanding the sensory needs of individuals will be discussed and case examples provided.

This is a great opportunity to be a part of the conversation about sensory approaches in OT and a valuable prelude to other sensory offerings we have planned this year including the Tina Champagne tour.

Date: 27 May 2024
Location: Online
Time: 12 noon | VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS | 11:30am | SA, NT | 10:00am | WA |
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

Sensory Modulation and Trauma-informed care – Tina Champagne
Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce that world-renowned occupational therapist, Dr. Tina Champagne will be bringing her expertise in Sensory Modulation and Trauma-informed care to Australia in June 2024. Tina has a wealth of knowledge in the use of sensory modulation approaches with people living with dementia having recently released a new book on Sensory Modulation in Dementia Care.

Tina is hosting two types of events in Australia: masterclasses and workshops covering various topics and experience levels. The main difference lies in the depth of exploration and level of interaction. Masterclasses, designed for all learning stages, adopt a lecture-style format with broad applicability, while workshops, tailored to specific learning stages, offer highly interactive sessions.

Sensory Modulation and Trauma Informed Care Masterclass.
Location: Melbourne Windsor Hotel
Date: Tuesday 11 June 2024
Time: 8.30am – 4.00pm
Audience: Occupational Therapists working across the mental health, aged care and Psychosocial Disability Sectors.

Sensory Modulation and Trauma Informed Care Masterclass
Location: Perth Pan Pacific Hotel
Date: Wednesday 12 June 2024
Time: 9 – 5pm (5pm-6pm drinks reception). While this is 30 minutes longer than the Melbourne masterclass, the amount of contact time will be the same (6 hours).
Audience: Occupational Therapists working across the mental health, aged care and Psychosocial Disability Sectors.

For more information about each event, including learning outcomes, pricing, and inclusions, please click here. Click here to register.

How to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measures in occupational therapy practice (Community Living Older Adults – Home Safety)

Join us for this 2 -part interactive online workshop series presented by Dr Bess Fowler that will provide you with the tools to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measure for your clinical practice. The series will include a project that you will complete in your own time between workshops to support consolidation of your learning from the first workshop.

Date:

Workshop 1: 14 August 2024

1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Workshop 2: 18 September 2024

1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Presenters: Dr Bess Fowler

Area of Practice: Older Adult Care

Click here to register – Early bird closes 28 July

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 12-13 July 2024
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register – Early bird closes 2 June

Date: 19-20 August
Location: Launceston, Tasmania (venue TBC)
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register - Early bird closes 21 July

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 25 May
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register

Date: 29 June
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register - Early bird closes 18 May

Date: 22 August
Location: Launceston, Tasmania (venue TBC)
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register - Early bird closes 21 July

Oedema: How to identify, assess & manage
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 24-25 May

Location: Mantra South Bank Brisbane

Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott

Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care

Click here to register

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register – 30% off May Member Special

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register

Practice Spotlights
OTA is excited to launch a new offering - Practice Spotlights.

Practice Spotlight events will provide opportunities for OTs to increase their knowledge and develop skills across various areas of practice. These sessions will be focused on practical skill development and application to practice.

Suitable for OTs at all stages of their career, Practice Spotlights will provide OTs with valuable opportunities to learn and grow.

Practice Spotlight – Cellulitis….. What can an Occupational Therapist do?

Do you see people with red swollen legs and feel unsure about whether you can or should address this concern? This webinar is for you!

The webinar will overview the experience of cellulitis. Cellulitis is often considered a simple infection and is managed with antibiotics alone. However, rates of recurrent cellulitis are high indicating this approach requires review. Repeated episodes of cellulitis can lead to sustained disruption to occupational roles, and high financial cost and resource use for health care systems and individuals. Evidence review has identified an important role occupational therapists can play in reducing rates of cellulitis recurrence through education and provision of compression.

Join experienced occupational therapist, Amanda Pigott to explore this topic.

Date: 30 May 2024 (Thursday)

Time: 12:00pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS,QLD | 11:30am | SA, NT | 10:00am | WA |

Click here to register – Early bird ends 2 May 2024

Practice Spotlight - Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs

Have you heard your colleagues, friends and family talk about artificial intelligence, AI, ChatGPT or generative AI and wondered how can I use this to support what I do as an OT but don't know where to start?

Join experienced occupational therapists Will Crowe and Jess Francis as they share with you the many ways generative AI can be used to enhance your practice both from an administrative and clinical perspective.

In this interactive workshop, you will be stepped through the process of getting started with generative AI including registering an account, inputting and refining your prompts / questions and objectively reviewing the outputs.

Date: 31 May 2024 (Friday)

Time: 12:30pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS,QLD | 12:00pm | SA, NT | 10:30am | WA |

Click here to register

Date: 25 June 2024 (Tuesday)

Time: 4:30pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS,QLD | 4:00pm | SA, NT | 2:30pm | WA |

Click here to register – Early bird ends 17 May 2024

[CW1]CW to ensure content is updated once CPD bulletin is released next Tuesday 21/5

Aged Care Update 26 March 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement

Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Aged Care Taskforce Report – Minister Wells released the findings of the Aged Care Taskforce on March 11. In its report, the Taskforce outlines recommendations on funding arrangements, including contributions from consumers. Whilst there is some acknowledgement of allied health in the report as an element of clinical care, it is unclear if allied health will be fully funded in the new funding arrangements. OTA is writing to the Minister for Health and Aged Care to raise our concerns and seek assurance that OTs, and AH more broadly, will be included as essential element of the aged care system as identified by the Royal Commission. You can watch a recording of the presentation of the Taskforce report by clicking here.
• Inspector General for Aged Care Progress Report
  - The Office of the Inspector General for Aged Care is undertaking a consultation for their Progress Report on Implementation of Aged Care Royal Commission Recommendations. OTA has contributed to AHPA’s submission.
• Aged Care Act Exposure Draft - OTA provided a submission on the Aged Care Act Exposure draft and supported AHPA in their submission. Both submissions address the following:

• Inclusion of reablement as a key aspect of aged care – we are concerned that the Act fails to embed reablement through the provision of allied health services as recommended by the Royal Commission,
• Enforceability of Statement of Rights and Statement of Principles that safeguard the rights of the individual
• Definition of Quality Care and High-Quality Care
• Assessment process that provide needs-based care through an assessment process that supports best practice of assessment by people with appropriate qualifications
• Obligation to provide and fund allied health services in aged care
• Registration of providers
• Complaints Commissioner
• Impact of age eligibility criteria on access to appropriate care, and disability support

• Quality Standards guidance resources
  – The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have released guidance materials for the implementation of the new Quality Standards. These materials are currently available for public consultation which is open until 30th April. OTA is reviewing the materials and plan to submit a response to the consultation. To find out more about the materials and the consultation click here.
• Australian Falls Guidelines - Neuroscience research Australia (NEURA) invited feedback on draft Recommendations and Good Practice Points from the Australian Fall Prevention Guidelines, prepared for the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care for consultation. The Guidelines covered Residential Aged Care, Community Care and Hospital settings. OTA reviewed the guidelines for Residential Aged Care and Community Care and provided feedback on these guidelines. OT were well represented in both. OTA recommended these guidelines are parcelled up into a range of offerings to ensure clinicians can embed these guidelines into practice including recorded webinars, training modules and videos.

Free Aged Care Member Update
OTA hosted in collaboration with the Working with Older People Interest Group an Aged Care Member Update on 28th February 2024. Presented by Christina Wyatt, OTA's Aged Care Professional Practice Advisor, this session covered:

• Key aged care reforms underway for residential and in-home care.
• What the changes are likely to mean for occupational therapists.
• Advocacy work that OTA are undertaking.

Members can watch a recording of the Aged Care Member Update, access the presentation slides and review answers to questions presented in the update by clicking here.

Aged Care Capability Framework
Due to the success of the MH Capability Framework and the recommendations within the OTA Workforce Development Report, the OTA Professional Practice Team have identified several priority areas of practice, including aged care, in which to commence building further capability frameworks.

The capability frameworks propose a set of key capabilities for occupational therapists practicing in specific areas, at different career stages. It is not the intention of the frameworks to create additional hurdles for practitioners, rather, the frameworks serve as a facilitator. The frameworks enable individual occupational therapists to make informed decisions about where to focus their development activities and provide a guide to the role of an occupational therapist in that area of practice. Additionally, the frameworks assist employers and employees with negotiation of capability development, and defining the nature of clinical practice that can be expected at different career stages.

OTA have appointed an Expert Advisory Group to help drive this work and have undertaken two targeted workshops with OTs working in aged care to review the draft content. OTs will be invited to provide further feedback on the draft framework in our broad consultation scheduled for mid-April. Information on how to participate in this will be sent out shortly.

To read about the Capability Framework project click here. To read more about the Mental Health Capability Framework click here.

Aged Care Worker Survey
The Department of Health and Aged Care have released a worker survey to better understand people’s experiences of working in aged care. The Survey is currently open from 18 March until 30 April 2024 and should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Answers to the survey will be confidential.

You can find out more about the survey and participate by clicking here.

Consent and Ethics in Dementia Research webinar
The Australia Dementia Network will be hosting a webinar on Consent and Ethics in Dementia Research. The webinar will be held on Wednesday 27th
March 2024 1:00 – 2:30pm AEDT and includes a range of speakers and panellists across dementia research.

To find out more and to register for the event click here.

Free translating and interpreting services
There are a range of free translation and interpreting services available to people receiving aged care services. These include:

Free translation service – translation of aged care service materials into languages other than English.

TIS National interpreting service – 24/7 access to TIS National interpreting services, including phone, on-site and video remote interpreting to support communication with people in different languages.

Deaf Connect sign language interpreting and captioning service – in-person and online sign language interpreting and live captioning to support older people to better engage with aged care services.

Click on the links above to find out more or click here to read about information in other languages available on My Aged Care website.

Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner – feedback being sought.

Ms Andrea Kelly, the interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner is currently seeking feedback from people working in aged care to build a better aged care system that delivers culturally safe and appropriate services. Feedback will inform the role of the permanent Commissioner and can be provided by email: interimFNACCconsultations@health.gov.au.

To learn more about the role of the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, click here.

[Pictured: L-R - Ms Andrea Kelly, Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner with Christina Wyatt, OTA Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care (Feb 2024)]

National Dementia Support Program – consultation
The Department have released a survey seeking feedback from aged care workers and health professionals supporting people living with dementia on the National Dementia Support Program delivered by Dementia Australia.

The online survey closes 5pm Friday 29 March and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. All information provided is anonymous and confidential.

To find out more about the survey or to complete it, click here.

OTA Aged Care CPD opportunities
Motivational Interviewing
This full day workshop will give you the skills to use Motivational Interviewing in your clinical practice.

What is Motivational Interviewing you might be asking - Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style that gives OTs strategies and skills to support their clients to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing is particularly useful for supporting client ambivalence, relapsing conditions, lack of importance, confidence, and readiness to change, and discord between client and therapist.

Motivational Interviewing has a strong evidence base for use across a wide range of areas including mental health, substance use disorders, physical health addressing exercise, diet, pain management, diabetes, oral health, and within education, employment, and correctional services.

This workshop is suitable for OTs at any stage of their career.

For those who attend this course in Melbourne there will be a follow up online 90 minute workshop on 17th May as a check-in on how you are going implementing Motivational Interviewing into your practice, opportunity to ask any questions you may have and consolidate your learning.

Michelle Taylor will be your course trainer, an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience in using Motivational Interviewing in practice as well as in providing training and developing models of practice that use MI.

Date: 11 April 2024
Location: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Presenters: Michelle Taylor
Area of Practice: Disability, Mental Health, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register.

Sensory Modulation and Trauma-informed care – Tina Champagne
Occupational Therapy Australia is delighted to announce that world-renowned occupational therapist, Dr. Tina Champagne will be bringing her expertise in Sensory Modulation and Trauma-informed care to Australia in June 2024. Tina has a wealth of knowledge in the use of sensory modulation approaches with people living with dementia having recently released a new book on Sensory Modulation in Dementia Care.

Tina is hosting two types of events in Australia: masterclasses and workshops covering various topics and experience levels. The main difference lies in the depth of exploration and level of interaction. Masterclasses, designed for all learning stages, adopt a lecture-style format with broad applicability, while workshops, tailored to specific learning stages, offer highly interactive sessions.

Sensory Modulation and Trauma Informed Care Masterclass.
Location: Melbourne Windsor Hotel
Date: Tuesday 11 June 2024
Time: 8.30am – 4.00pm
Audience: Occupational Therapists working across the mental health, aged care and Psychosocial Disability Sectors.

Sensory Modulation and Trauma Informed Care Masterclass
Location: Perth Pan Pacific Hotel
Date: Wednesday 12 June 2024
Time: 9 – 5pm (5pm-6pm drinks reception). While this is 30 minutes longer than the Melbourne masterclass, the amount of contact time will be the same (6 hours).
Audience: Occupational Therapists working across the mental health, aged care and Psychosocial Disability Sectors.

Level 1 - Sensory Modulation, Trauma and Attachment Informed Care Workshop
Location: Sydney CBD (Venue TBC)
Date: Tuesday 18 June – Wednesday 19 June 2024
Time: 9am – 5pm
Audience: Occupational therapists enhancing foundational skills in the application of sensory modulation.

Level 2 - Embedding Sensory Approaches and Trauma Informed Care in Occupation-Based Practice Workshop.
Location: Sydney CBD (Venue TBC)
Date: Thursday 20 June - Friday 21 June 2024
Time: 9am – 5pm
Audience: Occupational therapists developing advanced skills in the application of sensory modulation or for those who have already taken the Level 1 workshop.

For more information about each event, including learning outcomes, pricing, and inclusions, please click here. Click here to register. Early bird ends 11 April 2024.

How to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measures in occupational therapy practice
Join us for this 2 -part interactive online workshop series presented by Dr Bess Fowler that will provide you with the tools to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measure for your clinical practice. The series will include a project that you will complete in your own time between workshops to support consolidation of your learning from the first workshop.

Date:
Workshop 1: 17 April 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Workshop 2: 22 May 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Presenters: Dr Bess Fowler
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 31 March

How to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measures in occupational therapy practice (Community Living Older Adults – Home Safety)

Join us for this 2 -part interactive online workshop series presented by Dr Bess Fowler that will provide you with the tools to choose the most suitable assessment and outcome measure for your clinical practice. The series will include a project that you will complete in your own time between workshops to support consolidation of your learning from the first workshop.

