Policies and Procedures Update

As part of the royal commission we will see the following changes implemented in all residential aged care including:

Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC)
The Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) will replace the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) from 1 October 2022. The AN-ACC care funding model works by applying weightings to the price that reflect variations in the cost of care. This is based on facility characteristics and the needs of individual residents. 
The AN-ACC care funding model will provide:

• funding that better matches resident care needs
• more equitable distribution of funding across the residential aged care sector – including regional, rural and remote services that have higher costs of care delivery through new Base Care Tariffs
• independent assessments of residents’ needs for funding purposes, freeing nurses and care staff from undertaking paperwork
• a new method for annual changes in prices/indexation, informed by independent costing studies and advice
• an equitable model for distributing funding uplifts from 1 October 2022, such as care minutes funding and increases to residential respite funding.

Please note this will not impact on the care provided to you or your loved ones. Care planning and assessments will continue to occur in consultation with you and your nominated representative.
 
Star ratings for residential aged care
The Residential Aged Care Star Ratings are part of the Government’s aged care reform in response to the Royal Commission, and are designed to support consumers to make informed choices about their care. Some of you have already participated in consumer experience surveys which are one of four components to the star rating system for all residential aged care facilities. The other components consist of service compliance, care minutes and quality indicators. This plans to be rolled out by the end of 2022.
 
Commissioner Letter to consumers
Please find letter from the Commissioner to all aged care consumers which outlines further important changes that will improve the safety and quality of aged care in the link here.

Construction Update

The builders have been making good progress finishing off two more bedrooms that they will hand back next week along with more refurbished rooms in the 300 wing. They are also working in the main courtyard to finish off the roof on an additional two bedrooms which will be finished in 4 weeks from now. You will see onsite that new concrete is being poured in the central courtyard and the additional rooms are taking shape, the central courtyard will be open again so residents can take advantage of the lovely spring weather.
 
The next stage the builders will move onto will be the 200 wing dining room, this will be extended into a lounge and dining room, three alfresco decked areas and link corridors to the presbytery and the new wing nurse station. We are all excited to see this area take shape providing the residents with a bright indoor communal area that can be enjoyed all day and more level access outdoor spaces.
 
The builders trades will continue to minimise disruption, however if you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to discuss these further with management. 
 
Please do not hesitate to contact should you have any questions or concerns.

Kind regards,

Management
Drysdale Grove Aged Care