Association of Age Service Professionals: June 2021 Meeting Recap

The AASP June meeting was scheduled to be our first face to face meeting for over a year. Unfortunately, Victoria was in a 2-week lockdown and we were back to meeting via Zoom.

The meeting began with an impromptu discussion about the cross over between NDIS and Aged Care funding. Several members contributed advise and told of their experiences with this situation.

The meeting officially began with the acknowledgement of Country followed by an update of the various portfolios.

We welcomed four new members Michelle Dixon, a lawyer for Aware Super, James Makalintal from Hammond care, Julie Farquhar from Catholic Care and Sara Van Gerrevink from Iris Manor.

AASP has secured a venue at Bass care in Canterbury for our face to face meetings. The venue is suited for our purpose with ample car parking, internet access and tea and coffee making facilities; catering is also available if required.

Our guest speaker, Anna Millicer from ‘Get Smart Aged Care Consultancy’ gave a presentation on the topic ‘insights into homecare packages’.

The key highlights included:

  • An overview of home care packages in Australia including the different models of homecare, assessments required to access them, reforms, funding and the wait times.
  • Fees and charges in home care including the costs associated with CHSP and Home Care packages.
  • Home care spending – what is included and the requirement for the spending to be linked to the consumers assessed care needs. Also, the need for advocacy and support from providers to ensure responsible spending of the package.
  • The Government’s response to the Aged Care Royal Commission regarding home care packages.
  • Information about what consumers want regarding communication and engagement.

It is hoped that the Annual General Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 7th September 2021 will be a face to face meeting at the new Bass care venue.

Current members interested in joining the AASP committee or new members wishing to join can contact acting chair Nicole Dunn via membership@aasp.org.au