Date:
Workshop 1: 14 August 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Workshop 2: 18 September 2024
1:00pm - 2:30pm | NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, QLD | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | SA | 12.30pm - 2:00pm | NT | 11:00am - 12:30pm | WA |

Presenters: Dr Bess Fowler
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 28 July

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 10-11 May 2024
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register – Early bird closes 31 March

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 29 June
Location: Sydney
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS
Click here to register - Early bird closes 18 May

Oedema: How to identify, assess and manage
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 24-25 May
Location: Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 21 April

Care of People with Dementia in Their Environment “COPE” Program
This interactive training introduces attendees to the Care Of People with Dementia in their Environments (COPE) program developed by Professor Laura Gitlin and her team in the US. and provides attendees with the skills and knowledge required to adopt and implement COPE in their workplace.

The workshop covers: comprehensive assessments; client directed problem solving strategies; how to use communication, activity simplification and environmental modifications to enhance people with dementia's daily function and prevent and manage changed behaviours.

All participants will receive: a training workbook; 'The Caregivers Guide to Dementia', an invitation to participate in three telephone coaching calls and the COPE online community of practice facilitated by COPE Master trainers.

Date: 20-21 May
Presenter: Sally Day & Kate Laver
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability
Click here to register – Early bird closes 15 April

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register.

Practice Spotlights
OTA is excited to launch a new offering - Practice Spotlights.

Practice Spotlight events will provide opportunities for OTs to increase their knowledge and develop skills across various areas of practice. These sessions will be focused on practical skill development and application to practice.

Suitable for OTs at all stages of their career, Practice Spotlights will provide OTs with valuable opportunities to learn and grow.

Practice Spotlight – Balance or Burnout? An OT approach to managing burnout and compassion fatigue.
Are you thinking of leaving your job or even the OT profession to find more satisfaction elsewhere? Are you finding it difficult to complete tasks that seem simple, procrastinating, feeling inefficient or unmotivated? Are you feeling stressed with decreasing tolerance? These could all be signs that you are on the path of burnout.

OTs are at high risk of burnout but often don’t take the time to firstly recognise if they are heading towards burnout nor set time aside to look after themselves and put in place strategies to support their wellbeing and enhance their work-life balance.

Workload demands and staff shortages across many sectors that OTs work in further compound the risk of burnout and decreased engagement at work.

Recognising burnout and if you are at risk are important first steps to working on having balance in your life, job satisfaction and career longevity.

Join Nicole de la Perrelle as she explores burnout through an OT lens and shares her experience of burnout along with strategies to prevent, manage and provide balance in one’s life.

Date: 23 April 2024 (Tuesday)
Time: 12:00pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS,QLD | 11:30am | SA, NT | 10:00am | WA |
Click here to register - Early bird ends 9 April 2024

Practice Spotlight – Cellulitis….. What can an Occupational Therapist do?
Do you see people with red swollen legs and feel unsure about whether you can or should address this concern? This webinar is for you!

The webinar will overview the experience of cellulitis. Cellulitis is often considered a simple infection and is managed with antibiotics alone. However, rates of recurrent cellulitis are high indicating this approach requires review. Repeated episodes of cellulitis can lead to sustained disruption to occupational roles, and high financial cost and resource use for health care systems and individuals. Evidence review has identified an important role occupational therapists can play in reducing rates of cellulitis recurrence through education and provision of compression.

Join experienced occupational therapist, Amanda Pigott to explore this topic.

Date:30 May 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 12:00pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS,QLD | 11:30am | SA, NT | 10:00am | WA |
Click here to register – Early bird ends 2 May 2024

Practice Spotlight – Getting started with generative AI: A beginner’s guide for OTs
Have you heard your colleagues, friends and family talk about artificial intelligence, AI, ChatGPT or generative AI and wondered how can I use this to support what I do as an OT but don't know where to start?

Join experienced occupational therapists Will Crowe and Jess Francis as they share with you the many ways generative AI can be used to enhance your practice both from an administrative and clinical perspective.

In this interactive workshop, you will be stepped through the process of getting started with generative AI including registering an account, inputting and refining your prompts / questions and objectively reviewing the outputs.

Date: 7 May 2024 (Tuesday)
Time: 12:30pm | VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS,QLD | 12:00pm | SA, NT | 10:30am | WA |
Click here to register – Early bird ends on or before 16 April 2024

Have added this section to policy section in OT Today, 26 March edition.

Aged Care Member Forum Webinar 28 February 2024

OTA hosted in collaboration with the Working with Older People Interest Group an Aged Care Member Update on 28th February 2024. Presented by Christina Wyatt, OTA's Aged Care Professional Practice Advisor, this session covered:

• Key aged care reforms underway for residential and in-home care.
• What the changes are likely to mean for occupational therapists.
• Advocacy work that OTA are undertaking.

Head over to the page to watch the free member recording here.

 

Aged Care Update 27 February 2024

Government and stakeholder engagement

Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Support at Home Assistive Technology and Home Modifications: OTA met with members of the AHPA Aged Care Working Group and Support at Home Implementation Team on Friday 15 December 2023 to discuss the vision for the AT/HM design and the process and underpinning principles. This meeting identified significant next steps required to support the development of this pathway in anticipation of the Support at Home phase one roll out in July 2025.
• Update on Support at Home: OTA attended a webinar held by the Department on 14 December updating on the work underway in developing the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home Program. Of significant note is the plan to delay the integration of CHSP services into the Support at Home Program until July 2027. Home Care Packages P and Short Term Restorative Care programs will be phased into the Support at Home Program in July 2025.
• Quality Indicator for Allied Health consultation: Public consultation
  is now open on 3 new staffing quality indicators for the Expansion of the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicators Programs. The three proposed new indicators will cover Allied Health, Enrolled Nurses, and Lifestyle services. Health Consult has been appointed by the Department to consult on these new indicators and conducted a meeting with members of the AHPA Aged Care Working Group on Monday 15 January to consider the allied health indicator ahead of pilot testing scheduled for March 2024. A consultation paper has been released with written submissions being taken until 5 March 2024. Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care Christina Wyatt was invited to participate in the Departments Technical Advisory Group for the development of the new quality indicators. The first meeting of this group was held on Monday 5 February 2024 and the next meeting has been scheduled for 7th March.
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Advisory Council: A key recommendation of the Capability Review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission was the need to review the membership of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Council to address skills deficits and increase diversity of representation. OTA Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care Christina Wyatt was invited to put forward a nomination to participate in Council along with other Allied Health Peak representative bodies. Appointments are expected by April 2024.
• National Aged Care Alliance: Christina Wyatt, Professional Practice Advisor in Aged Care attended the first National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) meeting for 2024 in Canberra on 15 and 16 February. The meeting covered several areas including work across the Strategic Priority Workforce and First Nations working groups and also discussed the Aged Care Act exposure draft. The alliance heard from the Interim First Nations Commissioner Ms Andrea Kelly and members of the Department of Health and Age Care including:
  • Deputy Secretary Michael Lye, First Assistant Secretary Thea Connolly on Support at Home reforms.
  • Julia Atkinson Acting Assistant Secretary, Home Care & Assessments Branch on the Single Assessment Workforce and the IAT assessment tool.
  • Caroline Peterson from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and Amy Laffan, First Assistant Secretary of Quality and Assurance on the revised Quality Standards and Star Ratings system.

  The next meeting is scheduled for 23-24 May 2024 in Melbourne.

• Meeting with Senator Ruston: In early February the General Manager of Occupational Therapy Michelle Oliver and General Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations Alissa Fotiades met with the Hon Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, to discuss OTA’s concerns around the erosion of allied health in residential aged care, and shared some information gathered from our member surveys. OTA intends to continue to engage with the Senator on this matter.

OTA Aged Care Update
OTA will be hosting a free member only event on Wednesday 28th.

February from 6pm-7:30pm AEDT providing updates on the aged care system, reforms underway and the work OTA are doing in this space. Registration is open until 26/2. Click here to register and to present questions ahead of the event

Aged Care Act
An Exposure draft of the New Aged Care Act was released on December 14 2023 for public consultation. You can read the exposure draft here and understand more about the consultation process by clicking here. OTA is preparing a submission on the exposure draft and has engaged with AHPA, consumers, external stakeholders, and members from the aged care National Reference Group on this submission. Consultation closes on 8 March 2024.

Quality Standards Updates
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) have developed a range of videos to support people with the implementation of the revised Aged Care Quality Standards. The first video in the ‘Up to Standards’ series answers the most common questions about the timing of implementation and the Commission’s role.

To watch the video, click here.

The ACQSC have also released draft guidance resources for the new strengthened Quality Standards. They are currently open for public consultation until midday AEST 30 April 2024. OTA are currently reviewing the standards to consider a submission.

To read more about the guidance material consultation and to have your say click here.

To provide feedback or questions about the standards, please email agedcarereform@agedcarequality.gov.au

Endorsement of Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare invited OTA too endorse their final draft Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard following our involvement in their public consultation in May 2023 (click here
to see the submission).

OTA sought feedback from the Aged Care National Reference Group and have agreed to endorse the standards. The standards will be released shortly for public access.

Australian Falls Guidelines open for consultation.
Neuroscience research Australia (NEURA) have released draft Recommendations and Good Practice Points from the Australian Fall Prevention Guidelines, prepared for the Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care for consultation. The Guidelines cover Residential Aged Care, Community Care and Hospital settings.

The Recommendations and Good Practice Points along with three separate feedback surveys can be viewed here. Consultation closes on 10 March 2024.

National Allied Health Virtual Research Forum 2024
The Department of Health and Aged Care is hosting a National Allied Health Virtual Research Forum to draw links between allied health research and policy priorities. The half day event will be held virtually on Tuesday 30 April 2024 and provides an opportunity for government to learn about allied health research and evidence that can be readily adopted into policy.

To read more about the event and to register click here.

C-STAM - seeking participants for study
The Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) are seeking participants for their study of a new online assessment tool. The Computerised-Sydney Test of Activities of daily living in Memory disorders (C-STAM) is a computerised assessment measuring everyday functional ability in older people with and without dementia. They are seeking study participants who are:

• aged 60 and over,
• living in Sydney,
• able to read,
• write and understand English without an interpreter and
• have a family member or close friend participate with them.

If you are aware of any people who may be eligible and interested in participating, or if you wish to find out more about the study and the tool, click here.

Research on Slips, trips and falls while using trams
Deakin University are conducting research to better understand nd address the risk of tris, slips and falls that passengers may encounter while using trams. They are inviting eligible individuals to participate in a 60-90 minute survey with possible follow up workshops. Participants would ideally be:

• Parents of young children or whom have had young children;
• People with lived experience of Disability; and
• People of 65 years or over.

All participants will need to be 18 years and over, be able to provide informed consent, regularly use trams in Melbourne and be able to communicate in English.

If you are aware of any people who may be eligible and interested in participating, or if you wish to find out more about the study, email Professor Richard Tucker at home-sric@deakin.edu.au.

Resources on Voluntary Assisted Dying and End of Life Law
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is now legal in all states of Australia. To understand the laws that relate to your state click on the following links:

South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales
Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania
End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) have also developed a Free End of Life Law Toolkit for Allied Health Professionals.

To read more about VAD and to see the other resources available though ELDAC regarding end of life including capacity to consent, advanced care directives, withholding treatment and substitute decision making, click here.

Phone service to combat loneliness and social isolation for older people
G’day Line is a phone service aimed at supporting older Australians to combat loneliness or social isolation.

People aged 50 years of age or older and living in Australia can call the G’day Line to enjoy a friendly conversation with a volunteer. Those needing more support can be triaged to Grief Line or to a third party crisis support service.

To find out more about the service, click here.

Cultural diversity and inclusivity in aged care training
A free online training course has been released by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing. This course offers three modules exploring topics such as culture, cross-cultural communication and diversity and inclusion in aged care.

To find out more about the course, click here.

CPD
Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 15-16 March
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register.

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 23 March
Location: Rydges Sydney Central Hotel
Presenter: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability, NDIS

Click here to register.

Introduction to Oedema Management
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 24-25 May
Location: Mantra South Bank Brisbane
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care

Click here to register – Early bird closes on 21 April

Care of People with Dementia in Their Environment “COPE” Program
This interactive training introduces attendees to the Care Of People with Dementia in their Environments (COPE) program developed by Professor Laura Gitlin and her team in the US. and provides attendees with the skills and knowledge required to adopt and implement COPE in their workplace.

The workshop covers: comprehensive assessments; client directed problem solving strategies; how to use communication, activity simplification and environmental modifications to enhance people with dementia's daily function and prevent and manage changed behaviours.

All participants will receive: a training workbook; 'The Caregivers Guide to Dementia', an invitation to participate in three telephone coaching calls and the COPE online community of practice facilitated by COPE Master trainers.

Date: 20-21 May
Presenter: Sally Day & Kate Laver
Area of Practice: Older Adult Care, Rehab, Disability

Click here to register – Early bird closes on 15 April

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register.

Aged Care Update 28 November 2023

Government and stakeholder engagement

Submissions, Consultations, and conferences: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• National Aged Care Alliance (NACA): OTA Professional Practice Advisor for Aged Care Christina Wyatt attended the National Aged Care Alliance in Adelaide on 16 and 17 November 2024. The meeting heard from a range of speakers including representatives from the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older people about the challenges they are facing in receiving aged care services. Nigel Ray, Deputy Chair of the Aged Care taskforce provided an update on the work being undertaken on aged care funding sustainability. Ian Yates, Acting Inspector General for Aged Care spoke on the results of his recently released report detailing the work to date on the achievement of the Royal Commission recommendations and some insights into the possible areas that will form the first workplan due in mid-December.

The attendees also heard from senior staff from the Department of Health and Aged Care and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission with updates on key reform projects including Support at Home, Quality Standards, care minutes and the Draft Design Principles and Guidelines for Residential Aged Care Accommodation Framework. Delegates held important discussions across the four key strategic working groups on actions for 2024, along with a conversation regarding housing and its impacts on the aged care workforce and older Australians with the release of the National Housing and Homelessness Issues Paper.

The next meeting is scheduled for mid-February 2024 where it is expected that the Aged Care Minister, The Hon Annika Wells MP will be attending.

• National Aged and Community Care Provider (ACCPA) Conference: On 25-27 October, OTA’s Professional Practice Advisor, Christina Wyatt and Senior Policy & Advocacy Advisor, Debra Parnell attended the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) National Conference in Adelaide. This year’s conference theme was ‘The Age of Change’, which encapsulates advancements in technology, society, and culture, as well as the possibilities and challenges of this era in aged care. Delegates heard from a range of speakers including Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Anne Ruston.

