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FocusLASA QQueensland’s retirement living, community and residential care magazine.>Asbestos in Retirement Village UnitsWorkplace Health & Safety ObligationsAutumn Edition2013LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 1

ContentsSECTION NAME3 From the CEO5 From the President8 Retirement Living Feature: Asbestos in Retirementin Village Units - Workplace Health & Safety Obligations11 Retirement Living Update: Annual Annual Budgets Budgets14 Research: Sensor technology to to manage continence16 Community Care Conference -- back to to stay18 Living Longer, Living , Better and and the the Aged CareWorkforce Supplement: Hopes Dashed?20 Technology: Weighing up the Cost of of GoodManagement22 RAC providers drive efficiencies to to sustain sector24 Enhancing Data in in Aged Aged Care Care26 Depression and dementiatia28 High Achiever: EBITDA per per bed bed ‘nearly doubled’32 Navigating the muddy waters of of an insurance claim34 Advertorial: Staff Australia Healthcare36 Members News: The Village at at Yeronga Community38 Members News: Seasons Waterfront West Communityhelping community40 Aged Care eCase® Next Generation Software42 Research: Using resistance training to to reduce later lifedisability44 Fire and Maintenance Hand in in Hand48 LASA Q State Conference 2013: A conference A conference unites unitesan industryAdvertisers4 Executive Care Group/Care Agency Agency Services Services6 Fulton Trotter Architects7 Hynes Legal10 McCullough Robertson13 National Energy Solutions19 Miles Witt Partnership21 eziTracker29 IT IT Integrity30 BDO31 Australian Reliance35 Staff Australia’s Healthcare41 Healthmetrics45 TT Buidling Surveyors46 QIP/IRCAS51 BentleysBack Cover 3 Million ReasonsOn the coverResidents observing the miniaturemodel of new building openedby The Village at Yeronga, nowhome to 36 happy new residents.CommentsLeading Age Services Australia Queenslandencourages you to share your views. As amember, we invite you to contribute yourviews on topics currently affecting yourCommentsorganisation and/or the aged care industry asa whole.Leading Age Services AustraliaQueensland LASA Q Focus encourages is your forum you for sharing toshare your experiences, your views. ideas As a and member, views with we otherinvite members, you keeping to contribute up to date your with views currenton trends topics and currently enhancing affecting networks your within theorganisation industry. and/or the aged careindustry Please include as a whole. the writer’s name, addressand contact telephone number with allLASA Q Focus is your forum forcontributions.sharing your experiences, ideas andviewsAny photographswith otherrelevantmembers,to thekeepingarticle andupof thetowriterdate withare alsocurrentencouraged.trends andIf sendingenhancingarticles electronically,networkspleasewithinusetheWord forarticles,industry.jpeg or tif formats for photographsand eps for logos.Please include the writer’s name,address How to and reach contact us... telephonenumber with all contributions.Hugo SilvaAny photographs relevant to theLASA Q Focus, Editorarticle and of the writer are alsoPO Box 995, Indooroopilly Qld 4068encouraged. If sending articleselectronically,Tel 07 3725 5555pleaseFax 07use3715Word8166for E info@qld.lasa.asn.auarticles, jpeg or tif formats forphotographs and eps for logos.DISCLAIMERHow to reach us...LASA Q Focus Magazine is produced by Leading Age ServicesAustralia-Queensland for the information of its members.Contributions are welcomed from any organisation or individual,however, the Association, through its Editor, reserves the right toedit all submissions. Whilst the Editor endeavours to ensure that allinformation is correct, the Association does not take responsibility forincorrect information. The views expressed in this magazine are theauthors own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Association orHugo SilvaLASA Q Focus, EditorPO Box 995, Indooroopilly Qld 4068Telthe Editor.07 3725All correspondence5555 Faxshould07be3715directed8166to:E info@qld.lasa.asn.auThe Editor, PO Box 995, Indooroopilly Qld 4068Telephone: (07) 3725 5555 Facsimile: (07) 3715 8166Email: info@qld.lasa.asn.auDISCLAIMERCopyright Leading Age Services Australia QueenslandLASA Q Focus Magazine is produced by Leading AgeServices Australia-Queensland LEADING AGE SERVICES for the information AUSTRALIA ofits members. Contributions 2013 QUEENSLANDare welcomed PRINCIPAL from anyorganisation or individual, however, the Association,2013 PRINCIPAL SPONSORS SPONSORSthrough its Editor, reserves the right to edit allsubmissions. Whilst Diamond the Editor endeavours Sponsor to ensurethat all information is correct, the Association doesnot take responsibility for incorrect information. Theviews expressed in this magazine are the authors ownand do not necessarily reflect those of the Associationor the Editor. All correspondence Platinum Sponsorsshould be directedto:The Editor, PO Box 995, Indooroopilly Qld 4068Telephone: (07) 3725 5555 Facsimile: (07) 3715 8166Silver SponsorEmail: info@qld.lasa.asn.auAccountantsCopyright Leading Age Services Australia QueenslandAuditorsAdvisorsRuby Sponsor2LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

