October 13, 2022 Edition 1013

This issue of The SOURCE reaffirms again the perilous state of residential aged care as a sector.

In Perth, the construction of the 80-bed Melvista aged care home may be placed on hold for two years.

Apollo Care is taking over a shuttered regional aged care home – this time in Hardin, north of Canberra.

And a 98-bed NSW government aged care home in Newcastle hasn’t taken a new resident for two years and is running at 40% capacity.

Anecdotally, we hear that funding for new construction of aged care homes and refurbishments has collapsed. In a standard year, up to $5 billion is invested – in this year, it could be as little as $2 billion.

Also, the star rating system is still scheduled to commence this year, which has the potential to be calamitous for staff retention – who wants to continue working at a health-related business that, say, only achieves two stars out of five?

Challenging times.

By Chris Baynes

Star ratings for aged care – who is talking about them?

The five-star rating for aged care homes is, we believe, going to be a PR disaster for the aged care sector, for the reason that nearly every home will struggle to get three stars at best.

By Jake Nelson

 Job shortage figures highlight dire state of aged care workforce

Registered Nurses (RNs) and aged and disability carers are among the top three occupations with the highest vacancy rate, according to figures from the Federal Government’s 2022 Skills Priority List.

By Caroline Egan

SATURDAY: Support at Home delay means more time to get it right

With Support at Home delayed for another year, there is more time for consultation and to get the policy right. 

Image: Apollo Care Alliance

By Jake Nelson

 Apollo Care to reopen shuttered Southern Cross Care home in Harden, NSW

Apollo Care Alliance has purchased the shuttered St Lawrence Residential Aged Care home in Harden, NSW, and will reopen it by the end of the year.

Image: Estia Health

By Jake Nelson

 Steve Lemlin steps down as Estia CFO

Estia Health CFO Steve Lemlin (above) has announced his retirement after almost six years in the role.

Image: ACCPA

By Jake Nelson

ACCPA unveils new Charter
at National Conference

Aged care peak body Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has established a Members’ Charter to set out values and expectations.

Image: Sonia Hornery MP/Facebook

By Jake Nelson

NSW public aged care home has taken no new residents in two years

A NSW state Labor MP is questioning why a 98-bed public aged care home in the Newcastle suburb of Wallsend has not taken a new resident in more than two years.

By Jake Nelson

Oryx asks for delay on controversial luxury Perth aged care home

Oryx Communities is seeking to push back construction of its controversial Melvista aged care home in Nedlands, Perth, by up to two years.

Image: Chris Picton MP/Facebook

By Jake Nelson

SA Government rolls out virtual health program for aged care

The SA Department of Health has expanded its Virtual Health Service across the state, with the aim of reducing visits to emergency departments by aged care residents.

By Jake Nelson

Fed Govt releases new Aged Care Code of Conduct draft

The Federal Government has unveiled a draft of the new Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which is set to come into effect on 1 December.

Image: Sleeptite

By Jake Nelson

 “Nearable” aged care sleep sensor finalist for innovation award

An Australian “smart bedding” sleep sensor technology for aged care residents is in the running for an innovation award.

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