Richard de Haast

Do you want to elevate your care standards and operational efficiency in Home Care? 🏠💻 Tune into our FREE on-demand webinar to gain valuable insights around: ✅ The importance of compliance and the relationship to providing proper care for consumers ✅ Key challenges in service delivery and requirements under the Aged Care Quality Standards ✅ Common roadblocks for a mobile workforce and practical tips on how to combat issues to improve service delivery If you want to take your skills to the next level, watch the webinar today. Access it here 👇 https://lnkd.in/g8s9JHWv #Ideagen #IdeagenCompliSpace #HomeCare #AgedCare #Compliance

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The Department of Health and Aged Care just published the Home Care Package - Published Pricing Schedule - 30 June 2024 which shows the national median prices for common home care services including care management and package management fees. Home care providers, well worth a look to ensure you are operating in a competitive space. Link: https://lnkd.in/ekkjDrNM Please note that it comes in an excel version so you can have a play with how you want to sort the data, even better. #homecarepricing #pricingdata #homecarepricingcomparisons #

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Are you prepared for the future of Aged Care? 🏠💻 Don't miss out on our FREE webinar tomorrow at 12:00pm AEST as our expert Nicole SH Chen provides you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of Aged Care. What you'll learn: ✅ Understanding the transforming Aged Care industry: Gain insights into the factors driving change and how to adapt. ✅ Navigating challenges and capitalising on opportunities: Discover potential areas for growth and strategies for overcoming hurdles. ✅ Technology as a game-changer in Aged Care: Explore practical ways technology can enhance service delivery and compliance. If you want expert advice on how to future-proof your Aged Care facility, sign up for the webinar today. Sign up here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gTJfCyq2 #Ideagen #IdeagenCompliSpace #AgedCare #Technology #Webinar

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xpenses in the aged care sector are a critical focus for organizations aiming to balance cost savings with high-quality care. Smaller and regional aged Aged care homes encounter unique challenges in cost management and government funding. Leveraging procurement specialists like S.T.A.R Procurement is key to swiftly identifying savings on various expenditure items. S.T.A.R Procurement offers tailored solutions, delivering tangible savings of up to 30% off baseline costs for organizations such as Healthia Limited, Tristar Medical, and Capitol Health. By cascading these savings to associated entities, procurement not only cuts costs but also aids in achieving strategic goals, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring compliance. Over the last 6 months, S.T.A.R Procurement has achieved significant savings in categories like stationery (25%), printing (30%), utilities (25%), and medical consumables (15%). Implementing procurement improvements is a straightforward process yielding substantial benefits without extensive consulting hours. External procurement support can provide a cost-effective boost to strategic objectives compared to internal resources.

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It's quite revealing to see the data presented in the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission's recent Sector Performance Report. While it's encouraging that 85% of aged care homes audited were compliant with all eight Standards, the persistent issues highlighted, especially in clinical care and organisational governance, are concerning. The report indicates that clinical care continues to be a major area of complaint and non-compliance. Despite a general improvement in compliance with Quality Standard 3, significant challenges remain in delivering safe and effective care and managing high-impact or high-frequency risks. These are crucial areas affecting the daily lives of aged care recipients and their families, underlining the need for stringent, effective standards and enforcement. Moreover, the low compliance rate in Standard 8, which focuses on organisational governance, suggests systemic issues that might not be swiftly resolved by simply introducing new standards. What we need is not another delay in implementing these standards but a more rigorous, actionable approach that holds facilities accountable and ensures that improvements are not only promised but effectively executed. The increase in audit activity is a step in the right direction, yet, as the report shows, there's a crucial need for continuous and effective monitoring to truly elevate the standard of care. The sector's ability to adapt to and address these issues will be paramount in ensuring the safety and well-being of those under its care. We must advocate for and support changes that bring about real, impactful improvements in the quality of aged care services.

