Speak Out October 2018

Aged Care

ROYAL COMMISION INTO AGED CARE QUALITY

AND SAFETY ANNOUNCED

content in the standards as it may assist with advocacy regarding access to services for some of our clients. For example: “Standard 1: Requirement 1.3.c: Each consumer is supported to exercise choice and independence including to… communicate their decisions (e.g. Is there access to a picture based communication board for a nonverbal resident who needs this to communicate their choices ?) Requirement 1.5: Information provided to each consumer is current, accurate and timely, and communicated in a way that is clear, easy to understand and enables them to exercise choice (e.g. Is there an “easy read” version of key information, complaints forms e.t.c?) ……Consumers who need support to make decisions are expected to be provided with access to the support they need to make, communicate and take part in decisions…. ……Organisations are expected to address barriers to effectively communicating information, taking into account health status, cognitive or sensory ability and language” Speech pathologists have a key role to play in supporting PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON announced recently a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. SPA will actively advocate and provide submissions throughout the course of the commission, which is expected to be completed no later than April 2020. Kym Torresi, National Advisor Aged Care recently represented SPA at a roundtable meeting in Sydney with the Federal Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, The Hon Ken Wyatt to discuss the draft terms of reference for the Royal Commission. SPA welcomes input from members working in this area. A more detailed member survey is planned to capture feedback from the profession (and relevant case studies to assist our advocacy). In the meantime feel free to contact Kym directly at National Office via agedcare@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au if you would like to discuss anything further More details regarding the Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference can be found here www.ag.gov.au/About/RoyalCommissions/ Documents/Aged-Care-Royal-Commission-Signed-Letters- Patent-8-Oct-2018.pdf

THE AGED CARE SECTOR CONTINUES TO BE A VERY BUSY SPACE OF REFORM AND CHANGE! Reform and change in aged care

REFORMS New aged care standards and guidance material The new single set of Aged Care Quality Standards will come into law in late 2018, with monitoring to apply from 1 July 2019. These new standards will apply to all aged care services including residential aged care, home care, flexible care and services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). Speech Pathology Australia lodged a detailed submission to the Guidance and Resources for Providers information, which intends to assist organisations to implement and maintain compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards. The latest published version now looks very different to the one SPA initially commented on (and to SPA’s feedback), but there is still opportunity for further comment ¬– for example, a call for case studies. Please feel free to send any ideas through to National Office. An overview of the new Standards and guidance material can be found here: www.aacqa.gov.au/providers/standards/ new-standards/guidance/Standard18.pdf Speech pathologists are encouraged to become familiar with the

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October 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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