ACAT CHAT
Newsletter
Welcome to the ACAT CHAT – Vol. 42, March 2015
ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
In this Issue
Article
Page Number
Aged Care Assessment Program Update
Page 3-5
Aged Care Reform Roadshow – coming soon
Page 6-7
Stage 2 My Aged Care – Early Implementation
Page 8-9
Informing consumers about Home Care Package fees
Page 10-12
Update of Assessment forms SA456 and SA457
Page 13
Dementia Care Training and Education
Page 14 - 15
Government response to the Dementia Forum Report
Page 16
Update on the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Page 17
Homecaretoday Newsletter
Page 17
Messages sent to the sector in December 2014
Page 18
Seeking ACAT CHAT Articles and Feedback
Page 19
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Aged Care Assessment Programme
(ACAP) Update
My Aged Care Training Update
To prepare for the release of My Aged Care Stage 2, the Department continues to work with
CIT Solutions Pty Ltd on developing and delivering nationally recognised training for the
national assessment workforce.
On 20 January 2015, CIT Solutions started delivering pilot introduction training to existing
staff in the My Aged Care contact centre. The training has been designed to provide a sound
knowledge base of the changes in the aged care industry and a clear understanding of the
contact centre staffs’ roles and responsibilities associated with the My Aged Care system.
The training program provides contact centre staff and assessors with a detailed grounding
in the screening process and how the My Aged Care systems can capture this information to
ensure effective management of the client’s needs.
Training will also be delivered to assessment staff involved in the Victorian Early
Implementation site before the site ‘goes live’ in early April 2015.
The review of the pilot training will allow the Department and CIT Solutions to evaluate and
modify the training, where necessary, before it is delivered to other segments of the
My Aged Care assessment workforce.
Lessons learnt from these two pilot training deliveries will be incorporated in the national
rollout of the training due to commence in mid April 2015.
CIT Solutions will be the lead Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to deliver this
facilitator led training and will be working in close association with their partner RTOs across
the country.
Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) will also receive relevant training in the My Aged
Care systems and the use of the National Screening and Assessment Form (NSAF) as each
State and Territory is transitioned onto using the My Aged Care system by December 2015.
These training resources have been developed to support future online training delivery
options for all participants post 1 July 2015.
We will keep you updated on assessment workforce training as more information becomes
available.
ACAP Guidelines
The Aged Care Assessment Programme Guidelines are scheduled to be released in March
2015. The guidelines are located for validated users in the Resource Library of the ACAT
Learning Management System (www.acattraining.net.au). They are also available for public
viewing on the Department of Social Services website (www.dss.gov.au).
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
ACAT Learning Management System
We are pleased to announce the newly designed ACAT Learning Management System will
soon be available. Thank you to those who have provided feedback including those who
have offered valuable insights by testing the new Learning Management System.
We have worked hard to take the existing Learning Management System and improve its
content, functionality, and look and feel to provide a better experience for users.
More information on the timeframe for the live implementation will be provided shortly. A
brief presentation on the Learning Management System will also be provided at the ACAT
Education Officer Workshop (AEO).
Aged Care Client Record Access for Approved Providers
Aged Care Online Claiming (ACOC) enables approved providers to view a client’s Aged
Care Client Record (ACCR) that was transmitted electronically to DHS-Medicare (eACCR
process). ACOC is the preferred method of obtaining and confirming the validity of a client’s
ACCR. In the event that approved providers are unable to access ACOC they should
contact DHS-Medicare Aged Care Enquiry Line on 1800 195 206.
Only as a last resort should a provider contact the ACAT to obtain a copy of an ACCR.
Alternatively, a copy of the Aged Care Client Record (ACCR) can be requested from the
client. If it becomes necessary for an approved provider to contact an ACAT directly, they
should be able to identify themselves as an approved provider and have the client’s first
name, surname, gender, date of birth and Medicare card number available.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Update – What is the process to update information for
My Aged Care Service Finders
To update ACAT details on the Assessment Finder on the My Aged Care website, please
send the requested changes to the ACAP representative of your state or territory
government. Possible changes include:
Name of ACAT
Contact phone number
Hours of business
Fax number
Email address
Street address
Other details
Once your state or territory ACAP representative verifies the requested change, they will
forward your request to the Department of Social Services at
ACAP.Policy.Operations@dss.gov.au for processing by My Aged Care.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Aged Care Reform Roadshow –
coming soon
In March 2015, the Department of Social Services will provide briefings to aged care
stakeholders on the changes to aged care from 1 July 2015.