SECTION EDITORIAL NAMEFrom the CEO...On a topic which may appear far removed from age services policyhere in Australia, an ABC Radio National program recently examineda suggestion made by Professor David Hemenway from the HarvardPublic School of Health, that much can be learned from past publicsafety successes to curb the increasing incidents of gun violence inthe United States (US).Barry AshcroftCEOLeading Age Services AustraliaQueenslandE: barry.ashcroft@qld.lasa.asn.auGood public policy…it’s out there!What makes this topic particularlyrelevant to the current ageservices policy environment is thatincreasingly our industry faceswhat seems like insurmountableand unrelenting poor governmentpolicy decision making, resultingin long-term, systemic, detrimentaloutcomes across the sector.Hemenway’s concerns are that inthe US ‘a child is 13 times morelikely to be murdered with a gunthan an average child in otherdeveloped countries’. He thinksthat a solution may lie in how roadpolicy has developed in the US inrecent decades.The Professor noted that in the1950’s ‘we were always told thereason we have so many roaddeaths was because of drivers;drivers were behaving stupidly,aggressively and illegally…so verymuch like the gun lobby today(‘guns don’t kill people …’)…andthat is what the car manufactures ineffect were saying (too)’.He went on to illustrate howeverthat through asking the moreappropriate question around whatwas causing the increase in roaddeaths and injuries, and not whowas to blame, the problem couldreally begin to be addressed.By highlighting that automobiledeaths and/or injuries werebeing sustained as a result ofthe physical environment; glass,steering columns, trees andlampposts, government was able tolegislate and regulate automobilesafety standards, encouragingmanufacturers and designers tomodify their cars and infrastructurefor optimal safety outcomes.These new standards also createda new and highly competitivemarket for the automobile/transportindustries, inspiring contestand innovation in safety designstandards and applications thatcontinue to be a key consumerconsideration today.In addition, public awarenesscampaigns focusing on driveractivities, such as drink driving,fatigue and not wearing seatbelts,resulted in a behavioural changethat now sees the social tolerance ofthese activities greatly reduced.So what is it that we, the ageservices industry, can take awayfrom the policy synergies drawn byProfessor Hemenway?More often these days we arefaced with poor age services policydecision making that breaks allof the good policy making rules;poor issue identification – notclearly articulating the problem tobe solved, negligible consultation– asking the wrong questions ofthe wrong people, lack of detailaffecting implementation oflegislation/regulation…and the listgoes on.Reflecting on Hemenway’s thesis, itoccurs to me that we need to lookto the instances of good publicpolicy of the past (Superannuation,Medicare, Road Safety etc.), andwhat made them successful, or atleast more successful than aged carereform.Armed with these lessons, we mustcontinue to force government toadhere to the principles of the‘policy cycle’, particularly the clearidentification and articulationof the problem to be solved,followed closely by asking theright questions…of the right people(consultation, collaboration, andeffective engagement).We need to be leaders in our ownsector by encouraging providersand suppliers to actively pursueinnovation that enables betterservice provision and promotes ahealthy, competitive and sustainableindustry going forward.And importantly, we must alsoacknowledge that obstacles,hazards, and dead-ends willbe inevitable in the pursuit ofgood policy development andimplementation, but that this shouldnot dissuade us.Learning the lessons (good, bador otherwise) from the successesof the past may just reinvigorate,stimulate, or provide alternativesto achieving policies that benefitcommunities, governments andindustries alike.Barry AshcroftCEO LASA QLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 3