• Victorian HealthCare Week Conference: Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor Debra Parnell and Aged Care Professional Practice Advisor Christina Wyatt attended the Victoria Healthcare week conference held over 18 and 19 October. With a focus on the Aged Care Transformation stream, they heard from a range of speakers discussing models of integrated care for people in villages and residential care facilities, received an update from Nick Hartland, First Assistant Secretary of Home and Residential Care on the progress of AN-ACC and Support at Home reforms, and learnt about new innovative approaches through small home facilities offering complimentary onsite healthcare clinics and well-being facilities.
• New Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy: A draft Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy has been released by the Department for public consultation and feedback. The strategy will address the data and digital technologies needed to improve the care and wellbeing of older people and foster data and digital innovation.

The draft strategy mentions allied health in four key areas:

• access to e-referrals within the aged care system that only medical professionals can currently use
• ability to upload care summaries to My Health Record (MHR)
• easier access to data for aged care providers to inform when allied health services are required
• ensuring allied health are part of the seamless flow of information

OTAs Aged Care Professional Practice Advisor Christina Wyatt attended as a representative of AHPA, and a further AHPA representative attended the Aged Care Digital Advisory Group with the Australia Digital Health Agency (ADHA). This forum offers the opportunity to understand the various digital and data initiatives being developed across both the ADHA and the Department.

The draft strategy was introduced in the most recent meeting held on Wednesday 15 November where attendees were able to seek clarification on points involving the investigation of both clinician and consumer experience of using My Aged Care and My Health Record portals and details around what information clinicians can expect to share with the integration of My Health Record and My Aged Care systems.

In addition to this ongoing engagement, OTA also attended a meeting with Nous Group (consultancy running the strategy consultation) and Mike Herbert of the Department to discuss nuances of the strategies and requirements of allied health in relation to Aged Care and how all this fits into the broader digital ecosystems that are being developed and implemented by both the ADHA and the Government. AHPA and Speech Pathology Australia representatives also attended. A summary of key issues has been created by AHPA members for Mike Herbet and the Nous Group to consider in the development of the My Aged Care portal for the new Support at Home Program.

New Returns Policy for Geat2Go

Indigo, the Commonwealth Home Support Program’s GEAT2Go provider, has issued a new returns policy. All assessors and prescribers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the policy and ensure that all returns have received prior approval from Indigo.

You can read a copy of the Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology Returns policy here.

Inspector General Progress Report: Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

In July, the then Interim Inspector General of Aged Care Ian Yates, handed down a report to the Aged Care Minister the Hon Annika Wells summarising the implementation status of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. This report was made public in October.

The report recognised the valuable role of allied health in residential aged care for preventative and restorative approaches and to improve quality of life. It acknowledged there had been much work towards the achievement of the recommendations made in the Royal Commission, action was lacking regarding recommendations related to allied health with a notable lack of reference to allied health across sector wide reforms. The report highlighted concerns around the unintended consequences being faced by allied health professionals in residential aged care acknoweldging that many of the issues are attributable to both government and providers. It called for the Government to outline their intentions regarding the implementation of recommendations relating to allied health.

To read the full report, click here.

Research areas in Residential Aged Care

The National Centre for Healthy Ageing Residential Aged Care Research Network (RACReN), wants to hear what you think are the most important areas to research in residential aged care.

In late 2022, 81 people representing a range of stakeholders completed Round 1 of the survey (download results summary - PDF, 234 KB), ranking the importance of 93 different research topics for residential aged care. They agreed that 32 of these research topics were very or extremely important to research in residential aged care.

This survey asks you to vote on these 32 research topics to identify a short list of the 10 most critical items for residential aged care research.

This information will be shared with aged care researchers to make sure they are researching what matters most to everyone involved in residential aged care.

We want to hear from you if you:

• have a family member or friend that is living, or has lived, in a residential aged care home;
• live in a residential aged care home; OR
• work in or with a residential aged care home - this includes PCAs, nurses, cleaners, cooks, and visiting allied health and primary care clinicians

Participation involves completing 1-2 short surveys (10-20 minutes) over the next year.

Participants go into the draw to win one of 10 x $100 eGift Cards for Surveys 2 and 3.

To learn more and to fill out the survey click here. For more information or support to complete the survey, please contact ncha.racren@monash.edu or the RACReN team on (03) 9904 4822.

New resources on palliative care entry

The process for palliative care entry to residential aged care recently changed. From 1 October 2023 approved providers have 14 days from the date of a resident’s permanent (non-respite) entry into residential aged care to:

• ensure the resident has undergone a medical assessment by an independent medical or nurse practitioner confirming their palliative care status
• submit the Palliative Care Status Form.

Providers must notify Services Australia of a resident’s entry for palliative care within 28 days of the resident’s entry to the service.

To fulfill the notification requirement, providers should complete the Aged Care Entry Record in the Services Australia Aged Care Provider Portal.

For more information see:

• the updated Palliative Care Status Form
• the updated Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) assessment pathways factsheet
• Guide to palliative care entry into aged care homes
• Entering residential aged care for palliative care webpage
• the AN-ACC Funding Guide

Individuals and their carers or family members can find more information and resources about palliative care by visiting our Palliative Care webpages.

New online application for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme

Applications for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS), available to those who experience permanent and severe incontinence to cover some of the costs of continence products, can now be made online.

The new online application is available through myGov or in the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. If someone else is applying on a person’s behalf, their representative must use the paper form, which can be download here.

To learn more about CAPS and the new online application click here.

New education opportunities in Dementia and Ageing

Dementia Australia has launched four new Leadership and Practice Change education programs to build leadership skills within the aged and community care sectors. The courses, funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Dementia Training Australia covers a range of topics including:

• the 10993NAT Certificate IV in Dementia Practice
• Demonstrating Dementia Leadership
• Leading Quality Dementia Care
• Community of Practice

For more information about the these Dementia Australia training opportunities click here.

The University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre will be delivering a new course in 2024 - the Diploma of Ageing Studies and Services. The course is the only undergraduate diploma within Australia focusing on ageing studies and services. It will be delivered fully online, can be completed both full time and part time, and will cover contemporary issues relating to care and services for older people including the many social and health challenges that are associated with ageing.

To find out more about the new course click here.

Support at Home and Aged Care Act update

The Department of Health and Aged Care will be hosting a webinar on Thursday 14 December to provide updates on:

• the development of the new Aged Care Act
• a new model for regulating aged care
• the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
• in-home aged care reforms, including the new Support at Home program.

It will also include a live question-and-answer session.

To register, click here.

OTA Aged Care CPD opportunities

Introduction to Oedema Management

This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 23-24 February
Location: The Savoy Hotel, Melbourne
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register – Early bird closes 22 January

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules

Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register during November and save 30%!

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice

This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register

Aged Care Update 24 October 2023

Government and stakeholder engagement

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Aged Care Taskforce Roundtable: OTA were invited to attend a roundtable with the Aged Care Taskforce on 26 September. OTA were joined by representatives from AHPA, Australian Physiotherapy Association and Speech Pathology Australia. OTA were able to share details around the valuable role of OTs in aged care, the preventative and restorative approaches that OTs can support and the benefits these can have on an older person’s ageing journey.

Survey on the effects of aged care reform on allied health in residential aged care - one year on

Over the last 12 months OTA, in collaboration with AHPA and other allied health professional peak bodies, have been gathering data about the consequences of aged care reforms on the provision of allied health services and clinical outcomes in residential aged care. This data has been crucial in lobbying and advocacy with government and aged care providers, and in communicating with consumers of residential aged care services.

Thank you to all those who participated in our latest survey that closed on the 13 October 2023. Our latest results show ongoing reduction to the OT workforce and clinical hours across residential aged care. There are also ongoing reduction to individual treatment sessions with a preference towards group sessions leading to reduced consumer outcomes and new concerns around the use of other personnel to deliver allied health clinical services.

OTA will work with AHPA and other allied health peaks to use this valuable data to build key messaging and advocacy materials to continue to highlight the impacts of residential aged care reforms on access to allied health, delivery of quality care and clinical outcomes.

New Dementia apps

Two new apps have been developed by the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at the University of New South Wales to assist clinicians and carers supporting people with dementia experiencing changes in behaviour. The apps are:

Clinician’s BPSD Guide: App for clinicians, residential care, community care and acute care staff.

CareForDementia: App for carers, families, care partners and care workers.

These free apps offer practice-based, person-centred care principles, based on extensive evidence and support clinicians and carers by outlining practical strategies, interventions, and example scenarios.

Both apps are available for free download from App stores.

To find out more about these apps and complementary resources and information for people living with dementia, click here.

Volunteer scheme – referrals now open

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme involves volunteers visiting older people to provide friendship and companionship to people receiving residential aged care or home care package funding.

Referrals can be made by anyone including the older person.

To find out more about the scheme click here, for FAQs about the program click here
or to make an online referral, click here.

Understanding reform awareness and readiness - Sector Pulse survey

The Aged Care Communication and Change Branch of the Department of Health and Aged Care have released their third Sector Pulse survey gauging awareness of upcoming reforms and readiness for change. The survey is also wanting to gather views on how they can better support people to receive information about the reforms and how the reforms are impacting them.

The survey takes 10 minutes and is open until 31 October 2023. To complete the survey, click here.

Study to develop new dementia rehabilitation e-learning modules

Monash University, with funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) are looking for health professionals working with people living with dementia to help them in the development of dementia rehabilitation e-modules. The INCLUDE project is an education project for health professionals aiming to reduce stigma associated with dementia, increase knowledge in dementia and dementia rehabilitation, and to promote access to rehabilitation for people with dementia. They are seeking health professionals working in Eastern Melbourne or Southeastern Melbourne Primary Health Network areas with community dwelling older people. Eligible participants would participate in dementia rehabilitation e-module and community of practice and provide feedback via online studies over a 12 month period commencing January 2024.

To find out more about the project and register your interest, please contact Dr Angel Lee by 31 December 2023 via email: angel.lee@monash.edu

OTA Aged Care CPD opportunities

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics

This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 10-11 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central, NSW
Presenters: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care

Click here to register.

Complex Home Modifications

This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 28 October and 25 November
Location: Rydges Sydney Central, NSW
Presenters: Sandi-Lightfoot Collins
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

Introduction to Oedema Management

This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 23-24 November (date change from October)
Location: Mantra South Bank, Brisbane
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Click here to register

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules

Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enrol in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice

This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register

National Working with Older People (Aged Care) Special Interest Group

This is a group to:

• provide opportunities for occupational therapists working with older people across all settings to connect, learn and share resources, as well as support each other.
• advocate for the occupational therapy role and better outcomes for older people.
• bring together OTs for joint learning opportunities (presentations, service information, journal club, discussions on complex issues).
• network and meet others in the field.

This is a free, member only session. To join, update your preferences here
before registering. Registrations close Monday 30 October 2023 11.55pm AEDT.

Date:	1 November 2023
Location:	Online Zoom Webinar Platform
Time:	NSW, ACT, VIC,TAS: 6pm - 7pm SA: 5.30pm - 6.30pm QLD: 5pm - 6pm NT: 4.30pm - 5.30pm WA: 3pm - 4pm

Aged Care Update 26 September 2023

Government and stakeholder engagement

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Meeting with Department of Health and Aged Care: OTA staff met with Deputy Secretary Michael Lye and First Assistant Secretary Thea Connolly on Monday 18 September. Several matters were discussed including references to occupational therapy in aged care reform publications and across key reform projects, reporting of OT minutes in residential aged care in the quarterly financial reports and a need for a renewed focus on the value of occupational therapy in aged care. OTA continues to meet with the Department to consider these matters and we will update you again.
• Aged Care Taskforce: To support the work of the Aged Care Taskforce OTA provided a submission on draft aged care funding principles that will underpin their recommendations, due at the end of the year. Download a copy of the submission (PDF).
• Foundations of the new Aged Care Act – the Department recently opened consultation on the proposed foundations of the new Aged Care Act (new Act). Read about the consultation. OTA contributed to a joint submission created by AHPA highlighting the need to define quality care, ensure that older people receive the same level of funding and access to care that others receive through commonwealth funded schemes, and eligibility criteria supports early intervention services.

Survey on the effects of aged care reform on allied health in residential aged care - 1 year on
From the introduction of AN-ACC tool in October 2022 concerns have been raised of reducing allied health services in residential aged care. Over the last 12 months OTA, in collaboration with AHPA and other allied health professional peak bodies, have been gathering data about the consequences of aged care reforms on the provision of allied health services and clinical outcomes in residential aged care. This data has been crucial in lobbying and advocacy with government and aged care providers, and in communicating with consumers of residential aged care services.

Evidence for our claims is extremely important which is why we have prepared this survey again to capture data at the 12-month anniversary point. Case studies will be particularly useful in increasing our understanding of the impacts this reform has had on allied health in residential aged care and in building evidence for our communications to government, aged care providers and consumers, so please include as much detail as you can, with a focus on impact on client outcomes.

The survey is open until 13 October and is applicable to all occupational therapists working in residential aged care. We encourage you to share this link as widely as possible across your networks.

AHPA AN-ACC Survey September 2023.

Home Care Packages Program inclusions and exclusions
Earlier this year The Department updated the Home Care Package provider manual and hosted a webinar for HCP providers on 4 April to explain what is included and excluded under the HCP Program. View the webinar recording and slides on the Department’s website.

Following the webinar, the Department developed some FAQs to address common questions related to the delivery of services through the HCP program. View the most current version of the HCP Program Operational manual: A guide for home car providers (PDF).

Aged care learning packages
The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, have been commissioned by the Department of Health and Aged Care to develop the Equip Aged Care Learning Packages. These packages consist of 14 modules designed for carers, personal care workers, nurses, allied health professionals and volunteers working in the aged care sector.

The modules cover aged care related topics, including:

• the Australian Aged Care System
• exploring the role of Nurses, Personal Care Workers and Allied Health
• professionals working in aged care
• the Aged Care Quality Standards
• supporting people living with dementia
• palliative and end-of-life care
• person-centred care
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness
• trauma-informed care
• promoting mental health and wellbeing
• cross cultural awareness
• oral health promotion
• prevention of falls
• wound management and pressure injury prevention
• hearing health

Each module takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed from a phone, tablet, or computer. A free, downloadable certificate of completion is available for each module, with an additional certificate available on completion of all modules.

More information on the Equip Aged Care Learning Packages

Draft National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines
Following consultations starting in December 2021, the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines have been released. OTA provided a submission in response to draft residential accommodation design standards released by the Department of Health and took this opportunity to advocate for a variety of best practice designs for residential aged care using the occupational therapy principles of community involvement and independence.

