March 2025

Your monthly update from The Grampians Sector Development Team!

AGED CARE SECTOR

Innovate for Impact - Pillar 3 Client Centricity

‘Focus on the needs of your clients or risk becoming irrelevant. Improve what you do and become more responsive to their emerging needs.’

Please find some further information below on saving time and money by developing evidence-based programs and services by involving clients in the process:

Sharing Decision Making At All Levels Of The Organisation

Barriers To Effective Collaboration With The People You Support

AGED CARE REFORM

Support at Home frequently asked questions

The Department of Health & Aged Care have updated their Support at Home frequently asked questions (FAQs) document to support providers with the transition to the new Support at Home program.

It includes questions and answers from providers and older people asked during the Support at Home webinars.

Read the FAQs and see more resources.

Current open Aged Care Consultations

There are many different consultations which are currently open on the Aged Care Act Rules:

Stage 2C: Funding & Regulation. Closes 27 March 2025

Get involved and keep up to date with current consultations at:

Consultation on the new Aged Care Act | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Aged Care Rules consultation – topics by release | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Updated guidance on strengthened Quality Standards

The Aged care Quality and Safety Commission has realised some updated guidance materials to help providers prepare for the strengthened Quality Standards, which will start with the new Aged Care Act from 1 July.

Following your feedback, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has made the guidance easier to use and understand.

Access the guidance using the Commission’s digital guidance tool.

There are also resources for workers:

Find out more about the strengthened Quality Standards.

Support at Home Program Manual - Early Release Version

This manual assists registered providers to understand their responsibilities and the delivery of care under the Support at Home program. It includes how the Support at Home program operates, how to work with participants to develop a care plan and a budget, information on participant contributions and the short-term pathways for AT-HM, restorative care and end-of-life services.

To support sector readiness, an early version of the manual has been released. Information may be subject to change and an updated version of the manual will be published once the Rules legislation is finalised.

If you have questions or feedback about this manual, email:   SAH.Implementation@health.gov.au.

Please note this manual will vary as it is updated so ensure you utilise the most recent version.

Support at Home program manual – A guide for registered providers | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

DIVERSITY

Gather my Crew App

Gather My Crew has created a new app that makes it easier for thousands of Australians to ask for and coordinate help during tough times.

The app can help consumers create a support crew – a circle of friends, family, neighbours, and community members – ready to offer practical and emotional assistance.

From organising meals and transport to managing household tasks or just being there to listen, this app is free and transforms offers of help into meaningful, coordinated support.

Coordinate Help | Gather My Crew

Rainbows Don’t Fade

On 24 February 2025, Natalie Millar from the Grampians Sector Development Team appeared on the Rainbows Don’t Fade with Age Radio Show on 3CR to promote Garry and Les’s Story and discuss accessing Aged Care services within regional and remote communities.

Listen to Natalie, Pauline and Andrew on the session at: https://www.3cr.org.au/rainbowsdontfade

You can access Garry & Les’s Story at: Garry & Les's Story

For further information on the resource and/or to obtain hard copies please reach out to the Grampians Sector Development Team on: sectordevelopment@bchc.org.au

GENERAL

Client Journey Mapping

Have you ever stopped to think about what it's really like for your clients to interact with your organisation?

A journey map traces all the steps a client goes through when accessing your services. It's created by speaking to both satisfied and dissatisfied clients to get their honest perspectives. Organisations are often oblivious to things that don't necessarily work for their clients. Journey mapping reveals opportunities to improve the client experience that leaders may have never considered.

The Sector Development Team hosted a webinar highlighting the value and principles of Consumer Journey Mapping. If you are interested in Consumer Journey Mapping - check out the recording of the webinar here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h4mMChoU3Y

Impacto Consulting who facilitated the sessions - also have a range of resources available.

Here is an article on Journey mapping

https://www.impactoconsulting.com.au/post/understanding-your-clients-journey

If you like podcasts, here is a link for an episode they recorded on Journey Mapping as well. The value journey maps can provide your organisation.

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-value-journey-maps-can-provide-your-organisation/id1586228686?i=1000551685161

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1esLZFotX3EgHw4pWrJdM1?si=C_ilhuq4QDadTgem5tsuMA

Save the Date

CHSP Service Provider Forum

Into the Future: Highlighting Excellence

Thursday 8th May 2025

9.00am - 4.00pm

The Goods Shed Ballarat

Registrations are now open.

Register HERE

More info in coming weeks so watch this space!

TRAINING

Understanding the Aged Care Act: A Workshop Series for Compliance & Improvement

Join us for a series of four engaging online workshops designed to help aged care providers navigate the key elements of the Aged Care Act.

Whether you attend a single session or participate in the full series, each workshop offers valuable insights from industry experts to support your organisation’s
understanding and implementation of legislative requirements.

Gain practical tools to review, adapt, and ensure compliance, while enhancing the quality of care you provide.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and empowered in the ever-evolving aged care landscape.

Whistleblowers Workshop 1.00pm - 2.30pm Tuesday 29 April 2025

Provider Obligations Workshop 10.30am - 12.30pm Thursday 15 May 2025

Risk Management Workshop 9.00am - 11.00am Wednesday 21 May 2005

Code of Conduct Workshop TBA (June 2025)

For more info see flyer HERE

Register HERE

Cultural Competency Training for CHSP Providers

This training program is intended for CHSP staff and volunteers who want to improve their service delivery for consumers from migrant or refugee backgrounds.

The program is designed to gain a better understanding of culture and bias, as well as to develop practical cross-cultural communication skills that can be applied in their work.

Face to Face

27 March, 10 April, 8 May

9:30 - 1:30 pm
Morning tea and lunch provided
Ballarat Welcome Centre
25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat

Online

24 April 2025
9:30 - 1:30 pm
Includes tea and lunch breaks

Register for one session only HERE

For more information: CCT CHSP 2025 Flyer

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.

If you have any feedback, questions or concerns regarding any of the information above, please reach out to us on the contact details below.

Melanie Perks

Sector Support & Development Manager

0409 945 301

melaniep@bchc.org.au

Sector Development Team

sectordevelopment@bchc.org.au

www.csdgrampians.org.au

Jimmy Driscoll

Aboriginal Development Officer

0491 176 010

jimmyd@bchc.org.au

Natalie Millar

Regional Advisor - Sector Support & Development

0491 091 699

nataliem@bchc.org.au

Debra Giles

Administration Officer

0493 682 540

debrag@bchc.org.au