SECTION LASA-QNAMEPRESIDENTFrom the President...At the time of writing, LeadingAge At the Services time of Australia writing, is Leading deeplyengaged Age Services with Australia the Government is deeplyand engaged all political with the parties, Government industrystakeholders and all political and parties, our members industryrelation stakeholders to the and Living our Longer members LivingBetter in relation legislative to the package. LivingLonger Living Better legislativeAs you would expect LASApackage. As you would expectQueensland is making a significantLASA Queensland is making acontribution to this process.significant contribution to thisGivenprocess.theGivenpackagetheispackagehighlylikelyis highlyto belikelypassedto bethroughpassedthethroughParliamentthe Parliamenta key thrusta keyofLASA’sthrust ofengagementLASA’s engagementhas been tohasensurebeen totheensurelegislativethe legislativeframeworkprovidesframeworkadequateprovidescertaintyadequateas tothecertaintydevelopmentas to theofdevelopmentthe detailedcomponentsof the detailedof thecomponentspackage i.e.ofthePrinciples.the package i.e. the Principles.As you would be aware theAs legislative you would Bills be currently aware thelegislative before the Bills Parliament currently do before notthe include Senate that do detail not include rather that theydetail provide rather only they provide overarching onlythe framework overarching for the framework legislation. forthe What legislation. LASA has What emphasized LASA emphasized in our submission in our submission to the tothe Senate Senate Committee reviewingthe legislation and during our ourin-person presentation to to the theSenate is the absolute need for forthe Parliament to to ensure the theappropriate assurances are givenin regard to; the the timetable for forwhen various Principles are are to tobe developed; what they are tocontain; be developed; the consultation what they process are to tofinalise contain; them and consultation a proper review. processto finalise them and a properAdditionally, we seek enhancedreview. Additionally, we seekParliamentary-approval processesenhanced Parliamentary-approvalassociated with the Principlesprocesses associated with the(or subordinate legislation) toPrinciples (or subordinatehelp prevent the introductionlegislation) to help prevent theof inappropriate laws orintroduction of inappropriateamendments.laws or amendments. Naturally,Naturally,LASA is advocatingLASA is advocatingheavily onheavilyother elementson otherofelementsthe packageof theaspackageper engagementas per engagementwith memberswithmembersand this willandbethisongoingwill be ongoinge.g.e.g.workforceworkforcesupplement,supplement,accommodationaccommodationpaymentpaymentarrangements,arrangements,HomeHomeCare.Care.EarlierRecently,thisLASAyear, LASAQueenslandQueenslandconductedconducteda wonderfulwonderfulStateStateConferenceConferencewhichwhichfeaturedfeaturednotjustnotajusthighanumberhigh numberof attendeesofbutattendeesgreat engagementbut great engagementandparticipationand participationby thoseby thosepresent,whichpresent,certainlywhichlivedcertainlyup tolivedtheconferenceup to the conferencetheme of “PowerthemeofofOne.”“Power of One.” A genuinehighlight of the Conference wasA the genuine presentation highlight of of the the HestaConference Excellence in was Care the Awards presentationof in the categories, Hesta Excellence of Employee, in CareAwards Volunteer in categories, and Organisation of Employee, ofVolunteer the Year. and Congratulations Organisation of to the allYear. winners Congratulations and thank you to all for winners yourand contribution thank you to for our your age contribution servicesMarcus RileyChief Executive OfficerHibernian Friendly Society LtdE: mriley@ballycara.comto our age services industry inQueensland.industry in Queensland. Laterthis month another key 2013More recently LASA Queenslandevent will be held – the LASAheldanother key 2013 event in theQueensland Community CareLASA-Queensland Communityconference. This is certain toCare Conference. This conferencebe a successful gathering at anwas a resounding success, andimportant time for the sector. Iat such an important time for theencourage members to considersector.attending this conference as theIinsightswas encouragedwill be valuableby the numbersandofbroad-ranging.provider and associate memberswho attended this conference,As this financial year startsand was equally encouragedto draw to a close I wouldby the overwhelmingly positivelike to express appreciationconference feedback receivedto members and supporters ofon what have been described asLASA Queensland on behalf ofconference that delivered valuablethe Board of Directors. Yourand broad-ranging industryparticipation and engagementinsights and access to networks.across the industry is greatlyAsvaluedthis financialand weyearlookstartsforwardto drawtotoenhancinga close, I wouldthis collaborationlike to expressappreciationas we embraceto membersthe 2013-2014andsupportersfinancial year.of LASAGoodQueenslandluck withonyourbehalfbudgetingof the Boardand preparationsof Directors.Yourfor theparticipationnew periodandandengagementthanksacrossagain fortheyourindustryongoingis greatlysupportvaluedof LASA-Queensland.and we look forward toenhancing this collaboration as weembrace the 2013-2014 financialyear. Good luck with yourbudgeting and preparations forthe new period and thanks againfor your ongoing support ofLASA Queensland.Marcus RileyPresident, LASA QMarcus RileyPresident, LASA QLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 5

SECTION NAME6LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