The Roadshow will visit all capital cities, and some regional centres, to present participants
with up to date information on the 2015 changes to aged care, with a focus on key change
areas such as Home Care Packages, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, and
My Aged Care.
If you are unable to attend a face-to-face briefing, webinars on each 2015 reform topic will
also be held – with dates and times to be confirmed shortly. The video recordings of the
webinars will be available afterwards and will be able to be accessed on demand via the
DSS website.
An invitation to attend the roadshow briefings and webinar sessions was issued to the aged
care sector on February 14, 2015. More information, including how to register, is available
on the Department’s 2015 Sector Briefings page (https://www.dss.gov.au/ourresponsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/aged-care-reform/sector-briefings-for-the-2015-agedcare-changes).
Confirmed dates and locations are as follows:
State
Location
Date
New South Wales
Sydney (2 dates available)
Tuesday 3 March
New South Wales
Sydney
Wednesday 4 March
New South Wales
Port Macquarie
Thursday 5 March
Northern Territory
Darwin
Wednesday 11 March
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
Wednesday 8 April
Victoria
Melbourne (2 dates available)
Thursday 12 March
Victoria
Melbourne
Friday 13 March
Victoria
Shepparton
Monday 16 March
Tasmania
Hobart
Wednesday 18 March
Tasmania
Launceston
Thursday 19 March
Western Australia
Perth
Tuesday 24 March
Western Australia
Bunbury
Wednesday 25 March
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
State
Location
Date
South Australia
Adelaide
Thursday 26 March
South Australia
Port Augusta
Friday 27 March
Queensland
Brisbane (2 dates available)
Tuesday 31 March
Queensland
Brisbane
Wednesday 1 April
Queensland
Townsville
Thursday 2 April
ACT
Canberra
Friday 10 April
Webinars
Online - A series of webinars
covering the same topic areas
will be available on the DSS
website for those who cannot
attend a face-to-face session.
To register your interest in attending a
webinar or for more information, please email
AgedCareReformEnquiries@dss.gov.au (link
sends e-mail).
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Stage Two My Aged Care –
Early Implementation
An early implementation of Stage Two of My Aged Care commences in Victoria in April 2015
within the Kingston ACAS catchment and includes comprehensive assessors, Victorian
home support assessors and all service providers operating in the catchment. This early
implementation will provide a demonstration of My Aged Care capability for assessors and
providers operating within these local government areas.
The Department of Social Services and Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
collaborated on the development of this early implementation of My Aged Care over the last
12 months. During this time the Department of Health and Human Services worked closely
with the Kingston Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) and aged care services of the
Kingston, Bayside and Greater Dandenong City Councils’ to understand the changes
needed to ensure the successful implementation of My Aged Care in the region.
You may recall that Stage One of My Aged Care was introduced on 1 July 2013 and consists
of:

My Aged Care website (www.myagedcare.gov.au); and

My Aged Care contact centre (1800 200 422) that operates from 8am - 8pm Monday
to Friday and from 10am - 2pm Saturday, local time across Australia.
The early implementation of Stage Two of My Aged Care will include:





registration and screening of clients for referral to appropriate assessment and
services by the My Aged Care contact centre;
a nationally consistent screening and assessment process;
the establishment of a central client record that will capture personal details,
screening and assessment information, support plans and the services provided to
clients;
a match and refer capability that enables the My Aged Care contact centre and
assessors to find appropriate services that meet the clients identified needs and
goals to make electronic referrals to those services;
online portals for assessors and service providers to manage electronic referrals and
self-manage their service information.
The national roll out in July 2015, will introduce additional functionality including a client
portal.
The early implementation and demonstration of functionality will see the My Aged Care
contact centre screening and referring people for assessment to the Kingston ACAS and the
HACC assessment services in Bayside, Kingston and Greater Dandenong Councils.