OTA recommended the use of a tiered system that had dementia friendly design as a mandatory minimum, with the platinum standard being co-located design and small housing environments. In this way, the designs that truly connected people to the communities inside and outside the facility would be rewarded. Other design ideas OTA recommended were those that enable continued engagement in activities of interest, dementia inclusive design, and design that supports diverse cultures and identities.

Read a copy of our submission (PDF).

In November 2022, OTA were invited to discuss elements of the proposed residential aged care design guidelines further at a meeting with the University of Wollongong and members of the Department of Health and Aged Care. OTA emphasised the need for occupationally engaging and stimulating environments, the need to better integrate technology and equipment into the built environs to better tailor care needs and enable participation, and the role of occupational therapists in supporting this.

You can access a copy of the draft design principles and guidelines and provide feedback by 20 October.

Aged Care Allied Health Scholarships
The Australian College of Nursing are offering a range of Aged Care Scholarships for allied health professionals to fund postgraduate qualifications including Graduate certificates, Graduate diplomas and master’s degrees. Up to 100 allied health scholarships per year for up to three years are available offering training for Dementia specific qualifications relating to the care of older people. A dedicated scholarship scheme is also available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students undertaking an undergraduate course in an eligible health related discipline.

Applications are now open and close on 11:59pm AEST, Tuesday 10 October 2023.

Find out more about the Aged Care Allied Health Scholarships.

National free suicide training program
Anglicare has established a national free suicide training program called Suicide Prevention for Seniors. The program aims to equip those working with older people to recognise the signs of suicidality, have conversations with empathy, ask questions to ascertain the level of risk and assist the person to seek professional support.

This program is particularly important given reports from the Australian Bureau of Statistics that men aged 85 and over have suicide rates more than three times the average rate, the highest rate of suicide in the country.

This free online program is funded by the New South Wales and federal governments.

OTA Aged Care CPD opportunities

Empowering Mobility – Powered Mobility Device Assessment and Training Tool
The use of powered mobility devices can positively impact on a person’s quality of life and individual’s ability to participate in community-based tasks of his / her choosing. Effective use of powered mobility devices occurs when assessment, prescription and training is thorough and focuses on enhancing skill development. PoMoDATT is a tool to guide assessment and training of device users.

This workshop provides practical components exploring the features of powered mobility devices and using a standardised assessment.

Date: 6 October
Location: Abbotsford Convent - Melbourne
Presenter: Kathryn Townsend
Area of Practice: Assistive Technology, Disability, Rehabilitation
Register for Empowering Mobility – Powered Mobility Device Assessment and Training Tool.

Introduction to Seating & Wheelchair Prescription
This workshop provides understanding on the importance of assessment process and the importance of conducting a thorough postural assessment. Participants will learn how to assess risk for skin breakdown, how to manage this risks and how to translate assessment findings into prescription of equipment.

This workshop also provides an overview of different types of wheeled mobility and different 'off the shelf' postural aids. Participants will also learn how to exercise clinical reasoning throughout the prescription process.

Date: 9-10 October
Location: Mantra South Bank, Brisbane
Presenter: David Quach
Area of Practice: Assistive Technology, Disability, Rehab, Older Adult Care
Register for Introduction to Seating & Wheelchair Prescription.

Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics
This two day workshop provides foundation skills in environmental modifications. It presents the participant with practical tasks for completion and provides them with skills in measurement, design and a client centred approach to home modifications.

Date: 13-14 October
Location: Rydges Sydney Central, NSW
Presenters: Sandi Lightfoot-Collins
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Register for Environmental Home Modifications - The Basics.

Complex Home Modifications
This one-day workshop for Occupational Therapists will focus on a practical understanding of the National Construction Code and its application to housing. It will explore the concepts of reasonable and necessary and documentation for complex and challenging modifications.

This workshop will cover:

• Legislative requirements for design- the principles
• Reasonable and necessary design requirements
• Conceptual design and diagrammatical representation
• Documentation principles for advanced and complex design

Date: 28 October
Location: Rydges Sydney Central, NSW
Presenters: Sandi-Lightfoot Collins
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Register for Complex Home Modifications.

Introduction to Oedema Management
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide you with an understanding of the aetiology, assessment, treatment, and management of oedema by OTs incorporating the use of case studies.

Date: 27-28 October
Location: Mantra South Bank, Brisbane
Presenters: Dr Amanda Pigott
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehab, NDIS, Older Adult Care
Register for Introduction to Oedema Management - Early bird closes 30 September

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules
Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Learn more and enrol in the Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Register for Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb.

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice
This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Register for Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice.

Aged Care Update 22 August 2023

Government and stakeholder engagement

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• Aged Care Clinical Information Systems Standards
  – OTA attended a consultation with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) to contribute to the quality statements they are currently forming. The standards outline the expectations of client information systems across aged care. This consultation was the first step of standard development with a focus on building high level statements that are worded broadly enough to facilitate inclusion of allied health information in the future development work. OTA will continue to support this work with ADHA planning to release a set of draft standards for feedback.
• Aged and Community Care Summit – OTA attended the Aged and Community Care Summit hosted by Council on the Ageing on 19th and 20th July. OTA heard from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson on the actions being taken within the commission to build trust and confidence in the sector, Department of Health and Aged Care Deputy Secretary Michael Lye on the aged care reform journey, Inspector General of Aged Care Ian Yates AM on the role of the Inspector General in monitoring and driving improvement across the aged care system and Professor Michael Pervan from the Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority on the process undertaken to determine home care pricing. OTA were able to direct questions to Mr Lye on diminishing allied health minutes across residential aged are and have written a follow up letter highlighting the lack of reference to occupational therapists and allied health professionals in recent Dept publications on workforce and dementia care.
• GEAT2Go pricing: - OTA have been investigating some recent changes to the pricing of assistive technology and the collection of fees through GEAT2Go. Earlier this year members shared concerns with us regarding the price of commonly prescribed assistive technology and expressed confusion around assembly and administration fees. OTA presented these issues in writing to the Assistant Secretary of Home Support Operations within the Department of Health. OTA recently met with representatives from Indigo to discuss these matters and consider possible solutions. Indigo have committed to developing communications with the Department explaining these pricing and fee changes to avoid further confusion or frustration. OTA encourage members to continue to provide feedback about GEAT2Go directly to Indigo. OTA are also happy to receive feedback on the program and will share communications or further updates with the membership as it comes to light.
• Foundations of the new Aged Care Act – Consultation on the proposed foundations of the new Aged Care Act (new Act) is now open. OTA attended a webinar held by the Department where they explained the proposed changes and addressed questions. OTA will be working with AHPA on a joint response. You can read the consultation paper by clicking here.
• Aged Care Taskforce: The Aged Care Taskforce have been appointed by the Hon Aged Care Minister Anika Wells to consider funding arrangements for a sustainable and equitable aged care system. The Taskforce are currently seeking feedback on draft aged care funding principles that will underpin their recommendations, due at the end of the year. OTA is reviewing the principles and consultation questions and will be submitting a response due 31st August.
• National Aged Care Alliance - OTA attended a meeting of the National Aged Care Alliance on 17 and 18 August in Canberra. Professional Practice Advisor for Aged Care Christina Wyatt and Principal Policy Advisor Julia Collin heard from a range of senior leaders from across the federal government, including Nigel Ray, Deputy Chair of the Aged Care taskforce, Ian Yates, Interim Inspector General for Aged Care, and senior staff from the Department of Health and Aged Care, with updates across a range of aged care reforms, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission about aged care standards, and the Department of Home Affairs regarding skilled visas. NACA was a great opportunity to connect with many key stakeholders in the aged care sector, with significant discussions on the draft Aged Care Funding Principles from the Aged Care Taskforce and the Aged Care Act consultation paper.

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Capability Review

On Friday 21st July The Hon Minister Wells released
the Aged Care Quality and Safety Capability Review report conducted by Mr David Tune AO PSM. In the report, Mr Tune outlines his recommendations on how the Commission’s capability can be improved and provides actions to strengthen its regulation of the aged care sector. AHPA have recently released a news
item summarising the report.

The review report took into consideration feedback received during the consultation period from a range of stakeholders across the sector. OTA, in collaboration with AHPA, provided feedback
during this consultation period. Mr Tune acknowledges a key issue raised in previous submissions by OTA and AHPA on the use of Quality Standards to measure allied health service provision and the “risk of consumers being left with unmet needs even while providers may be found to have met the Standards” (pg 62).

OTA continue to raise our concerns around the lack of adequate measures within the aged care system to ensure client centred and high quality allied health services are being funded for and provided across the sector.

Free translation service for aged care providers

The Department of Health have a free translation service to support the delivery of information to older Australians in their preferred language. The service is designed to assist the creation of written materials related to aged care through translation of existing materials or production of new materials. The service also supports the development of communications for older people from First Nations, Deaf, blind, deafblind or heard of hearing.

To understand more about this service, the eligibility criteria and the steps involved, visit the website by clicking here. You can also call 1800 271 034.

Updated Sector Code for Visiting in Aged Care Homes

12 aged care consumer and provider organisations have developed an updated version of the Sector Code for Visiting in Aged Care Homes Version 7.2 (the Code). The Code outlines a nationally consistent approach that enables residents to receive visitors while minimising the risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. It provides clear guidance where directions from local state or territory public health authorities are not available.

Click here
to find out more about the Code.

OTA Aged Care CPD opportunities

Empowering Mobility – Powered Mobility Device Assessment and Training Tool

The use of powered mobility devices can positively impact on a person’s quality of life and individual’s ability to participate in community-based tasks of his / her choosing. Effective use of powered mobility devices occurs when assessment, prescription and training is thorough and focuses on enhancing skill development. PoMoDATT is a tool to guide assessment and training of device users.

This workshop provides practical components exploring the features of powered mobility devices and using a standardised assessment.

Date: 6 October
Location: Venue TBA - Melbourne
Presenter: Kathryn Townsend
Area of Practice: Assistive Technology, Disability, Rehabilitation
Click here to register - Early bird closes 31 August

Sensory Approaches in OT Clinical Practice

This webinar outlines the theory and provides practical strategies essential to integrate sensory approaches into OT service delivery. It supports the growth of skills in developing a sensory lens, enabling OTs to apply the concepts and strategies to any number of occupational roles and functions, to promote functional gains and independence for consumers.

Click here to register during August and save 30%!

Care of People with Dementia in Their Environment “COPE” Program

This interactive training introduces attendees to the Care Of People with Dementia in their Environments (COPE) program developed by Professor Laura Gitlin and her team in the US. and provides attendees with the skills and knowledge required to adopt and implement COPE in their workplace.

The workshop covers: comprehensive assessments; client directed problem solving strategies; how to use communication, activity simplification and environmental modifications to enhance people with dementia's daily function and prevent and manage changed behaviours.

All participants will receive: a training workbook; 'The Caregivers Guide to Dementia', an invitation to participate in three telephone coaching calls and the COPE online community of practice facilitated by COPE Master trainers.

Date: 20-21 September
Presenter: Sally Day & Kate Laver
Area of Practice: Mental Health, Rehab, Neurological Conditions

Click here to register.

Assessment Strategies for Wheelchairs in the Community

This session provides valuable information to participants newer to the assessment, prescription and funding processes of seating and wheelchair prescription - or those wishing to have a bit of a new look at seating evaluation. Designed with NDIS in mind, every attendee will learn the skills necessary to effectively troubleshoot existing seating systems and wheelchair and assess clients for postural intervention.

Date: 5 October, 12-1:30pm AEDT
Presenter: Amy Bjornson
Area of Practice: Disability, Rehabilitation, Older Adult Care
Click here to register - Early bird closes 21 September

Palliative Care Learning & Development Modules

Developed by OTs for OTs, OTA is offering an evidence-based three-part online learning resource designed to increase the knowledge and skills of OTs working in palliative care. This self-directed eLearning resource provides an excellent foundation for OTs working within the palliative care setting to build and consolidate their discipline-specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Click here to learn more and enroll in the learning and development program.

Assessing and treating arthritis in the upper limb
This webinar will provide you with basic assessment and treatment techniques, in addition to a review of upper limb anatomy and how changes occur due to OA. This course will assist you to understand the various treatment options available to patients presenting with arthritic changes of the upper limb as well as give you an understanding of when to refer the patient on.

Click here to register.

Aged Care Update 11 July 2023

Government and stakeholder engagement Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• A new model for regulating Aged Care
  – the department released Consultation Paper No.2 on the
  26th April following the release of their concept paper in February 2022 and Consultation Paper 1 in September 2022. AHPA, in conjunction with OTA, presented a submission in response to the paper outlining key recommendations that address concerns around over-regulation, delivery of quality care and sector harmonisation. To find out more about the proposed model, click here.
• Inspector General Implementation Report on Royal Commission Recommendations – OTA were invited, as a member of AHPA, to contribute to a report on the implementation of recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The lack of action pertaining to allied health recommendations were highlighted with a call for priority attention.
• Digital transformation Tech Talk - OTA attended the last webinar held on 31 May 2023 where the Department outlined the digital projects supporting the mandatory Quality Indicators program and Support at Home program and provided insights into the work underway to improve patient transfer information exchange by the Australian Digital Health Agency. For a copy of the webinar recording and the presentation deck, click here. The next Tech Talk webinar is scheduled for 12th July 2-3pm AEST. To find out more and register for the event, click here.

 

Aged Care Taskforce

Following announcements in the last budget, The Hon. Annika Wells, Minister for Aged Care and Sport, announced the members of the new Aged Care Taskforce at her National Press Club speech on 7th June 2023.

The Taskforce conducted their first meeting on the 16th June and are expected to consider funding and system options that support fair and equitable aged care system.

To read more about the Aged Care Taskforce and their recently released terms of reference, click here.

Training: Behaviour and dementia

Dementia Training Australia are funded by the Australian Government to provide free online courses and resources focusing on dementia related behaviour change. New training and resources are being rolled out throughout 2023 to support aged care workers to better address the factors that influence behaviour change such as anxiety, discomfort, pain, or boredom.

To find out more about the Dementia Training Australia resources and online training, click here.

Resource: supporting the voice of culturally diverse older people

A video resource has been produced by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing to encourage culturally diverse older people to express their needs from aged care providers. The video, created with Department of Health and Aged Care funding and with support from the Australia Multicultural Community Services and Elder Rights Advocacy, is available in 16 different languages.

You can watch and share the video from the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing YouTube channel.