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Have your say on Star Ratings The Department has engaged Allen & Clarke Consulting to evaluate the Star Ratings system and is seeking feedback from aged care providers, peak bodies, and others in the sector. You can share your experience by completing a 15-minute online survey or emailing a submission. Feedback is due by 19 June 2024. The aged care star ratings system has sparked significant controversy. Concerns include: Accuracy: • Critics argue that the star ratings do not accurately reflect the true quality of care in aged care facilities. The metrics used to determine the ratings, such as staffing levels, compliance with regulations, and certain clinical indicators, may not fully capture the day-to-day care experiences of residents. • There are concerns that the ratings are based on outdated or incomplete data, leading to potentially misleading assessments of care quality. Transparency: • The process by which star ratings are determined has been criticised for a lack of transparency. Aged care providers and families often find it difficult to understand the criteria and methodology behind the ratings. • Smaller providers, particularly those in rural or remote areas, argue that the system is biased in favour of larger, urban facilities with more resources to meet the rating criteria. Impact on Providers: • Aged care facilities with lower star ratings can suffer significant reputational damage, affecting their ability to attract new residents and maintain financial stability. This can create a cycle where under-resourced facilities struggle to improve their ratings due to limited funding and support. • Some providers feel that the focus on meeting specific rating criteria can divert attention and resources away from actual improvements in care quality and resident well-being. Consumer Misinterpretation: • Families and potential residents might rely too heavily on star ratings when choosing an aged care facility, potentially overlooking other important factors such as the facility's culture, staff, and personalised care options. • There is a risk that the ratings oversimplify the complexities of aged care, leading to decisions based on incomplete information. Regulatory Burden: • The introduction of star ratings has added to the regulatory burden on aged care providers, who already face extensive compliance requirements. This can be particularly challenging for smaller facilities with fewer administrative resources. • The sector has expressed concerns that the emphasis on ratings and compliance can overshadow the goal of delivering person-centered care. Further details about how to provide feedback to the star ratings can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gVeTpPt3 #agedcareaustralia #StarRatings 

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The changes within Residential Aged Care (RAC) continue. From 1st October 2024 the following changes are coming to the care minutes in RAC: 💠 10% of your service-level RN targets can now be achieved with care time provided by Enrolled Nurses (ENs) 💠 44 minutes of direct care will be provided by a Registered Nurse (RN) 💠 care minutes will increase to 215 minutes per resident sector wide Obviously the purpose behind these changes is to continue to enhance the quality of care for residents but perhaps now with softening the burden of work solely on RNs...... How will these changes affect your workplace as a facility manager? Will the changes hearld positive change for your workforce with the ability to utilise ENs? 📞 07 3337 5222 📧 [email protected] https://lnkd.in/gfy-63Hy

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Big changes are on the horizon for the aged care sector in Australia, including a $5.6b investment in quality, access, and viability. Find out how the new funding models and reforms will affect providers and why strategic planning is crucial for the year ahead: https://okt.to/T1S9hG #AgedCare #Reforms

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Home aged care provider Silverchain Group has partnered with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) to develop a new framework to help in-home aged care providers implement technology-supported services. In what is thought to be the first guidelines specifically for older people and the aged care workforce in the Australian in-home aged care setting, the framework has been informed by several studies conducted at Silverchain. #ehealth #healthit #digitalhealth #PulseIT

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🌟 Key insights and trends 🌟 Aged Care Industry Report 2023 ➡ Funding Challenges/Workforce Shortages/Quality of Care/Reforms and Regulatory Framework/Integration of Technology. It highlights the industry's challenges and opportunities, focusing on sustainability and compliance. This report is a must-read for anyone involved in aged care. #AgedCare #Nursing #AgedCareWorker #PersonalCareWorker #RegisteredNurse #NursingHome

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DATA INFORMED CARE MAKES BETTER DECISION MAKING IN AGED CARE Interesting flipchart from Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission It highlights how important data will become in Aged Care for government, aged care providers and most importantly the quality of care for our elderly. Some points highlighted IDENTIFY - Why are we collecting data and what are we trying to achieve with the data? COLLECT - Do we need the data once or over a period of time? Can any of this collection be automated? MANAGE - How can we keep this data private and secure? who should have access to this data and how should it be shared? ANALYSE -How you can effectively analyse data to support your intended purpose Collection of data safely through IOT sensor technology every minute of every day, keeping data secure via cloud-based storage in Australia, the use data analytics through co-designed dashboard that can measure and trend residents / consumers well-being and support data informed care is the FUTURE.... It will be an expectation and will support challenging staff resources to support person centered care. For more information to support your aged care organisation to future proof person centered care and support data informed care contact the team at Talius www.talius.com.au or [email protected]. We fully support Data informed care and improving quality of care in the aged care sector. #data #security #agedcare Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Aged & Community Care Providers Association Aged Care Services Australia Group Regis Aged Care ACH Group Eldercare Helping Hand Aged Care Resthaven Incorporated Richard Hoskins, Wayne Woff Talius AnglicareSA

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Aged Care Business Plans: how to write them, what to include and how to make an impact. https://lnkd.in/gc5qHCsU

