Resource Library

This template is used to refer key information, feedback or concerns about care and services for Residential Aged Care Providers and Home Service Providers to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

In the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 at a residential service, the service’s Outbreak Management Team and key personnel at the service will be working in close co-operation with public health authorities and other parties to ensure an effective emergency response.  A key personnel template has been developed to assist providers in identifying key personnel of the service and their contact details to support this response. 

On Thursday 6 August 2020, the Commission held a webinar for NSW/QLD-based providers of residential aged care services to share insights from the Commission’s work in monitoring and supporting services to prepare for and respond to an outbreak.

Download the How to stay active and enjoy yourself during COVID-19 images for social media, email and web.

Download the Stay connected with the people you love during COVID-19 images for social media, email and web.

Download the How to stay safe from COVID-19 images for social media, email and web.

The advice in this resource has been prepared by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Chief Clinical Advisor Dr Melanie Wroth, to support residential aged care services across Australia in preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 outbreak, complementing the earlier version that was for Victorian providers. The advice is informed by the Commission’s involvement in monitoring and supporting providers to identify and mitigate pandemic-related risks, including managing an outbreak in their service, and the lessons learned from these experiences.

This advice has been prepared by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Chief Clinical Advisor Dr Melanie Wroth, to support home services delivering aged care in Victoria in preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 outbreak.

The advice is informed by the Commission’s national involvement in monitoring and supporting providers to identify and mitigate pandemic-related risks, including managing continued delivery of services in ways that reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission, and ensuring appropriate infection control practices are used by home care staff.

Regulatory Bulletin RB 2020-11 Publication of provider performance information (PDF) (540.5 KB)

RB 2020-11 This Regulatory Bulletin details the information the Commission publishes about aged care service providers' performance in relation to their responsibilities under the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 (Commission Act) and the Aged Care Act 1997, or the Commonwealth funding agreement that relates to a service.

The advice in this resource has been prepared by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Chief Clinical Advisor Dr Melanie Wroth, to support residential aged care services in Victoria in preparing for and responding to a COVID-19 outbreak. The advice is informed by the Commission’s involvement in monitoring and supporting providers to identify and mitigate pandemic-related risks, including managing an outbreak in their service, and the lessons learned from these experiences.

The Department of Health, in partnership with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (the Commission), is introducing a service compliance rating system for residential aged care services.

About the Service Compliance Rating

The rating system was developed in consultation with stakeholders, including senior Australians, their caregivers, aged care providers, and a range of peak bodies.

The Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19 (the Code) sets out the aged care industry’s expectations of conduct for aged care providers on how to support residents being able to have visitors while also keeping them safe and protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

States and Territories have established directions giving effect to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s recommendation that visitors and staff (including visiting workers) should not be permitted to enter a residential aged care facility, if they have not been vaccinated against influenza (after 1st May 2020).  

Residential aged care facilities may wish to display the attached poster at entrances, to alert anyone entering the facility of these flu vaccination requirements. 

These posters have been developed to supplement the CDNA National Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities in Australia.

The CDNA guidelines include a flow chart for managing COVID-19 in residential facilities. The posters take this flow chart and present it in a way that may be easier for facilities to see what they need to do for their particular circumstances.

Six steps for safe prescribing antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care.

If you’re thinking of prescribing these medicines to manage the behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia, follow these 6 steps.

The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus is a pandemic.
 
The Department of Health has prepared factsheets, including for aged care staff, residents and families to assist in control of the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID19). It is strongly recommended that you read these factsheets and revisit them every day or two because they will be updated as new information becomes available.

What are psychotropic medications? 

Psychotropic medications are ‘any drug capable of affecting the mind, emotions and behaviour'

The three main classes of psychotropics prescribed are antidepressants, anxiolytic/hypnotics (mostly benzodiazepines to manage anxiety and insomnia) and antipsychotics. Other psychotropic classes include anticonvulsants and stimulants. 

The purpose of this report is to describe the key themes and findings from online surveys of aged care consumers and aged care providers, regarding best practice models for engagement between consumers and providers.

As part of its responsibilities for protecting and enhancing the safety, health, well-being and quality of life of aged care consumers, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has identified and developed a range of best practice strategies and tools for providers of aged care to engage with consumers and their representatives.

To inform this piece of work, we have undertaken a literature review of co-design and consumer engagement.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has identified and developed a range of best practice strategies and tools for providers of aged care to engage with consumers and their representatives.

This resource recognises that placing consumers at the centre of their care is fundamental to quality care outcomes. This means significantly deepening engagement and developing a mutual partnership with consumers in all aspects of the planning, delivery and evaluation of care and services.