Comprehensive and home support assessment services will then use My Aged Care
systems to support face to face assessment of clients and referrals to service providers
servicing these local government areas. Service providers in the Kingston ACAS catchment
will then be able access to electronic referrals and client records (including assessment
information and support plans created by assessors). It will also provide information on other
services being received by the client.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Before the commencement of the early implementation, all participants will receive support
materials and assistance to become familiar with the system and business processes. The
system will be demonstrated at the forthcoming My Aged Care Roadshows.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Informing consumers about Home
Care Package fees
It is important that consumers understand the potential fees early in their interaction with the
aged care system. To ensure consumers are well informed, ACATs should mention that
there have been some changes to aged care fees.
The consumer can be referred to the My Aged Care website and contact centre for detailed
information. This gives the consumer time to consider the potential fees involved with aged
care services prior to the assessment.
My Aged Care was established in 2013 to be a key contact point for consumers seeking
information about aged care. However, we recognise that some consumers may not have
interacted with My Aged Care prior to being referred to an Aged Care Assessment Team
(ACAT).
ACATs are encouraged to support consumers to make informed decisions about the aged
care options.
We have drafted an information sheet summarising Home Care Package fees and the
income testing process which may be useful for ACATs to refer to when talking to
consumers.
Information Sheet - Home Care Packages
Advantages of Home Care Packages
Home Care Packages are intended to offer a level of care and service which is not available
through other aged care services. These enable older people to remain in their own home
for longer.
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•
Home Care Package clients have security of tenure, meaning that their package will
remain available to them while they have a home care agreement with their home
care provider.
•
The Home Care Packages have four levels of funding that increase as a client’s care
needs increase.
•
Unlike Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) services, Home Care
Package services are coordinated and tailored to meet the client’s specific needs.
•
From 1 July 2015, all Home Care Packages will be delivered on a Consumer
Directed Care (CDC) basis. CDC gives consumers greater control by allowing them
to make choices about the types of care and services they access, including who will
deliver the services and when.
•
The CDC model will provide greater transparency about what funding is available
under a client’s package of care. Individualised budgets are part of the CDC model
which allows clients to keep track of the funds they spend on the services they
receive.
ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
•
Under a CDC approach, clients will be encouraged to look at ways to increase their
independence and wellness.
•
Consumers and their carers can choose the level of involvement they want in
managing their packages under the CDC model. This could range from involvement
in all aspects of the package, including co-ordination of care and services, to a less
active role in decision-making and management of the package.
•
If the client is eligible to pay an income-tested care fee, there are annual and lifetime
caps in place that limit how much they can be asked to pay.
•
Any income-tested care fees paid for a Home Care Package prior to moving into
residential care will contribute to the annual and lifetime caps for residential care.
•
The caps are indexed and the current figures are available on the My Aged Care
website.
•
As was the case before 1 July 2014, a full pensioner can only be asked to pay the
basic daily fee. They cannot be asked to pay an income-tested care fee.
•
The Commonwealth HACC program will be replaced by the new Commonwealth
Home Support Programme (CHSP) commencing on 1 July 2015. New client fees will
be introduced as part of the CHSP.
Clarification on income testing for Home Care Packages
There has been some confusion around who has to fill out the Department of Human
Services (DHS) income tested forms, particularly in regards to part pensioners.
•
Full pensioners and part pensioners (and recipients of other means tested income
support payments) are not required to complete the income assessment form.
•
Self-funded retirees (and recipients of non-means tested income support payments)
are required to complete the form.
If a client has any specific concerns on the forms or the assessment process, they should
contact DHS on 1800 227 475. For general information on fees they can contact My Aged
Care on 1800 200 422.
DHS has released an updated version of the Aged Care Fees Income Assessment (SA456)
form, which is now available on the DHS website
(http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/forms/sa456). Clients can request a copy by
calling DHS on 1800 227 475.
The updated SA456 form amends incorrect information on the front page advising that all
means tested income support payment recipients are required to complete the contact
details section and sign the form in order to receive an income assessment.
Means tested income support payment recipients are only required to complete their
relevant details and sign the form if they wish to request an early assessment before they
commence care. Otherwise, their income details will automatically be obtained via a data
matching process once the provider has advised DHS that they have commenced care.