Webinar: Goal Directed Care Planning (GDCP)

Southern Metropolitan Region Sector Development Team in Bayside Melbourne are hosting a webinar program for allied health staff working with Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) clients on Goal Directed Care Planning (GDCP). Hosted by Kate Pascale and Associates, the program will be held over two days (Monday 25th
September and Monday 2nd October 2023) and aims to build on the goal setting and care planning skills of allied health staff working across CHSP programs. Attendance at both dates is required and places are limited.

To find out more about the event and to reserve a spot, click here.

Aged Care Update June 2023

Government and Stakeholder relations update

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings/webinars in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent engagement:

• In-home aged care reform – OTA met with members of the Support at Home Implementation team on Friday 26th
  May to discuss the proposed assessment tool (IAT) and care pathways. Members of the AHPA Aged Care working group were present. There was a strong focus on the need for the IAT tool to accurately identify allied health service needs and for this to be reflected in the care plan. To support this, OTA have reviewed the current version of the IAT tool and have provided information to the department on all the questions within the tool that would trigger an OT referral, some additional considerations for assessors to help with accurately identifying an OT referral, and references to literature that evidence the value of OT across all highlighted areas. The Department have agreed to review discipline specific input against the models and tools proposed. OTA will continue to liaise with the department to inform the development of allied health pathways.

For those who were unable to attend the Department’s in home aged care update on the 18th May, a recording can be found here.

 

ELDAC Allied Health Palliative Care Toolkit

In our April Aged Care update, we introduced the work of the End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) project. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, ELDAC provides information, guidance, and resources to health professionals and aged care workers on palliative care and advance care planning.

In addition to the recent release of The Dementia Toolkit to compliment their other range of toolkits, ELDAC have also created an Allied Health toolkit. This resource is designed to support a palliative practice approach for allied health professionals in aged care. The toolkit is divided into three sections covering the roles of each allied health discipline, information on referral and funding streams, and guidelines and research to support evidence based best practice.

You can find out more about ELDAC and their other resources by clicking here.

 

Regulating Aged Care Workshops

As part of the wider Regulatory reforms underway, the Department will be hosting a number of workshops across June to discuss the proposed new model. These workshops will cover details in the recently released Consultation Paper 2: Details of the proposed new model. Topics to be covered will include service provider registration categories and provider obligations.

For those interested in reading the Consultation Paper 2 and providing feedback, click here.

For those interested in watching a recording of a recent Department webinar update on the work underway, click here.

For those wanting to participate in the workshops, click here to register your interest.

 

Strengthened Quality Standards

Following consultation held in October and November 2022 the Department have synthesised feedback received and have provided a Consultation Summary Report. OTA provided a submission to this consultation which you can find on our Aged Care Advocacy page under Aged Care Submissions.

This report will inform the piloting of updated Quality standards from April 2023 as part of the Strong Standards, Better Aged care program. The program is expected to be fully introduced in 2024.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) will be hosting a webinar on 20th June 1:00-2:00pm AEST to provide an overview of work undertaken to strengthen the Quality Standards.

To register for the webinar, click here.

To find out more about the Stronger Standards, Better Aged Care program, click here.

 

Webinar: Reminiscence therapy

Swinburne’s Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults will be hosting a webinar on reminiscence therapy on Friday 9th June at 4.45pm‑6pm AEST. Presented by Professor Sunil Bhar from Swinburne University’s Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults this webinar will define reminiscence therapy, showcase reminiscence techniques and provide an understanding of how reminiscence can improve mental health outcomes for older adults.

For more information and to register, click here.

 

Elder Abuse Online Forum– Perception versus Reality

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (SA) will be hosting a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day online forum on 16th June 2023 10:30am – 12:45pm AEST. The free online forum has speakers covering topics addressing enduring power of attorney and elder abuse, cultural obligations and elder abuse and an keynote from the Age Discrimination Commissioner, The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO.

To find out more about the event and to register, click here.

Aged Care Update April 2023

OTA Engagement on Aged Care Reforms

Here’s a summary of the work OTA is doing in this space, and to help you catch up on reform updates you may have missed.

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions and attends meetings in response to consultation opportunities – here is a list of our recent consultations and related submissions:

• Support at Home: OTA, as a member of AHPA, attended a meeting with Nick Morgan and the Support at Home implementation team to discuss the use of the IAT assessment tool in identifying allied health referrals and plans for short-term restorative therapeutic input. Testing of the proposed IAT tool will commence over the coming weeks and OTA will continue to liaise with the department to inform the development of allied health pathways.
• Independent Hospital and Pricing Authority (IHACPA): OTA, along with other members of AHPA, attended a meeting with IHACPA on 14th
  March. In this meeting OTA raised concerns about the quality of the data used for modelling costs. AHPA subsequently provided a submission to IHAPCPA further raising this issue.
• NACA Aged Care Funding Paper: At the February NACA meeting Minister Wells requested NACA present a brief outlining possible funding mechanisms and solutions to support sustainability. OTA is collaborating with NACA members on this paper.

Code of Conduct for Aged Care – new resources

With the introduction of the new Code of Conduct for Aged Care (the Code), in effect from 1 December 2022, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has developed a range of resources, including detailed guidance, to assist people in understanding their responsibilities under the Code.

• Code of Conduct providers page for information for aged care providers.
• Code of Conduct workers page for information for aged care workers with translated fact sheets also available in a range of languages.
• Code of Conduct consumers page for information for aged care consumers with translated fact sheets also available in a range of languages.

New bill to establish independent oversight of the aged care system.

On 22 March 2023, the Government introduced the Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill. This key legislation will establish the role of an Inspector-General to monitor and investigate systemic issues in the administration and regulation of aged care, including complaints management processes, and to report and make recommendations to Parliament to improve the aged care system.

It is expected the legislation will pass through Parliament and become law in the second half of 2023, allowing for the appointment of the Inspector-General. Until then, Ian Yates AM will continue as Interim Inspector-General. The Bill is now with the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 28 April 2023.

AHPA, and its members, presented a submission on the exposure draft of the Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill in January 2023 and has since provided a submission to the Standing Committee conducting the inquiry into the Bill.

For more information on the Inspector-General of Aged Care click here.

HCP Manual updates

OTA attended a webinar hosted by the Department on Tuesday 4 April following the publication of updates to the HCP Program Provider Manual. The webinar discussed the updates to the scope of inclusions and exclusions as defined by recent aged care legislative reforms. The webinar recording will be uploaded in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can view the webinar slides on the department’s website and review a compilation of answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Expanded Quality Indicators for residential aged care from 1 April 2023

In our last Aged Care Update (March 2023) OTA shared information about the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program expansion project with 6 new quality indicators for residential aged care coming into effect from 1 April 2023.

The Department hosted a webinar on 28 March 2023 explaining the new quality indicators and the processes around collection. The Department also released Part A of the program manual defining the quality indicators for residential aged care.

The Department intends to publish a recording of this webinar on their website.

To find out more about the changes to quality indicators in residential aged care, view the resources and guidance materials on the department’s website

New resources to support palliative care in aged care

Two new resources have been released to support the needs of older people receiving palliative care services.

palliAGED has developed a range of forms and checklists to help the aged care workforce deliver quality care at the end of life in both home and residential aged care settings. The resources cover 42 topics on what you need to know and what you can do to provide best-practice palliative care.

Resources include:

• palliAGED resource packs for home care (NEW)
• palliAGED resource packs for residential care (NEW)
• palliAGED Introduction Modules

To view them, all and to order copies, visit the palliAGED website:

End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) is a project funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. ELDAC provides information, guidance, and resources to health professionals and aged care workers on palliative care and advance care planning.

A new free online resource has been released to support staff in delivering end of life care for older people living with dementia and their families. The Dementia Toolkit compliments the range of toolkits and resources currently available through ELDAC with resources to support online learning and clinical care delivery. Work is underway to create an Allied Health toolkit to support a palliative practice approach for allied health professionals in aged care. The toolkit is due for release in 2023.

National Dementia Support Program Evaluation

HealthConsult is evaluating the National Dementia Support Program (NSDP) delivered by Dementia Australia. They are seeking input from health professionals and aged care staff working with people living with dementia, and their family/carers. An anonymous online survey is seeking people’s views around dementia services and supports and their awareness of the NSDP.

The survey is currently open and will close on Friday 5th May. For more information contact HealthConsult on 02 9261 3707 or email stephanie.carter@healthconsult.com.au.

Health and Social Care Professionals’ Knowledge & Attitudes Towards Later Life Sexuality (HSCP-KALLS) tool

Bond University researchers are looking for health and social care professionals to take part in a national survey to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards later life sexuality and inform a newly developed and validated tool. The project will also examine health and social care professionals’ knowledge and attitudes towards sexual desire and the needs and preferences of older people including those living with dementia and identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and questioning/queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals.

A systematic review conducted in the first phase of the project identified limitations of existing tools and a clear need for the development of a new tool to assess health and social care professionals’ knowledge and attitudes towards later life sexuality. The project is seeking approximately 400 health and social care professionals across all settings, including aged care, to participate in a 30 minute online survey.

The survey is open until 1st June and you can find it here. For further information on the project email: yung-hui.chen@studentdd.bond.edu.au

Trauma informed care

Phoenix Australia, the national centre of excellence in post-traumatic mental health, have developed a range of online courses and specialised programs to ensure the trauma needs of aged care staff and older people are understood and met. The free resources have been developed in collaboration with experts in the field to ensure staff safety and wellbeing, and to improve care to older people.

To access the hub, follow this link.

Additionally, Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults will be presenting a webinar on trauma-focussed treatment. The webinar, scheduled for Friday 28th
April 4:45 – 6 pm AEST, will be presented by Dr Monica Cations from Flinders University and is designed to support a trauma informed approach to caring for older adults who have experienced trauma.

To find out more about the webinar and to register, click on this link.

Aged Care Update May 2023

Government and Stakeholder relations update

To find out more about the advocacy and representation work being done across aged care, click here.

Aged care scholarships now available

The Aged Care Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships program is next round of applications opened on 2 May 2023 to enrolled and registered nurses, personal care workers and allied health professionals working in aged care. A range of scholarship opportunities are available including undergraduate and postgraduate programs covering areas such as palliative care, dementia care, and leadership and management.

All scholarship recipients will be eligible for a completion bonus on successfully finishing their course. A guaranteed number of scholarships will be available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Applications opened on 2 May 2023 and will close as soon as all of the available places have been filled.

Find out more information on the Australian College of Nursing website.

Aged Care online Learning opportunities

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have released a series of online learning modules for staff who are new to the aged care sector named ‘Welcome to Aged Care’. The online learning platform is free for all staff of Commonwealth-funded aged care providers and provides an overview of the Commission, the obligations that aged care staff and providers have in providing safe and quality care to older Australians, and the resources available to support their work.

For further information and to register click here.

The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre have also released two new free online training modules as part of their Equip Aged Care Learning package. The modules are designed to support staff working across aged care care, or those moving into aged care, to deliver quality and contemporary care. Topics cover areas such as dementia care, palliative and end of life care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultural awareness, wound management and prevention and falls prevention.

For further information and to register click here.

Final grant round for ARIIA open

Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) have opened their sixth and final round of applications for research grants. Applications opened on 1 May 2023 and close on 23 June 2023.

Grants provided through ARIIA support research to address gaps in aged care workforce capability and knowledge and support the development of high quality translational research.

Click for more information on the grant eligibility criteria or application guidelines, or to simply find out more about ARIIA, click here.

Aged Care Update 14 March 2023

OTA Engagement on Aged Care Reforms

Here’s a summary of the work OTA is doing in this space, and to help you catch up on reform updates you may have missed.

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions in response to consultation opportunities – here are a list of our recent consultations and related submissions:

• Support at Home: OTA attended a meeting on 14 February to discuss the departments short-term pathways into the new home based aged care system and the ways in which they can facilitate timely access to allied health services and therapeutic input. Further consideration is needed to build the details around the entry and exit points to support and the funding caps available. OTA will continue to participate in any further conversations and consultations on this matter and will communicate this with our members.
• Assistive Technology Home Modifications Report – following consolidation of feedback gathered from a range of sessions and sources, the Department released a report outlining proposed features of the new AT HM scheme for in-home aged care. OTA submitted a response which you can find on our Advocacy page and also participated in responses submitted by the National Aged Care Alliance and the Assistive Technology for All campaign. You can view the NATA submission here
  and the AT for All submission here.

Impacts of AN-ACC on Allied Health Workforce Survey

OTA, in partnership with their Allied Health Peak partners via AHPA, re-released a survey capturing details about the impacts of AN-ACC on allied health workforce. OTA wish to thank those who participated in this survey and the original one released in November 2022.

With the important results obtained, AHPA was able to express the seriousness of the situation to The Hon Annika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care, when AHAP met with her in Canberra on 17 February. A meeting with the First Assistant Secretary of Home and Residential Aged Care was held on 2 March to discuss these results and consider the key factors undermining allied health in residential aged care.

AHPA Aged care brief: What is needed for quality allied health in Australian aged care?

Allied Health Professionals Association (AHPA) have recently released a brief outlining the features and outcomes necessary to ensure the delivery of consumer focussed allied health to achieve safe and high quality aged care. The brief focusses on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and calls for benchmarking with associated funding, consistent delivery of assessment and care planning through a national tool, and a focus on multidisciplinary care and workforce planning amongst other things. A copy of the brief can be found here.

Training: Understanding Dementia Behaviour Changes

The Centre for Dementia Learning have recently released an Understanding Behaviour Changes coaching program. The training will support staff in understanding key factors that may result in behaviour change and develop person centred strategies. To learn more about the training click on this link.

Dementia Australia also has a range of resources on managing changed behaviours that can be shared with consumers and the family, friends or carers.

E-learning: Vision Australia Introduction to digital accessibility

Vision Australia have released a free 45 minute e-learning module called ‘Introduction to digital accessibility”. With valuable insights into accessibility standards and guidelines, principles of digital accessibility and practical methods to meet digital accessibility, attendees can be sure their digital and print materials are truly accessible to all.

To register for the module click on the following link.

Webinar: Cognitive behavioural therapy for older adults

Swinburne’s Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults will be hosting a webinar presented by clinical psychologist Dr Deborah Koder on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Dr Koder will present the opportunities, barriers and modifications required to provide CBT to older adults with and without dementia. The webinar, scheduled for 4.45‑6pm AEDT on Friday 17 March, will present research and case studies, with a particular focus on practical application of CBT.

For more information and to register for the event, click on the following link.

Webinar: New quality indicators for residential aged care

The National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicators have been reviewed and expanded with new quality indicators to be collected by residential aged care settings from 1 April 2023

Six new quality indicators for residential aged care have been added, including:

• Activities of daily living
• Incontinence care
• Hospitalisation
• Workforce
• Consumer experience
• Quality of life

The department will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday 28 March at 2-3pm AEDT to introduce the new quality indicators, explain the assessment and reporting requirements, launch a range of resources and quality improvement materials and answer questions.

