Speak Out April 2021

Aged CARE update

an invited member of this panel, and currently participating in working groups developing targeted resources for the sector and providing information to the Commission re the needs of people with dysphagia and communication difficulties. Clinical Guideline: Working with clients who choose to eat/drink with acknowledged risk The Clinical Guideline Informed Choice and Shared Decision Making with Clients who eat/drink with Acknowledged Risk has been under development supported by the Project Officer, Andrea Abel (nee Whitehead) and working party. Final review of the document is underway with a legal team and then the SPA Board for final endorsement, with anticipated release date around mid-2021. Stay tuned for more details! Access to COVID19 vaccinations for speech pathologists working in aged care Speech pathologists providing services to residents within residential aged care have been identified as potentially eligible to receive the COVID19 vaccine in Phase 1a. The Department of Health recently released guidance about who is eligible in the information sheet: 'Staff' definition for Phase 1a inclusion in residential aged and disability care facilities This information indicates that allied health is included where they are “employed, hired, retained or contracted to provide services under the control of the organisation” or “routinely provide care” to that residential facility. Further information as it comes to hand regarding access to COVID19 vaccinations can be found on the SPA website vaccination information page. Kym Torresi Senior Advisor Aged Care agedcare@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Department of Health National Congress on Food, Nutrition and Mealtime Experience in Aged Care Speech Pathology Australia was an invited participant in the recent Department of Health National Congress on Food, Nutrition and Mealtime Experience in aged care led by the Maggie Beer Foundation. The Congress brought together expertise across a range of professionals and providers within aged care to look at examples of best practice and inform the Department of what should be undertaken to improve food, nutrition and mealtime experience in aged care. SPA was very well represented on the working party for this event by Dr Julie Cichero whose knowledge and expertise was widely recognised within the group, and ably guided discussions to ensure appropriate recognition of the needs of people with dysphagia, and mealtime experience considerations for all. Julie was subsequently included on the panel on the day that discussed ‘Swallowing and Oral Health’, alongside a dentist and chef. SPA would like to thank Julie for all of her work and representation of the Association at this important event. The Department had also commissioned a national survey of aged care providers to understand current practices in the sector. As this survey did not include speech pathologists, Speech Pathology Australia undertook our own survey of our members and was able to present this information to the Department. SPA was also able to provide 2 written submissions regarding our specific recommendations for activities to enhance these areas. We look forward to participating in any further opportunities to progressing initiatives in this area. Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Expert Advisory Panel: Food, Nutrition and Mealtime Experience in Aged Care The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) also established an expert advisory panel to look at ways to enhance the food, nutrition and mealtime experience in aged care. SPA’s Senior Advisor Aged Care Kym Torresi is

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Speak Out | April 2021