Requests for income assessments that have been submitted using the previous version of
the SA456 will still be processed.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Information available through My Aged Care
The My Aged Care website (www.myagedcare.gov.au) provides information about the
Australian aged care system, including fees. The Home Care Package fee estimator allows
consumers to estimate their possible fees. The My Aged Care contact centre
(1800 200 422) can also provide fee estimates over the phone.
The My Aged Care contact centre is available between 8.00am and 8.00pm on weekdays
and between 10.00am and 2.00pm on Saturdays. The My Aged Care contact centre is
closed on Sundays and national public holidays.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Update of Assessment forms
SA456 and SA457
The Aged Care Fees Income Assessment (SA456) form
has been updated
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released an updated version of the
Aged Care Fees Income Assessment (SA456) form, which is now available on its website.
The updated SA456 form includes a correction to an instruction on the front page that
incorrectly advised that all means tested income support payment recipients were required
to complete the form in order to receive a fee advice from DHS.
Please note that means tested income support payment recipients, including people
receiving a full or part Age Pension, are only required to complete their relevant details and
sign the form if they wish to request an early assessment before they commence care.
Otherwise, their income details will automatically be obtained via a data matching process
once the provider has advised DHS that they have commenced care.
Other improvements to increase the user-friendliness of the form have also been made.
Requests for income assessments that have been submitted using the previous version of
the SA456 will still be processed.
The Combined Assets and Income Assessment (SA457)
form has been updated
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has also released an updated version of the
Combined Assets and Income Assessment (SA457) form, which is now available on its
website (http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/forms/sa457).
The updated SA457 form includes improvements to increase the user-friendliness of the
form.
Please note that all individuals who wish to receive government assistance with their
residential aged care costs, including those who receive a means tested income support
payment, are required to complete the SA457.
The Department encourages potential care recipients to complete the request for an income
and assets assessment as soon as they start considering a move into residential aged care
and not to wait until a crisis arises before requesting the assessment.
Requests for combined income and assets assessments that have been submitted using the
previous version of the SA457 will still be processed.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Dementia Care Training and Education
E-Learning Resources
The following e-learning courses are available from the DTSC website.
Advancing Practice in Dementia Care
This course was developed by a team of experts and designed to provide health
professionals from all disciplines with an understanding of dementia and the needs of people
with dementia and their family or carers.
Evidence Based Tools for Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
(BPSD) Assessment
This course was developed to increase the knowledge of health professionals in the use and
interpretation of selected evidence-based tools for the symptoms of agitation, anxiety,
apathy and wandering.
Sexualities and Dementia
This educational resource was developed with the aim to increase understanding of the
concepts of intimacy, sexuality, sexual behaviours and expression of various types of
sexuality (including the benefits of and barriers to expression of sexuality).
These resources are designed to provide students and staff studying or working in multidisciplinary areas of health with a flexible opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in
working with people who have dementia, their family and their carers.
Supporting Overseas Qualified Nurses
A comprehensive training package that is intended to support overseas, qualified nurses as
they adapt to working in the Australian dementia care setting.
Timely Diagnosis of Dementia
These dementia education modules discuss the assessment and investigation of the patient
who presents with cognitive impairment. The modules can be accessed at the Think GP
website (http://thinkgp.com.au/education/timely-diagnosis-dementia).
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Training and Education Events
Medicines – can less be more?
Presenter: Chris Etherton-Beer, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Royal Perth Hospital
Unit, The University of Western Australia
Tuesday, 21 April 2015, 6-7pm, Technology Park Function Centre, 2 Brodie Hall Drive,
corner of Hayman Road, Bentley, Western Australia.
To register email l.durack@curtin.edu.au
Younger Onset Dementia
Presenter: Aedan Siebert, Occupational Therapist, Younger Onset Dementia Keyworker,
Alzheimer’s Australia WA
Wednesday, 20 May 2015, 6-7pm, Technology Park Function Centre, 2 Brodie Hall Drive,
corner of Hayman Road, Bentley, Western Australia.
To register email l.durack@curtin.edu.au
Visit the DTSC website (www.dtsc.com.au) for more information on events, training and
resources.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Government response to the Dementia
Forum Report
The first Ministerial Dementia Forum, Dementia Care - Core Business for Aged Care was
held on 11 September 2014. A Forum Options Report was provided by the Forum Working
Group to the Government on 31 October 2014, and publicly released on 16 December 2014
following consultation with the Aged Care Sector Committee.