To register to attend the webinar click on this link.

To read more about the expansion of the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator program click on this link.

Consultation: Needs of CALD older people in regional NSW/ACT

Consultation on the NSW and the ACT Department of Health funded Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) program will be commencing this month through to May. Sessions will be offered across regional and rural NSW and ACT to seek feedback from aged care providers, key stakeholders, and community leaders on the needs of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds living in regional and rural locations.

Click on the links below to register for online or in-person sessions:

Katoomba, 10am–12pm AEDT on Wednesday 15 March

Forster, 10am–12pm AEST on Tuesday 18 April

Mudgee, 10am–12pm AEST on Thursday 20 April

Griffith, 10am–12pm AEST on Tuesday 16 May

Canberra, 10am–12pm AEST on Thursday 18 May

For more information contact the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra call 02 4229 7566 or visit the website.

Consultation: Australian Standards on Ageing Societies

OTA has been made aware that consultation is now underway to consider the adoption of two published International Standards related to ageing. Australian Standards have released the documents for consultation and are seeking the views of key stakeholders to consider the value and applicability of these standards:

• Ageing societies — Framework for dementia-inclusive communities - Standards Australia AS ISO 25552
• Ageing societies — General requirements and guidelines for an age-inclusive workforce - Standards Australia AS ISO 25550

To access the documents and then submit comments you must:

• Go to www.standards.org.au
• Find the dark blue menu button for ‘Public Comment’
• Create a Standards Australia account (so that Standards Australia can respond to your comments)
• Search for the items listed above, and have your say

The consultation period ends on 23 March 2023.

OTA are taking steps to review and comment on the “Framework for dementia-inclusive communities – AS ISO 25552”. We encourage our members provide independent feedback on the proposed standards.

Aged Care Update 14 February 2023

OTA Engagement on Aged Care Reforms

Here’s a summary of the work OTA is doing in this space, and to help you catch up on reform updates you may have missed.

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions in response to consultation opportunities – here are a list of our recent consultations and related submissions:

• Support at Home: In October the Department released a new discussion paper on the Support at Home program. You can find a copy of the paper here. OTA created a submission which you can find on our Aged Care Advocacy page under Aged Care Submissions. The Department also presented an update on the proposed in-home aged care reforms. You can watch a recording of the webinar via this link. OTA, as a member of AHPA, also attended a meeting with Nick Morgan and the Support at Home implementation team to consider allied health pathways and funding in the proposed program. OTA will be attending a further meeting on 14th February to discuss how short-term pathways can support timely access to restorative services like occupational therapy.
• Quality Standards Review: Consultation webinars introducing and seeking input on their new Aged Care Quality Standards were conducted in late 2022. For information on the proposed standards click here. OTA created a submission which you can find on our Aged Care Advocacy page under Aged Care Submissions.
• National Dementia Action plan: A revised National Dementia Action Plan is due to be released in 2023. Feedback on the plan was sought in December and January and OTA created a submission which you can find on our Aged Care Advocacy page.
• AT HM Report – the Department have consolidated feedback received from co-design meetings held in August 2022 and have released a report outlining proposed features of the new AT HM scheme for in-home aged care. OTA have been invited to submit feedback, both independently and through our membership in the National Assistive Technology Alliance, by the closing date of 17th
  February.

Impacts of AN-ACC on Allied Health Workforce

OTA have recently re-released a survey investigating the impacts of AN-ACC on the provision of allied health services and clinical outcomes in residential aged care. The survey opened on the 31st January and closes at 5 pm on 17th
February. The survey link was shared in our last OT Today newsletter.

Results from our original survey, released in November 2022, showed an immediate negative effect on OTs working in residential aged care. Nearly 50% of the respondents reported a loss of role, 20% reported a reduction in clinical scope of practice and 87% reported a decrease in the number of allied health professionals. Many have shared insights on how this has already resulted in reduced care and significant impacts on consumer safety and quality of life.

OTA thanks those who have contributed to the surveys. These findings are essential in supporting our ongoing advocacy work and will inform important upcoming discussions with key age care stakeholders.

AN-ACC Questions and Answers – fact sheet.

Following a webinar held on the 17th of November 2022, the Department have released a response to questions raised around AN-ACC. You can find a copy of the fact sheet here
and watch the webinar by following this link. Further information about AN-ACC is available in the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) Funding Guide here.

Aged Care legislative and governance changes.

The new Code of Conduct for Aged Care and the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) started on the 1st December 2022.

The Code sets out standards of behaviour for approved providers, their aged care workers and governing persons. The SIRS have been adapted to extend beyond residential aged care into home or community settings.

Find out more about these reforms or to watch webinars on these changes, follow this link to the Commissions website or this link to the Departments website. For information delivered in podcast format, follow this link.

Aged care research and innovation grants available

Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) conducts research in collaboration with aged care workers, providers, researchers and people who use aged care services.

Over the next 2 years, several ARIIA Research Grants will be available for projects up to the value of $160,000 (ex GST), with funding from the department. Round 4 is open until 17 February 2023 with further rounds scheduled.

To find out more about ARIIA, their work and the grants, follow this link.

Explore the OPAN self-advocacy toolkit

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has released a free self-advocacy toolkit. Funded as part of the National Aged Care Advocacy Program, the aim of the toolkit is to educate people on what they can reasonably expect from aged care providers and empowering them to speak up for themselves or someone they care for.

The toolkit has information on aged care rights and options, solving common aged care problems, protection from harm and how to get help with decision making.

Funded as part of the National Aged Care Advocacy Program, the aim of the toolkit is to educate people on what they can reasonably expect from aged care providers and empowering them to speak up for themselves or someone they care for.

To access the self-advocacy toolkit on OPAN’s website, follow this link.

Queensland legislative changes to voluntary assisted dying

Voluntary assisted dying became accessible in Queensland from 1 January 2023. Voluntary assisted dying gives eligible people diagnosed with a life-limiting condition an additional end-of-life choice by allowing them to choose the timing and circumstances of their death.

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Unit can provide support regarding the implementation of these changes and aged care providers’ obligations under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021. They can be contacted by email VAD@health.qld.gov.au.

For further information on navigating or delivering voluntary assisted dying, please contact QVAD-Support qvadsupport@health.qld.gov.au.

Care Finder Program

In January 2023 the Care Finder Service commenced. This service was developed following a pilot trial managed by COTA in collaboration with 22 partners.

The program offers the support of care finders to older Australians who require intensive support when navigating the aged care system. This includes people who are, or are not yet, receiving aged care services or other relevant supports.

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are responsible for commissioning and managing care finder services. A list of care finder organisations is available on the My Aged Care website.

To find out more about this service follow the link.

Home Care Package Program operational manual

The Home Care Package (HCP) Program operational manual has been recently updated. The updated version reflects recently passed legislative changes that cap care and package management fees and which take effect from 1st
January 2023(see Appendix C).

We encourage our membership to contact OTA if they identify any further changes in the manual that may impact delivery of your clinical services. Email us at policy@otaus.com.au.

The updated manual can be found here.

The right to rehabilitation for people with dementia

OTA are currently participating in co-design workshops for “The right to rehabilitation for people with dementia” project. The work, being led by the National Centre for Healthy Ageing aims to improve access to allied health rehabilitation treatments for people with dementia living in the community, to support their independence and wellbeing.

OTA looks forward to seeing the impact of the recommendations of this study, for consumers, and occupational therapists working with people with dementia.

Pet friendly aged care - survey

Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) support pet friendly aged care and actively advocate for, and support, pet ownership across all of aged care. CANA are seeking feedback from the community about the role of pets in health ageing. Information gathered will provide insights to a new government advisory body that will be considering pet care assistance/pet support as part of the in-home aged care reforms.

To provide your feedback on pet friendly aged care, please complete and share the survey.

Aged Care Update 23 November 2022

OTA Engagement on Aged Care Reforms

OTA have been busy consulting with key stakeholders and participating in submissions on aged care reform work. Here's a summary to help you catch up on reform updates you may have missed.

Submissions and Consultations: OTA regularly creates submissions in response to consultation opportunities – here are a list of our recent consultations and related submissions:

• Support at Home: In October the Department released a new discussion paper on the Support at Home program. You can find a copy of the paper here. OTA have also created a submission in response to the discussion paper which we will share once submitted on 25th November. OTA have also participated in online consultations sessions with the Department and have an allied health focussed session with the support at home implementation team in early December. The Department will be providing an update on the in-home aged care reform on Wednesday 7th December at 2pm‑4 pm AEDT. To register for the event, click here.
• Quality Standards Review: over the last month the Department have launched a series of consultation webinars introducing and seeking input on their new Aged Care Quality Standards. For information on the proposed standards click here. OTA have created a submission in response to the revised quality standards which we will share once submitted on 25th November.
• Meeting with Senator Rice: on Tuesday 15th November, AHPA met with Greens Senator, Senator Janet Rice to discuss the in-home aged care reform underway. AHPA representative Chris Atmore, Manager of Policy and Advocacy at AHPA, Christina Wyatt, Senior Project Officer, OTA, and Kym Torresi, Senior Advisor Aged Care for Speech Pathology Australia. We raised our concerns around the assessment tool and pathway ensuring timely and accurate identification of allied health needs and the need for dedicated allied health assessments at entry into the program.
• Residential Aged Care Design Framework: following a submission to the Department on their proposed Residential Aged Care Design Framework back in December 2021, OTA met with the University of Wollongong and members of the Department to discuss elements of the proposed residential aged care design guidelines. In our discussion we emphasised the need for occupationally engaging and stimulating environments, the need to better integrate technology and equipment into the built environs to better tailor care needs and enable participation, and the role of occupational therapists in supporting this. OTA will continue to keep you updated on this work and share any final resources or materials generated by this project.

To watch past Department hosted aged care webinars, follow this link.

For an overview of the current aged care reform projects underway across the Department of Health and Aged care, follow this link. For a summary of these reforms from a regulatory perspective, follow this link.

AN-ACC Survey

In conjunction with AHPA, OTA recently released a survey about the impacts of AN-ACC on the provision of allied health services and clinical outcomes in residential aged care. The survey closed on 14 November, and we received several responses. OTA wishes to thank those who contributed to the survey and for sharing valuable insights into their experience of working under AN-ACC.

Our results have shown an immediate negative effect on OTs working in residential aged care. Nearly 50% of the respondents reported a loss of role, 20% reported a reduction in clinical scope of practice and 87% reported a decrease in the number of allied health professionals.

Many have shared insights on how this has already resulted in reduced care and significant impacts on consumer safety and quality of life. OTA intend to share these findings with the Department and with our aged care stakeholders at the upcoming National Aged Care Alliance meeting, and for future advocacy activities.

Victoria’s Palliative Care Advice Service

For Victorian’s requiring specialist palliative care information, guidance and support, the Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) is available. It is an initiative hosted by The Royal Melbourne Hospital designed to offer support to clinicians, patients, carers and families. It offers free confidential advice on caring for someone with life-limiting illness, palliative or end of life care needs. It offers contact to specialist doctors and nurses via a toll free number daily between 7am‑10pm.

PCAS is contactable on 1800 360 000.

Improve understanding and treatment of drug users

New resources are available for health and aged care providers, to improve health services and increase empathy for older people who use drugs.

The Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) has developed new resources for health and aged care providers to improve health services and increase empathy for older people who use drugs. These resources can help staff provide culturally safe, appropriate, and inclusive care in line with the Aged Care Quality Standards

The following free learning modules are now available:

A place of their own – learning modules focused on giving the aged care workforce better skills, knowledge and support to care for older drug users in palliative care settings.

A normal day – stories from drug users and medical professionals to help improve understanding and communication as well as clinical interactions.

Partnerships in care resources

During National Carers Week (16–22 October), the Commission launched new interactive online learning modules to support families and friends of aged care residents to continue to provide care and companionship as a ‘partner in care’ or to encourage aged care providers to establish ‘Partnerships in care’ programs at their services.

You can find information about ‘partners in care’ and the new and updated partnerships in care resources here.

Update on national provider of CHSP GEAT services

GEAT2Go, the national Goods, Equipment, and Assistive Technology (GEAT) provider for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) has introduced temporary measures to manage higher than expected demand.

GEAT2Go will distribute their 2022-23 budget fairly, to ensure as many older Australians as possible get the support they need. Once demand reaches capacity each month, GEAT2Go will cease accepting new requests for items and will recommence accepting new requests on the first of the next month. Registered users of the GEAT2Go portal will be notified when this occurs.

You are encouraged to refer clients to other local GEAT providers in the area.

Find GEAT providers on the My Aged Care website.

Expanded access to urgent GEAT for Home Care Package recipients

An additional $10 million is being released to help Home Care Package (HCP) recipients access urgent goods, equipment and assistive technology (GEAT) through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

HCP recipients must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) as having an urgent or immediate need for equipment; and have insufficient funds in their HCP budget for equipment to meet short-term needs.

Eligible consumers will be able to access up to $2,500 per year for equipment, provided by the national provider geat2GO. New requests will be accepted from Tuesday 15th
November.

To find out more click here.

Residential aged care facilities to supply continence products

The eligibility criteria for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) was updated on 1 October 2022.

Residential aged care facilities must now supply continence products to all permanent residents and permanent residents receiving CAPS payments before 1 October 2022 will no longer be eligible for CAPS from 30 June 2023. Impacted residents will receive a letter from Services Australia in February 2023.

For more information, please call the Services Australia CAPS team on 1800 239 309.

Aged Care Update 13 September 2022

OTA Engagement on Aged Care Reforms

There is much happening in aged care reform. OTA continues to represent members by participating in reform engagement opportunities with the Federal Government and the Department of Health and attending various webinars and workshops to stay updated on the changes.

Here’s a summary to help understand the work OTA is doing in this space, and to help you catch up on reform updates you may have missed.

Jobs and Skills Summit

Following a recent roundtable meeting with Minister for Aged Care the Hon Anika Wells MP ahead of the recent national Jobs and Skills Summit, OTA, as a member of AHPA, assisted in identifying and consolidating key workforce points and actions for Minister Wells to consider during the summit. OTA strongly emphasised the need for dedicated funding and mandated care minutes for allied health professionals to address the lack of job security particularly in residential aged care and better attract and retain aged care clinicians. OTA also emphasised that without a strong allied health workforce in aged care, we are unable support the training of the future aged care workforce through student placements. AHPA have released a statement outlining our key recommendations which you can find here. They also created a media release off the back of these conversations which you can also find here.