RETIREMENTLIVNINGAsbestos in Retirement Village UnitsWorkplace Health & Safety ObligationsSome importantprovisionsconcerning asbestosin Queensland’sreplacement workplacehealth & safetylegislation enactedin 2011 are due tocommence operation on1 January 2014.Other provisions have alreadycommenced. Importantly, thenew legislation discontinued theprevious exemption applyingto structures used for domesticresidential purposes, with theresult that retirement villagesunits themselves (as well asother parts of retirement villages)may now be subject to theseobligations.The legislationThe current legislation is theWork Health & Safety Act 2011and the Work Health & SafetyRegulation 2011. This legislationreplaced the Workplace Health& Safety Act 1995 and theWorkplace Health & SafetyRegulation 2008, as part of adrive for national uniformity.Summary of obligationsSome of the main relevantobligations under the newlegislation are as per the tablebelow.It is clear that areas within aretirement village other than theunits will ordinarily be subjectto these obligations (subject tocertain transitional provisions– see below). However, animportant question for operatorsto consider is whether, under thenew legislation (in contrast to theSection of RegulationSection 419Section 420Section 422Section 424Sections 425 and 427Section 429Section 446(1)Section 446(3)Summary of obligationProhibition on a person conducting a business or undertaking carrying out, or directing or allowing aworker to carry out, work involving asbestosObligation on a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace to eliminate or minimiseexposure of persons at the workplace to airborne asbestos.Obligation on a person with management or control of a workplace to ensure that all asbestos or asbestoscontaining material (“ACM”) at the workplace is identified by a competent person.Obligation on a person with management or control of a workplace to ensure that the presence andlocation of asbestos or ACM identified at the workplace is clearly indicated (including by a label, ifreasonably practicable).Obligation on a person with management or control of a workplace to:• prepare and keep at the workplace an asbestos register;• ensure that the asbestos register is kept up to date; and• ensure that the asbestos register is readily accessible and/or given to certain persons.This obligation applies even if the person knows that no asbestos or ACM has been identified or is likelyto be present at the workplace, in which case the asbestos register must state that no asbestos or ACM hasbeen identified at the workplace. However, this obligation does not apply if:• the workplace is a building constructed after 31 December 2003;• no asbestos has been identified at the workplace; and• no asbestos is likely to be present at the workplace.Obligation on a person with management or control of a workplace to:• ensure that a written asbestos management plan for the workplace is prepared if asbestos or ACM isidentified, or likely to be present, at the workplace;• ensure that the asbestos management plan is kept up to date; and• ensure that a copy of the asbestos management plan is readily accessible to certain persons.Prohibition on a person conducting a business or undertaking using, or directing or allowing a worker touse, high-pressure water spray or compressed air on asbestos or ACM.Prohibition on a person conducting a business or undertaking using, or directing or allowing a worker touse, power tools, brooms or other implements on asbestos or ACM, except under certain conditions.8LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

RETIREMENTLIVINGold legislation), retirement villageunits themselves are also caught.Concepts of “workplace” and“worker”“Workplace” is relevantly definedas “a place where work is carriedout for a business or undertakingand includes any place where aworker goes, or is likely to be,while at work”.“Worker” is relevantly definedto mean a person who “carriesout work in any capacity for aperson conducting a business orundertaking, including work as:(a) an employee;(b) a contractor or subcontractor;or(c) an employee of a contractoror subcontractor”.It is important to note thatthese definitions are very broad,particularly as a “workplace”includes any place where aworker goes, or is likely to be,while at work. Further, “worker”includes not only employees, butcontractors, subcontractors andtheir employees as well.Both these definitions rely onthe concept of “work” which isnot a defined term. However,commentary on this legislationsuggests that the concept of“work” is a broad one.It is easy to envisage manyscenarios in which a retirementvillage operator’s employees(such as an on-site manager)or contractors (including theirsubcontractors and employees)are likely to enter retirementvillage units, including:• to assist residents with minortasks;• to discuss residents’ concernsor complaints;• to check on residents’ welfareor respond to an emergency;and• to inspect or reinstate a unitafter a resident’s departure.Accordingly, it