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The Monthly Care Statements pilot - RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE Between October 2022 and November 2023, the Nous Group designed and implemented a pilot of the Monthly Care Statements. A representative mix of 37 residential aged care providers volunteering 40 homes participated in the pilot. The pilot tested whether the statements were useful and met the needs of residents. During the pilot, they surveyed residents and their representatives about their experience. They found most residents and representatives rated Monthly Care Statements as helpful or very helpful.  We have carefully considered the pilot's results. We are developing an approach for mandatory national implementation. What they include For all residents, the Monthly Care Statement will include information on: wellbeing activities, such as social activities, arts and craft or exercise. changes to medication appointments, hospital or doctor visits nutrition and weight When relevant, the statement may also include: summary information (diagnoses) wound management mobility and falls. Data collection will be critical as these statements are implemented nationally, Talius can help support effective data collection and co-design dashboards to support easy access in addition to care minutes. Real time access to data around Sleep patterns, Heart rate, Blood Pressure, Respiratory rate trends on health, Activities of Daily Living, Falls prediction and prevention. Sensor based and data driven support staff challenges creates efficiencies and transparency for Residents and their families. To find out more contact [email protected] or jump onto our website www.talius.com.au and we will support your aged care organisation with an effective co-designed cost-effective approach to capturing this data automatically every day, week, month of the year. #monthlystatements #datacollection #reputation #qualityofcare Aged & Community Care Providers Association Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care\ Aged Care Services Australia Group Regis Aged Care Royal Freemasons'​ Benevolent Institution Whiddon Eldercare AnglicareSA TLC Healthcare Infinite Aged Care Adventist HealthCare Brightwater Care Group Ltd. Australian Ageing Agenda Aged Care Insite Talius https://lnkd.in/gVbRRJwc

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Download our residential aged care guide to help your clients understand the steps involved in entering residential aged care and how you can help them. #AgedCare #ResidentialAgedCare #AgedCareAdvice

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How does the MyIntegra NDIS Plan Management portal work? Here's a quick explainer! You can do many things on the MyIntegra portal, including: 👀 monitor your budget ✅ check invoice statuses 💵 and reserve funds for preferred providers. Access to your NDIS budget has never been more convenient! Find out more at https://lnkd.in/g39euvri. #PlanManagement #NDIS #MyIntegra

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AGED CARE NEWS: Home Care Package Services See Revenue Increase But Rising Costs - StewartBrown at National Home Care Conference 2024 At the National Home Care Conference 2024 held last week, StewartBrown Managing Partner Stuart Hutcheon shared critical insights into the financial landscape of home care services. Addressing delegates both in-person and online, Hutcheon revealed that while revenue for Home Care Package services has seen an uptick, the accompanying rise in costs continues to pose significant challenges for the sector. Despite the positive news of increased revenue, Hutcheon emphasised that the operating results for many home care organisations remain under pressure. The dual impact of rising operational costs and the ongoing demand for quality services has created a complex financial environment for providers. #HealthCare #HomeCare #nursing #AgedCareAustralia #AgedCareNews #Hospital #retiree #HomeCareConference2024 #MarvelStadium #InnovationInCare #FutureOfHealthcare #CHSP #IndependentLiving

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𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲’𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 When RSL Care Queensland and the Royal District Nursing Service Victoria (RDNS) came together in 2015 to form Bolton Clarke, they redefined what a merger could be. This wasn’t a bailout —it was a powerful alliance of two well-established brands set to revolutionise the aged care sector. 𝑩𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆'𝒔 𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝑮𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟓) ✔ 𝟲,𝟬𝟬𝟬+ staff & 𝟰𝟬𝟬+ volunteers powering the mission. ✔ 𝟮𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬+ customers served daily. ✔ 𝟰 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻+ 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 to clients each year. ✔ 𝟮𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬+ 𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 supported annually. ✔ 𝟮𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬+ 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀 delivered. ✔ 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲 exceeding $𝟭 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 with $𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 in revenue. This merger has catapulted Bolton Clarke into a formidable player in the aged care sector. So how did they pull it off—and what other healthcare organisations can learn from their journey? 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 + 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 = 𝑼𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 The typical merger story? One company barely hanging on, acquired by a stronger one to “save” it. Bolton Clarke, however, was a voluntary, strength-based merge that combined RNDS’s home care clout with RSL’s expertise in residential care. Both organisations were financially solid, rich in history, and driven by a shared mission to elevate client care. 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟭: Mergers can be about expansion, not just survival. 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆-𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 This merger wasn’t reactive—it was bold and forward-looking. The leadership teams saw industry changes coming: an aging population, regulatory shifts, and tech demands. By merging, they positioned Bolton Clarke to handle these shifts head-on, with the scale to innovate and lead. 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟮: Mergers from strength allow organisations to drive growth, not just fend off threats. 𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒎 & 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒘𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 Post-merger, Bolton Clarke could deliver end-to-end care on a national scale, creating a seamless experience for clients and families. RDNS’s presence in Victoria and RSL’s base in Queensland meant Bolton Clarke 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 had a nationwide footprint and could meet needs across the care spectrum—from in-home support to residential care. 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟯: A merger that combines complementary strengths lets you cover more ground and meet a wider range of client needs. 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 Bolton Clarke didn’t wait for market pressure; they created a powerhouse proactively. For health sector providers eyeing growth, this is the model to watch. Mergers don’t need to be about survival—they can be the rocket fuel for expansion and transformation. #HealthcareMergers #AgedCare #MergersAndAcquisitions

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