Review of Quality Standards in Aged Care

OTA met with the Quality and Assurance Division of the Department of Health and Aged care on 8 September to discuss the work underway to review the quality standards in aged care. The revised standards were discussed in general and a variety of representatives shared points around the need to better embed the role of allied health professionals within the standards. Further consultation sessions will be conducted in the coming weeks to discuss the detail within each of the new standards and to consider the roll out into both in-home and residential aged care.

Submissions: OTA regularly creates submissions in response to consultation opportunities – here are a list of the ones we’re currently involved in:

• Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority Aged Care Pricing Framework - consultation paper outlines questions on the proposed pricing framework for aged care. OTA will be building a submission in collaboration with AHPA.
• Aged Care Data Strategy – consultation paper identifies the vision and purpose of an aged care data strategy and is seeking input on key questions pertaining to the proposal. OTA will be working jointly with AHPA to create this submission.
• Support at Home – as part of the National Aged Care Alliance (NACA), OTA has been involved in developing a position statement outlining 14 key propositions for Support at Home reform work. Ahead of the paper’s release, a letter summarising the propositions has been written for the Minister Wells. OTA is also awaiting the release of a new consultation paper from the Department outlining their proposal for the Support at Home program due out later in September.
• New approaches to aged care regulation: a consultation paper has been released providing an overview of the proposed new approach to regulation across aged care. The Department is seeking feedback on the proposed regulation and how these address issues identified in the Royal Commission. OTA is assessing this proposal and considering a response.
• Restrictive practices and informed consent: a draft legislative instrument has been released addressing proposing changes to the Quality of Care Principles 2014. The instrument seeks to provide greater certainty on the pathways to obtain informed consent on the behalf of a resident when restrictive practices are required. OTA is assessing this proposal and considering a response.

Aged Care Reform webinars: The Department of Health and Aged Care has recently conducted several webinars providing insights and updates on the reform work underway. For those who were unable to attend, many of the webinars have been recorded and are now available for viewing:

Consumer experience interviews – this webinar explains the purpose of the consumer experience interviews process, the methodology behind the process and how the department intend to use this data including within the Star Rating system – recording can be viewed here.

Reforming in-home aged care and regulation update - the purpose of the webinar is to provide an update on in-home aged care reforms, including preliminary views on a new Aged Care Act and regulatory arrangements – recording can be viewed here.

Introduction to aged care reforms: a regulatory perspective – this webinar is hosted by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and will be the first in a range of webinars addressing the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Act which will take effect on 1 December 2022. This session will focus on the expansion of the Serious Incident Response Scheme to home and flexible care, strengthening provider governance and the code of conduct for aged care providers and their workers, and the use of restrictive practices and consent. These are live webinars that will stream on 8 and 13 September but will be recorded and available for on demand viewing – to find out more follow this link.

More Department hosted webinars are also available on this page: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/aged-care/aged-care-resources/webinars-for-the-aged-care-sec...

Assistive Technology for All (ATFA) Australian AT Equity Studies

OTA is a member of the Assistive Technology for All (ATFA) campaign – an initiative of the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria. ATFA, with the support of OTA, has recently released findings from two separate but interrelated studies that were conducted in 2022 reviewing the current state of AT funding in Australia, highlighting the gaps in equitable access and funding. These findings have been summarised in a recently published report
where they argue for a single national assistive technology and home modifications program. You can find the report and other campaign publications here.

Diversity Coaching Workshop: The Inclusive Service Standards for Beginners

The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing (PICAC Victoria) has developed Inclusive Service Standards to assist aged care providers in the development and delivery of inclusive services to all consumers. They are hosting a Diversity Coaching Workshop for participants who are new to diversity, equity and inclusion with a focus on how to use the Inclusive Service Standards and will give an overview of the Inclusive Service Standards self-assessment portal, a tool to help aged care providers to self-assess and identify areas for improvement.

The interactive workshop will be held at 2pm‑3 pm (AEST) on Wednesday 14 September.

To find out more and to register, click here.

Aged care resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and families

The Department of Health has funded two projects that aim to support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people using aged care or palliative care services:

Helping Hand Aged Care offer free presentations on Safe and Inclusive Care for Forgotten Australians and other Trauma Survivors

This one-hour presentation offers valuable insights into the barriers to care for Forgotten Australians and other trauma survivors, strategies to achieve safe and including services for older people and resources to support trauma informed care.

Caring@home project have created a new Palliative Care Clinic Box containing tailored resources for families, health professionals and clinical services to support the provision of palliative care at home for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Boxes can be ordered online and offer clinicians the ability to flexibly tailor information and support.

Aged Care Allied Health Scholarships

Applications are now open for the next round of Aged Care Scholarships until Monday 10 October. These scholarships will allow for 100 allied health scholarships per year for up to three years, which will be for allied health professionals to fund postgraduate qualifications including Graduate certificates, Graduate diplomas and Masters degrees. Dementia specific qualifications relating to the care of older people or leadership and management are also eligible. A dedicated scholarship scheme is also available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students undertaking an undergraduate course in an eligible health related discipline.

To find out more click here.

Aged Care Update 25 October 2022

OTA Engagement on Aged Care Reforms

Here’s a summary to help understand the work OTA is doing in this space, and to help you catch up on reform updates you may have missed.

Submissions: OTA regularly creates submissions in response to consultation opportunities – here are a list of the ones we’re currently involved in:

• Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority Aged Care Pricing Framework – OTA have worked closely with AHPA to develop a joint submission addressing key limitations with the proposed Aged Care Pricing Framework namely the lack of specification around allied health funding or care minutes, limitations around the data used to cost model for allied health services and the need for funding to ensure quality is accurately measured and costs are evaluated on an ongoing basis.
• Aged Care Data Strategy – OTA have collaborated with AHPA to create a submission responding to the proposed aged care data strategy highlighting inadequacies in the capture and use of allied health service data, the lack of integration in existing systems used across aged care, and the need for improved disaggregated allied health data to inform workforce and service needs.
• New approaches to aged care regulation: OTA provided a submission to the Department in response to their proposed regulatory and governance changes. Our submission raised the need to ensure improvements in both the infrastructure and regulation of information sharing systems to improve the consumer experience and support continuity of care, the importance of not over burdening health professionals who are already heavily regulated by AHPRA with additional registration requirements, and greater transparency and consideration around the implementation pathways for any regulatory changes across the sector. You can find a copy of this submission on our Aged Care Advocacy page under ‘Aged Care Submissions’.
• Support at Home: The Department have recently released a new discussion paper on the Support at Home program. You can find a copy of the paper here. In addition to creating a submission, OTA will be participating in online consultations sessions scheduled for early November. OTA welcome your thoughts on this area by email: policy@otaus.com.au.

Consultations: OTA have been consulting with the Department around key pieces of aged care reform. Here’s a summary of what’s been happening and what’s ahead in this space:

• Aged Care Data Strategy: The Department, in partnership with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, have been hosting consultation webinars to gain feedback on their proposed Aged Care Data Strategy. These webinars have been recorded and will be available to view on this link.
• Quality Standards Review: following the review of the existing Aged Care Quality Standards, the Department have launched a series of consultation webinars introducing and seeking input on their new standards. For more information on what the proposed new standards look like, or details on the consultation sessions happening across the coming weeks, follow this link.
• Code of Conduct: The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will be hosting a webinar looking at the proposed changes to the Aged Care Code of Conduct on November 11th. To register for the webinar follow this link and to view a draft of the proposed changes, follow this link.
• Residential Aged Care Design Framework:
  back in December 2022, OTA provided a submission to the Department on their proposed Residential Aged Care Design Framework. The framework proposed some key elements including dementia friendly design, needs for diversity groups, accessibility, and small home environments. You can find a copy of the submission on our Aged Care Advocacy page under ‘Aged Care Submissions’. The University of Wollongong have now been appointed to commence the next phase of consultation and OTA have been invited to meet with the research team in early November. We will continue to update you as this consultation progresses and welcome your thoughts on this area by email: policy@otaus.com.au
• BrainTrack: Dementia Australia hosted a webinar with Minister Mark Butler and Minister Anika Wells on 13th October where they spoke about future dementia policy and launched a new free app called BrainTrack. Developed by Dementia Australia and the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute at Deakin University with funding from Australian Government, BrainTrack will help individuals monitor changes in cognition and provides education about brain health. For more information about BrainTrack follow this link. To watch a recording of the webinar, follow this link.

To watch past Department hosted aged care webinars, follow this link.

For an overview of the current aged care reform projects underway across the Department of Health and Aged care, follow this link. For a summary of these reforms from a regulatory perspective, follow this link.

Commencement of Australian National Aged Care Classification in RACF

On October 1st, 2022, the Australian Government commenced a new aged care funding system known as the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC). The new funding system is intended to improve access to services for older Australians, however initial indications are that access to allied health services may be reduced.

We’re seeking your help to understand the initial impact of the new funding scheme to support our advocacy work with the Australian government. We will be working alongside our colleagues in the other allied health professions to campaign for a system that provides the funding needed to ensure allied health professionals can work to the top of their scope and provide the supports that older Australians in residential care need.

OTA in collaboration with other AHPA members have developed a survey about the impacts of AN-ACC on the provision of allied health services and clinical outcomes in residential aged care. It is anonymous and closes on 7 November. Case studies will be particularly useful in increasing our understanding of AN-ACC and building evidence for our communications to government, aged care providers and consumers, so please include as much detail as you can, with a focus on impact on client outcomes.

Follow this link to participate in the survey. We welcome feedback from members and non-members so please circulate within your network.

Changes to additional service fees under AN-ACC

With the implementation of the AN-ACC, funding provided for each resident is expected to cover the cost of specified care and services as outlined in all 3 parts of Schedule 1 of the Quality of Care Principles. Under ACFI, part 3 of the schedule allowed for residents with certain funding classifications to be charged additional service fees. This will no longer be possible, regardless of the residents AN-ACC classification.

Providers can agree with the resident additional service fees for services they aren’t required to provide and for services that are substantially better than the requirements set out in Schedule 1 under the Quality of Care Principles.

To read more on these changes and when fees may or may not apply, follow this link.

LGBTI and Dementia: Understanding changes in behaviour

Dementia Support Australia in collaboration with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia have developed a new resource to support culturally safe, appropriate, and inclusive care in line with the Aged Care Standards. The booklet is free to download with LGBTI-inclusive training for the aged care sector also available through LGBTIQ+ Health Australia. For a copy of the booklet or to find out more about the free training, follow this link or email: education@lgbtiqhealth.org.au

Dementia in Australia Report

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have recently released an updated version of the Dementia in Australia report. The report predicts a significant increase in dementia diagnoses with numbers expected to more than double by 2058 to nearly 850,000 people. Women are more highly represented in these figures with dementia the leading cause of death for women in 2020.

To read the report, follow this link.

Aged care Update 23 August 2022

OTA Input into Aged Care Reform

OTA continues to collaborate with our key stakeholders and partners to support the ongoing aged care reform work underway. As outlined in the last OT Today, OTA have been working closely with AHPA to represent the needs of the profession in relation to the proposed legislative changes currently being implemented. OTA and AHPA attended a meeting with the Department of Health and Ageing and the Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) on Monday 25th July to discuss these areas further. We continue to raise the need for dedicated funding for allied health professionals through the AN-ACC and highlight the lack of attention to allied health in the proposed care minutes and star rating systems. Further consultation between the Department and Allied Health representatives was recommended and agreed upon and we will continue to share insights on these meetings as they come to light.

Passage of aged care legislation

On 2 August, the Australian Government passed the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022. The bill implements nine measures to improve aged care and responds to 17 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

These changes include:

• Residential aged care funding: The Australian National Aged Care Classification will replace the Aged Care Funding Instrument as the residential aged care subsidy system from 1 October 2022.
• the star rating system: The secretary will publish information in relation to the quality and performance of aged care providers for the star rating system.
• The Code of Conduct: Amendments to the Aged Care Act 1997 and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 will require compliance with a code of conduct by approved providers and their aged care workers and governing persons. A failure to comply with the code of conduct may result in a sanction being imposed under this Act. It may also result in a civil penalty order or a banning order being made.
• The Serious Incident Response Scheme will be extended to home and flexible care from 1 December 2022
• Information Sharing: Amendments to five Acts will enable information sharing between certain Commonwealth bodies including:
  • Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
  • Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission
  • The NDIS Launch Transition Agency, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
  • the Repatriation Commission
  • the minister and the department administering the Disability Services Act
  • any other Department of State,
  • or any other authority that the commonwealth has regulatory, compliance or enforcement functions in relation to the provision of care, support or treatment services.
• Use of refundable deposits and accommodation bonds: The secretary or commissioner will be able to request information from a provider or borrower about any loans made with refundable deposits or accommodation bonds. Providers and key personnel of providers will be liable for misusing these loans prior to an insolvency event.
• Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing: Amendments to the National Health Reform Act 2011, Aged Care Act 1997 and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 will enable the use and disclosure of information required for the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority to perform its new functions.
• Restrictive practices: The Quality of Care Principles will make provision for the giving of informed consent to the use of restrictive practices in circumstances where a care recipient does not have capacity to consent themselves.

In-home reform updates

The Federal government has recently announced its plan to push the start date to in-home aged care reforms out to 1st July 2024. The extension will allow for greater consultation across key stakeholder groups and will not see any changes to funding or services being received by consumers under the existing in-home aged care funding.

During this time, however, the Federal Government have pledged to introduce measures that will improve in-home care for older Australians, including caps on administration and management charges for Home Care Packages, and changes to improve access to GEAT. The details on these proposed initiatives have yet to be released.

The department is hosting a webinar on 31 August 2022 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm AEST to cover the next steps for reforming in-home aged care and provide updates on:

• how input from past consultations has informed the program’s future direction and the development of the new Aged Care Act
• a new approach to regulating aged care with an overarching Aged Care Act
• the urgent review of the Aged Care Quality Standards

The webinar, aimed at updating older Australians, their carers and family and aged care stakeholders, will also outline plans for future engagement opportunities.

To register for the event, click here. For those who cannot attend, a recording will be made available on the department website. For any questions regarding this event, email the Support at Home Implementation Team at sah.implementation@health.gov.au.

Updates to Serious Incident Response Scheme resources

Key Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) resources have been updated by The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to clarify reportable incidents in residential aged care.

The amendments identify incidents involving unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct to be Priority 1 reportable incidents, meaning they must be reported to the Commission within 24 hours of the incident being identified. Additionally, incidents that are unlawful or considered to be of a criminal nature (for example, sexual assault) must be reported to police within 24 hours.