appears difficultto argue that retirement villageunits are not “workplaces”within the meaning of the newlegislation, even though they arealso private domestic residences.While the asbestos provisionsof the previous legislationexempted structures used fordomestic residential purposes,this exemption has not beenincluded in the new legislation.Further, many other provisions ofthe new legislation make it clearthat domestic premises can alsoconstitute a workplace.Concept of “person withmanagement or control of aworkplace”Many of the obligations referredto above are imposed on a“person with management orcontrol of a workplace”. Thisterm is (unhelpfully) relevantlydefined to mean “a personconducting a business orundertaking to the extent thatthe business or undertakinginvolves the management orcontrol, in whole or in part, ofthe workplace”.While none of the terms“business”, “undertaking”,“management” or “control” aredefined in the legislation, theirpotential scope appears quitebroad. It seems prudent toassume that a retirement villageoperator is conducting a businessor undertaking. The criticalquestion, then, is whether theoperator can be considered tohave management or control (inwhole or part) of their retirementvillage units, given that they arealso private domestic residences.Even if it can be successfullyargued that operators do nothave management or controlof their retirement village unitswhile they are occupied byresidents (which is doubtful),this does not address the periodduring which the units arevacant, for instance, followingthe departure of one residentand the commencement ofoccupation by a new resident.It is during this period that theoperator (and its employees andcontractors) are likely to haveaccess to the units for purposessuch as reinstatement works. Itappears difficult to argue thatthe operator does not have“management or control” of theunit during this period.Transitional provisionsTransitional provisions in thenew legislation mean thatthe obligations relating toasbestos registers and asbestosmanagement plans will not applyto retirement village units until 1January 2014. These obligationsmay also be deferred until thatdate in relation to other areas ofretirement villages, dependingon when they were constructed.However, other obligations, suchas those referred to in Sections419, 420, 422, 424, 446(1) and446(3) above, have alreadycommenced.RamificationsGiven the broad concepts of“workplace”, “worker” and“person with management orcontrol of a workplace” used inthe new legislation, it appearsprudent for operators to assumethat the asbestos obligations inthe new legislation apply to theirLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 9

RETIREMENTLIVINGretirement village units (as wellas other areas of their villages).These obligations includeestablishing an asbestos register(for improvements constructedon or before 31 December 2003)and an asbestos managementplan (where asbestos or ACM isidentified or likely to be present).For retirement village units,asbestos registers and asbestosmanagement plans must be inplace by 1 January 2014. Thisdeferred commencement datemay also apply to other areas ofa retirement village, dependingon when they were constructed.In order to identify asbestosand ACM, physical inspectionsmay not be required in allcircumstances. The legislationallows operators to assume thatasbestos or ACM is present or toconclude (on reasonable grounds)that asbestos or ACM is notpresent.However, some operators mayincur significant expense inidentifying and labelling asbestosand ACM and establishingasbestos registers and asbestosmanagement plans. Subject tothe particular circumstances,there appears to be no reasonwhy this expense cannot bepassed on to residents as partof their maintenance reservefund contributions. If passingthese expenses on to residents,operators should ensure thatthis is reflected in their PublicInformation Documents,residence contracts and budgets.However, this does not mean thatall asbestos-related expenditureshould be characterised in thismanner – some expenditure, suchas the replacement of certainitems, may be more appropriatelyclassified as capital replacementfund expenditure.Apart from the obligationscontained in the workplace heath& safety legislation, operatorsshould also consider theirpotential liability in a broadercontext. Asbestos is a hazardoussubstance, particularly whendisturbed. It is in operators’best interests to minimise theirpotential liability by properlyidentifying and managing thepresence of asbestos throughouttheir villages, including withintheir units.Stuart LoweSenior AssociateMullins LawyersOurpeoplebecomeyour peopleLong-term success requires commitment, care andsupport as well as technical expertise. That’s whatwe bring - a legal team with industry knowledgethat steps outside their office and into your world.Our team is part of your team. Not a distant deskor a faceless name. Not watching the clock, butlistening. We’re with you every step of the way.Contact: Tim Longwill (pictured), Partner - Aged Care,+61 7 3233 8974 or tlongwill@mccullough.com.auwww.mccullough.com.auBrisbane | Sydney | Newcastle10LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

