Reducing emergency transfers from nursing homes
Despite recent reforms that have taken effect in Australian nursing homes, including the requirement for 24/7 registered nurse (RN) presence and mandated direct care minutes, high rates of transfers from nursing homes to emergency departments (ED) or hospitals persist. Background While some transfers may be necessary, expected, or unavoidable, transfers are occurring at rates far […]
Nurses must be included in shaping digital innovations in aged care
Digital technology can assist aged care nurses to manage end of life in nursing homes, however, ensuring its impact requires better tools, training and ongoing support, according to a new study. Published in the journal BMC Nursing, the study interviewed nursing staff in 15 residential aged care facilities across three Australian states. It found nurses […]
Aged Care Act passes Parliament
The Albanese Government’s Aged Care Bill passed Parliament earlier this week, paving the way for a new Aged Care Act and “once-in-a-generation” reforms to the sector. The new legislation, which will come into effect from 1 July 2025, addresses nearly 60 recommendations from the landmark Aged Care Royal Commission, as it aims to create a […]
Update: Aged Care Work Value Case decision for RNs and ENs
The ANMF’s landmark Aged Care Work Value Case before the Fair Work Commission (FWC) is nearing its completion.
Fee-free TAFE to help fix skills shortages in nursing and aged care
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has issued a media release welcoming the Albanese Government’s commitment to expanding fee-free TAFE courses. ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said enduring funding for free TAFE study would help address skills shortages in the nursing and aged care workforces and save students thousands of dollars a year in […]
The ANMF’s priorities for a new Aged Care Act
The Australian Government is developing a new Aged Care Act, which sets out rules for things like funding, regulation, approval of providers, quality of care and the rights of people receiving funded aged care under the Commonwealth aged care system. The New Aged Care Bill (2024) is set to replace the current Act, which has […]
Providers falling short in meeting care minutes, hears Senate inquiry
Some aged care providers are reclassifying lifestyle staff as Personal Care Workers (PCWs) to get around meeting their mandated care minutes targets, a Senate Inquiry has heard.
Virtual reality to improve mealtimes for people with dementia
A virtual reality experience to assist health workers in caring for patients with dementia at mealtimes has been recently released by Dementia Australia. Dementia Australia’s Dine with Ted allows participants to engage in a dining experience from the perspective of a person living with dementia. The three-hour virtual reality program uses avatar technology to educate […]
New Aged Care Act doesn’t go far enough, ANMF argues
The draft new Aged Care Act hasn’t gone far enough, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has argued.
Aged Care Minister’s open letter puts for-profit providers on notice
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has called out for-profit residential aged care providers for failing to meet mandatory care minutes targets.