On 4 February 2015, the Government responded to the Forum Options report and
announced it will invest $54.5 million over four years to establish Severe Behaviour
Response Teams (SBRT). SBRTs will be a mobile workforce of clinical experts who will
provide timely and expert advice to residential aged care providers that request assistance
with addressing the needs of people with the most severe behavioural and psychological
symptoms of dementia.
The first phase of the SBRTs is expected to commence nationally later this year, following a
competitive tender process. The SBRTs will work closely with the existing Dementia
Behaviour Management Advisory Services in each state and territory.
A second phase will see these two programmes integrated from 2016-17.
Complementing this initiative, the Government will also conduct an analysis of existing
dementia programmes during the first half of 2015.
For further information go to the Department of Social Services website.
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Update on the Commonwealth Home
Support Programme
On 18 December 2014, Assistant Minister Fifield announced further detail of the new
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which will begin from 1 July 2015.
The CHSP consolidates the Commonwealth Home and Community Care Program, the
National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres Program and the Assistance
with Care and Housing for the Aged Program. CHSP funding will be around $1.7 billion in
2015-16, which will continue to grow over the coming years, resulting in more services for
more people. It will continue to provide services such as planned respite, delivered meals
and domestic assistance.
The Minister announced that the overwhelming majority of current providers will continue to
deliver services under the new CHSP, and will receive two years of continued funding until
30 June 2017, including an initial period of transition. People receiving services under
existing programs will continue to receive the same level of support now and when the
CHSP begins.
Providers received a letter from the Department outlining the implementation of the CHSP
and funding arrangements from 1 July 2015. For more information about CHSP, visit the
Department of Social Services website (https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageingand-aged-care/aged-care-reform/reforms-by-topic/commonwealth-home-supportprogramme).
Homecaretoday Newsletter
One of the ways to keep up to date with what is happening in home care, including
information on Consumer Directed Care (CDC) is to sign up to receive homecaretoday’s
newsletter. To join, please visit the Knowledge Centre on the homecaretoday website
(http://homecaretoday.org.au/provider/knowledge-centre/about-the-knowledge-centre).
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Messages sent to the sector
A series of messages were sent to the sector in December 2014, which are highlighted
below for your information. Also below are links to Department of Social Services web
pages and newsletters.
Medication management in residential facilities
(https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/overview/advice-to-theaged-care-industry/medication-management-in-residential-aged-care-facilities)
Message from Minister Fifield, 19 December 2014, with details of the new Commonwealth
Home Support Programme
https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/overview/advice-to-theaged-care-industry/the-new-commonwealth-home-support-programme-starts-1-july-2015
Checking your staff qualifications and registration
https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/overview/advice-to-theaged-care-industry/checking-your-staffs-qualifications-and-registration
What’s next for My Aged Care
https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/overview/advice-to-theaged-care-industry/whats-next-for-my-aged-care
Department of Human Services Provider Communiqué - Quarterly Review
https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/overview/advice-to-theaged-care-industry/provider-communique-quarterly-review
Important reminder about caring for older people in warmer weather
https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/latest-news/caring-forolder-people-in-warmer-climates
Advice to the Aged Care Industry
https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/overview/advice-to-theaged-care-industry
Information for Aged Care Providers Newsletter
https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/overview/advice-to-theaged-care-industry/information-for-aged-care-providers
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ACAT CHAT – Volume 42, March 2015
Seeking ACAT CHAT Articles and
Feedback
The ACAT CHAT newsletter provides updates on the Aged Care Assessment Program from
a national perspective and other information that may be of interest to ACATs. We
encourage readers to share information of interest from their local area. A variety of articles
gives ACATs opportunities to learn more about initiatives across the country.
We welcome feedback, contributions and suggestions for articles and improvements. Please
forward any contributions to acats@dss.gov.au
Contact us
General enquiries about aged care:
Phone: 1800 200 422
Medicare Aged Care Online Claiming:
Helpdesk: 1800 195 206
Useful Websites
About My Aged Care: My Aged Care website
ACAT specific information: ACAT page on the Department of Social Services website
(https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/ageing-and-aged-care/programs-services/acatchat-newsletters-0)
About the Department of Human Services: Department of Human Services website
(http://www.humanservices.gov.au/).
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