RETIREMENTLIVINGRetirement Living UpdateAnnual BudgetsThe months of May andJune are traditionallybusy Budget finalisationmonths for thoseretirement villages thatoperate on a 1July to30th June financial yearcycle.Considering the uncertainfinancial times of today - wherecosts are going up and thoseon restricted incomes such aspensioners and self fundedretirees see the value of theirinvestments reduced, the majorityof scheme operators manage theirBudget ‘guesstimates’ very well.Those that do well ensure:• they are scrupulous inadhering to the requirementsin all Sections in Division 7in the Retirement VillagesAct 1999 – in particular theseparation of S106 and S107items• the Residents’ Committee/Forum have been informedof the current year’s Budgetadherence and the proposednew Budget parameters• they have responded to theCommittee and residents’queries and follow the ‘nosurprises‘ rule• Information sessions havebeen held for the residentbody• Budget papers have beenprovided to residents/theirEPoA (if appropriate) withinthe required time frameby the time the Budgetis presented, the Chair ofthe Residents’ Committee/Chair of the Finance SubCommittee will be able tocommend the proposedBudget to the resident body;the scheme operator shouldbe able to justify all Budgetcostings and the assumptionsmade; and there has not beenany artificial deflation ofestimated costs to minimiseresident unhappiness with theproposed Budget.With the Ministerial WorkingParty’s Review of the RetirementVillages Act currently underway,there is a heightened attention toBudget matters. Consumer groupsand the ARQRV argued (in theirsubmissions) for more residentcontrol over Budgets ignoringthe reality that a retirementvillage is not a housingcollective. It is important thata village is well managed andmeets the numerous compliancerequirements of any modern dayoperation. Unfortunately, therebeen have many examples whereBudgets have been artificiallylowered which result in deficits atthe end of the financial year, andlow maintenance reserve fundswhich lead to more complaintsabout communal facilities andthe reduced attractiveness of thevillage to potential residents.So a well founded and realistic2013-2014 Budget has neverbeen more critical than in thiscurrent year.LASA Q is available to assistwith general Budget matters andthe 2013-2014 Resources Guidelists Associate Members who areskilled in providing specialistaccounting and financial adviceto members.Review of the Retirement VillagesActOn the 2nd August 2012 theQueensland Parliament referredLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 11

RETIREMENTLIVINGto the Transport Housing andLocal Government Committeethe task to review the RetirementVillages Act 1999 (the Act).The Committee reported inNovember with the Governmentresponding in the affirmativethat they would endorse allthe recommendations in theCommittee’s report whilestating that many would besubject to a Regulatory ImpactStatement assessment. Thiswas reassuring to the industryas the Committee’s findingswere strong on impression butlimited on evidence and fact.This was not surprising giventhe tight deadlines with whichit had to contend. LASA Q metwith the new Minister, the HonTim Mander, in February 2013about the likely impact of therecommendations as stated andhad an opportunity to raisea number of the industry’sconcerns. Subsequently theManager Retirement Living wasinvited to be on the RetirementVillages Ministerial WorkingParty for the first stage of theconsultative process whichcommenced on the 15th March2013. The other Industryrepresentative is from the RLC,while there are four consumergroups represented – COTA,National Seniors, ARQRV andCaxton Street’s Seniors LegalSupport Services. At this timeLASA Q also represents ACSA.Additionally, the Elder LawCommittee of the QueenslandLaw Society is representedwhich is important consideringthe legislative impact of anylikely changes arising fromthe implementation of anyrecommendations.This Working Party is dueto wind up at the end of thefinancial year. It is hopedthat by the end of June, anumber of the less contentiousrecommendations can besupported, including a moresimplified PID which has beenworked on with LASA Q, the RVA(now RLC) and ARQRV sinceearly 2012. This is more exigentnow that NSW has released asimplified Disclosure Documentand a standardised contracttemplate (the latter not supportedby the industry). The NSWDisclosure Document appears tooffer advantage as it appears lessconfusing to potential residents.Throughout the Working Party’slife, there has been a strong pushfor better practices and qualityof operations by the industryaround governance standardswhich LASA Q members wouldsupport wholeheartedly.Activities on other legislativereviews impacting on seniorshousing• A submission on theReview of the ResidentialTenancies and RoomingAccommodation Act 2008was provided to Governmentin December 2012. Thereview was directed tomachinery type matters andany outcomes should not becontentious to members.