This means you must report them to the Commission within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident. You can do this.

You must also report incidents that are unlawful or considered to be of a criminal nature (for example, sexual assault) to police within 24 hours.

To find out more, including updated resources and details on how to report through the My Aged Care Service Provider Portal, click here.

Dementia Care Respite

A new program called ‘Staying at Home’ is being delivered to improve the quality of respite care for people living with dementia and their carers. The first stages of the program will be delivered by HammondCare as part of a broader Dementia Carer Respite and Wellbeing program. The program is aimed at implementing evidence based care models that integrate services for those living with dementia and their carers.

To find out more about the Dementia Carer Respite and Wellbeing Program, click here.

To find out more about the HammondCare Dementia Support services, click here.

Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing webinar series

Collecting Diversity Data to Promote Inclusive Services in Aged Care

The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing (PICAC Victoria) is hosting a range of webinars as part of its 2022–23 online Diversity Webinar Series.

The series covers a range of topics related to the cultural and inclusivity needs of older Australians and will address areas like developing inclusivity standards and policies, how to support people with culturally diverse backgrounds with a hearing loss, and the link between food cultural and identity.

Their next webinar is on Collecting Diversity Data to Promote Inclusive Services in Aged Care. It will be held virtually at 2pm‑3:30 pm AEST on Wednesday 24 August. It will outline different approaches to gathering diversity data within aged care organisations and also showcase the new SBS Australian Census Explorer website, where organisations can search cultural diversity data per suburb, state, or territory.

To find out more about this series of webinars and to register, click here.

Australian Human Rights Commission’s age awareness training: Register your interest

The Australian Human Rights Commission is seeking expressions of interest for a new training package aimed at challenging biased attitudes towards ageing and addressing misconceptions about older people. They are interested in examining views around ageing held by people who work closely with older people and the effect of awareness training on these beliefs.

The training aims to be interactive with pre and post training surveys and group discussions to support those working in aged care to broaden their understanding of the ageing process and transform the way we think about older people.

To register your interest, email maria.ko@humanrights.gov.au by Monday 29 August.

Digital Transformation Tech Talk

On the 26th of July, OTA attended a webinar presented by the Department of Health discussing the aged care reform and digital transformation initiatives that are underway. This works is being conducted across a range of government and stakeholder agencies, including the Australian Digital Health Agency, with a focus on building greater inter-operability of aged care systems to better understand the journey of people in the aged care system. Content covered included the Support at Home digital reforms, the Aged Care Data Strategy and the co-design activities involving partners across the sector.

For those who were unable to attend, presentation slides and a recording of this webinar are now available. To access the webinar and the slides, click here.

Aged Care Update 12 July

AN-ACC – new fact sheets and updates

The Department of Health has released new fact sheets and updated many of the existing reform resources regarding the implementation of AN-ACC under the residential aged funding reform webpage. New fact sheets cover topics such as:

• palliative care entry arrangements from July 2022;
• the residential respite funding model commencing 1 October 2022; and
• the role of the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority in providing advice about pricing under the AN-ACC funding model from July 2023.

Allied Health Professionals revised policy brief ‘Allied health funding in residential aged care’

AHPA have recently released an expanded and revised version of their policy brief on the funding of allied health in residential aged care.

In this updated version AHPA have included new data on allied health care spending in residential aged care and make a clear call to the new government for guaranteed funding to ensure access to allied health services for all older persons who need it.

You can find the revised version of the brief here.

EOI: My Aged Care Assessment Workforce Training Reference Group

The Department of Health is looking to reinstate the My Aged Care Assessment Workforce Training Reference Group. It is seeking expressions of interest for experienced aged care assessors, workplace trainers and educators to represent Regional Assessment Services and Aged Care Assessment Teams nationally. The reference group members are required to serve between July 2022 and June 2023 meeting online quarterly.

The importance of allied health representation in this working group is vital given the plan to bring in a new assessment tool under the proposed Support at Home Program. As such, we encourage any members who meet the criteria above to nominate themselves.

To be considered for the Reference Group please email a completed Expression of Interest Form and CV to MyAgedCare.Capability@Health.gov.au
by 13 July 2022.

Improving access to primary health in residential aged care

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are being funded by the department to better integrate aged care and health care systems to benefit older Australians in residential aged care facilities and avoid preventable hospitalisations. Initiatives will see:

• greater access to telehealth facilities and equipment to enable virtual consultations between residents and health care providers
• processes to support access to afterhours medical services
• training and education to improve digital health practices including telehealth and digital medical record keeping and education to support staff to promote telehealth and after-hours services, including adoption of My Health Record

To read more, click here.

Swinburne University Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults - Seminar and Webinar Series on Ageing

Swinburne University Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults, located within their Psychology Clinic, offer a range of webinars and grand seminars covering a wide range of issues related to working with older adults such as cognitive impairment, capacity and consent, life-stage transitions, late-life emotional experiences and psychosocial approaches for aged care residents and their families. The free webinars are open to the public and are suitable for clinicians, researchers, students, as well as for consumers, families, and carers.

To see details on the remaining webinars and links to register attendance, click here. To watch the back catalogue of past webinars, click here

Dementia resources in multiple languages

A range of animated videos in a range of languages have been developed by the National Ageing Research Institute to make information about dementia more accessible for people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

The animated videos offer tips on how to prevent the onset of dementia and support for those who are caring for someone with a dementia diagnosis. The videos are available in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tamil, Spanish, Vietnamese, Greek, Italian, Hindi and English.

To find and share the animations, click here.

About ME – client stories for aged care

Helping Hand Aged Care offer free online workshops on the About ME tool, a one-page personalised client information story supporting tailored and coordinated care. This evidence-based, person-centred tool has been found to help aged care services in the delivery of culturally safe and inclusive care, particularly when working with people who have experienced trauma or are living with dementia.

To find out more about this tool, Meg Schwarz by calling 0418 976 129 or emailing mschwarz@helpinghand.org.au

Exploring Diversity & Wellness Toolkit

The Grampians Region Sector Development Team has developed a toolkit to support diversity, inclusion, wellness and reablement in community based aged care settings. The Exploring Diversity & Wellness Toolkit offers a range of resources through a self-directed matrix including useful facilitator guides, case studies and question cards.

To access this toolkit, click here.

Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program

Anglicare’s Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program is a free program that includes a suicide prevention online course followed by a workshop. The program is funded by the NSW and Australian Governments and has recently been expanded nationally. It is available for those working with older people and should take approx. 3 hours to complete.

For more information, email Anglicare at suicide.prevention@anglicare.org.au
or visit the Anglicare website.

Online aged care mental health training

The Australian Psychological Society will be offering a free online course aimed at clinicians working in residential aged care with a focus on identifying and addressing common mental health issues. The course titled Applied Mental Health in Residential Aged Care: Practical Program for Clinicians will be offered throughout August and is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care. Full completion of the course counts as 8 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

To register, click here.

Finding information on health.gov.au/aged care – survey request

The Department of Health is reviewing its website, health.gov.au with particular attention to the navigation needs of its users of the aged care pages with a focus on content updates and accessibility.

The Aged Care Pages Development Survey will be open until 5 pm on Thursday 14 July and can be found here. For questions about the survey, email communication.agedcare@health.gov.au



GEAT and Home Modifications Update 28 June 2022

Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT) and Home Modifications (HM) workshop on 8 June

Recently, OTA sought feedback from members around their use of the GEAT2Go program. This information helped OTA inform the department on features of the program that are both supporting and hindering clinical prescription and delivery of AT to older Australians. It also supported OTA in representing our membership in a recent meeting with the department to discuss the GEAT program within the proposed Support at Home program.

In our meeting with the Support at Home Implementation team, led by Nick Morgan, we confirmed that AT will continue to be funded as per the details provided in the overview
paper released earlier this year. Several other issues were discussed, many of which overlapped with the points raised by our members.

• Assessment: the proposed assessment tool, and its ability to determine the GEAT/HM needs of clients at the point of assessment was discussed. There was also discussion around including the RACF Independent Assessment Workforce, responsible for conducting the AN-ACC assessments, in the assessment workforce for the Support at home Program. This would lift the number of clinical assessors, as they include occupational therapist, physiotherapists, and exercise physiologists.
• Trialling equipment: the group acknowledged that the current inability to trial GEAT items before prescribing them is a significant barrier to successful GEAT prescription.
• The need for rapid access for equipment: the need for a built in mechanism to enable people with rapidly declining conditions to have rapid access to assistive technology was considered.
• Rural and regional areas: there was discussion around the factors inhibiting AT access in regional and remote areas and some consideration around whether funding should be adjustment to account for these barriers.
• System issues: many in the group highlighted the significant administrative burden with the current GEAT program and the impact it has on AHP availability to perform assistive technology clinical assessment and prescription.
• Greater transparency: the variability of what is rejected by some providers and accepted by others prompted a discussion around the need for greater transparency and an appeals process for managing rejected requests.
• Workforce: Concerns were raised around the shortage of occupational therapists and other allied health professionals contributing to delays for assistive technology and home modifications. This was countered with the fact that administrative issues surrounding GEAT and HM provision take up a disproportionate amount of time for occupational therapists and other allied health professionals

Where to from here?
Over the coming weeks the Support at Home Implementation team will be briefing the incoming government and confirming timings and the broader settings for the project, speaking with co-design experts to discuss the creation of GEAT/HM pathways, and speaking to the States, Territories and funding schemes (such as DVA and NDIS) to understand their programs. Once they have completed these, there will likely be further consultation/co-design opportunities in August.

 

Aged Care Update 16 June 2022

Support at Home Goods, Equipment, Assistive Technologies (GEAT) and Home Modifications Consultation
The next round of consultations for the proposed Support at Home program is underway and will focus on Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technologies (GEAT) and home modifications. OTA are aware of issues members are having with participating in these consultations and we have shared our concerns with the Support at Home Implementation team.

OTA attended the Allied Health GEAT/HM consultation session on Wednesday 8th June. In anticipation of these consultations, OTA conducted a body of work compiling the views of members around the current home based aged care GEAT and HM programs. These findings have been presented directly to Nick Morgan, Assistant Secretary for the Support at Home program through our involvement with the Allied Health Professionals Association (AHPA) Aged care working group.

OTA will continue to work with our members to ensure we’re accurately reflecting their views and ideas and will share our experiences of the consultation as we can.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day forum
The Aged Rights Advocacy Service is hosting a free online forum to acknowledge World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The forum, scheduled for the 17th June, aims to raise awareness, build resilience and create change to protect vulnerable older people.

For more details or to register for the event, click here.

Free online course in aged care advocacy
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) are offering a free online course called ‘Talk to Us First’ aimed at helping aged care health professionals, carers or volunteers to better understand the rights of the older people they’re supporting.

The course is self-paced and usually takes less than one hour to complete. Participants will receive a certificate on completion. The course content will ensure aged care staff meet the Aged Care Quality Standard 6: Feedback and complaints.

For more information on this course, click here.

Transition to AN-ACC in RACF
The Department of Health have recently released a video providing information about the planned transition from the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) to the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding model. The video shares insights from the shadow assessment period and details the ways in which funding will be calculated based on the AN-ACC classification.

Dementia Australia Expert Webinars
Dementia Australia have been collaborating with various guest speakers across a range of topics to create a suite of videos designed to support people living with dementia.

Occupational therapy Australia have recently collaborated with Dementia Australia to create a video explaining the role of occupational therapy and how an occupational therapy can assist someone with a dementia diagnosis.

The specialized education videos, including the one created by OTA, can be found here.

Auslan interpreting services for My Aged Care
A new sign language interpreting service is now available to support older Australians when contacting My Aged Care. The video interpreting service will offer a three-way chat with an Auslan interpreter and the My Aged Care agent.

To learn more about this service, click here.

Aged Care Update 25 May 2022

Free translation service for aged care providers

A free service is available to translate key documents for your organisation through. The service, offered by Icon Agency and partners Able Australia, The LOTE Agency and Winangali, can help you communicate written or visual messages to consumers in languages and formats that meet their cultural, linguistic, literacy and disability needs.

Find more information on the Better connecting with diverse audiences website.

Australian Dementia Research Forum 2022

The Australian Dementia Network (ADNet), in collaboration with the Department, are hosting the Australian Dementia Research Forum on 30‑31 May 2022.

This year’s theme is Dementia Research: Early Diagnosis – Effective Treatment. The event will bring together dementia researchers, health professionals, policymakers and people living with dementia to showcase key innovations in dementia science and research.

Register on the Australian Dementia Research Forum website. General registrations close on 26 May 2022.

Webinar: Powers of Attorneys and understanding consent and capacity.

Swinburne University’s Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults will be hosting a free webinar presented by Katie Riceputo, from the Office of the Public Advocate. The presentation will be held on Friday 27 May at 4.45–6 pm AEST and will explain how consent and capacity are defined and assessed, as well as the roles of the enduring power of attorney, medical treatment decision maker, guardianship, and administration.

Find out more information and register for the webinar here.

Webinar: Digital Transformation Tech Talk

The Department, as part of their Digital Transformation agenda, will be hosting their next Digital Transformation Tech Talk webinar on Tuesday 31 May at 2 pm AEST. During the webinar, they will be sharing the work their doing to create a better-connected aged care network, that is consolidated, sustainable, automated, and modern and share immediate priorities on their technical roadmap.

To register for the Digital Transformation Tech Talk webinar click here.

FriendLine volunteer chat service

FriendLine is a national, free, phone line that allows people to have a friendly chat with a trained volunteer. Users can call as often as they like with volunteers available every day from 10 am to 8 pm (8 am to 6 pm in Western Australia).

There is no need to register or give personal details – simply call 1800 42 42 87 (free call).

Upgrades to Services Australia’s Aged Care Online web services

Services Australia is continuing with their transition to web services technology with Aged Care software developers having finalised upgrades to their products. Providers will have until 30 June 2022 to make the transition with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates and access using Adaptor technology to expire on this date.

The proposed software changes will impact access to the following digital health and aged care channels

• Medicare Online, including Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
• Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Online
• Electronic Claim Lodgement and Information Processing Service Environment (ECLIPSE)
• Aged Care Web Services

We encourage all members for which the above is relevant, to familiarise themselves with the upcoming new requirements for their practice and register for updates direct from Services Australia:

• For Information about the upgrades click here
• For more information on how to prepare for web services and to download the E-Kit containing resources and fact sheets click here.
• If you have any questions, contact the Services Australia Adaptors to Web Services Project Team directly via email: SERVICESAUSTRALIA.A2WS@servicesaustralia.gov.au