• A Submission on the Reviewof the Queensland Civil andAdministrative TribunalAct 2009 was provided toQCAT in February 2013. TheConsultation document issuedby QCAT was a technicalone requiring detailed input.To date there has not beenany follow up informationprovided by the tribunal.LASA Q’s recommendationsincluded:>>principles of accessibility,affordability, fairness, naturaljustice, quality, independencemust be to the fore in QCAT’sfuture administration>>the reluctance to allow legalrepresentation for a schemeoperator does disadvantage anoperator from a small villageunused to formal legal processesand those up against a skilledconsumer representative>>As QCAT’s Annual Reports2009/10 and 2010/11 do notreveal any information onhow many retirement villagedispute applications have beenlodged and acted upon, this isan oversight for benchmarkingpurposes>>LASA Q encourages QCATto develop Fact Sheets for theindustry that spell out all thesteps in the processes at thedifferent stages of a dispute andoffer training for the industry.• Review of the Draft StatePlanning Act is underwayat this time. The Chair andother experts from LASA Q’sProperty and DevelopmentGroup will provide detailedinput for this important pieceof legislation. The Submissionis due in early June.Geri TaylorManager Retirement LivingLASA Q12LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

The Power is Yours!Aged Care Group Electricity Purchase – ACT NOW!National Energy Solutions (NES) has joined LASA Q and is conducting a group electricity purchase foraged care facilities.We are an independent energy consulting firm offering a unique approach to Commercial and IndustrialElectricity Contract Tendering and Network Tariff Analysis.NES attract better pricing from retailers by grouping together multiple facilities thereby increasing the overallload. Once a copy of an electricity bill is received, we provide a full analysis on both the energy rates andthe network or supply cost aspect of the account. Many facilities are paying far too much on both energyrates and network costs.Benefits:• Group price for aged care facilities• The entire process is obligation free• Network tariff analysis• All retailers are included in the tendering process• A full evaluation is provided on all offers made by the retailersFor a no obligation quote and network analysis, please fill out the provided insert and returnwith a recent bill copy (both sides please)For any queries, please contact NES on 1300 797 411 or info@nationalenergysolutions.com.au

RESEARCHFigure 1: SIM ® assessment bladder chartFigure 2: SIM ® assessment bladder chartUrinary incontinence isa significant challengefacing people withdementia, andsupporting continence isa major concern of bothprofessional and familycarers.Sensor technologyto manage continenceThe aim of this editorial is toprovide an insight into howthe use of sensor technologycan promote effective urinarycontinence (UC) care forindividuals living with dementiain residential accommodation. Itis known that individuals livingwith dementia in residentialaged care facilities (RACFs)are at risk of experiencingcontinence problems and veryoften require support to maintaintheir UC. Care staff workingin residential accommodationspend much of their time on UCcare. RACFs need more efficientand effective ways to undertakeUC assessments to save time,be more accurate and increasedignity for the people involved,and to develop person-centredUC care plans.The factsContinence problems becomemore common in later lifebecause of the co-morbiditiesthat many older peopleexperience. Nervous systemdisorders, such as dementia orParkinson’s disease, affect themuscles which control urineflow and increase the risk of anindividual experiencing urgeincontinence. The presenceof dementia and continenceproblems are predictors of olderpeople re-locating into residentialaccommodation and are thefirst and second most commonreasons identified for whyindividuals leave their home.14LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

RESEARCHCurrent practices in assessmentand managementIn Australia, one of the aged carestatutory standards includes therequirement that all older peoplewho relocate into residentialaccommodation are providedwith a 72-hour UC assessment todevelop their UC care plan (AgedCare Accreditation Standards1997).Accurate assessment andindividualised care planningare the foundations of goodcontinence management,however they are ongoingand the consistent practice ischallenging. Most residentialfacilities rely on a manualurinary incontinence assessment.This typically involves care staffasking a resident about theirvoiding episodes or manuallychecking clothes or continencepad every 1 to 3 hours. Theinformation recorded is usedto establish a time and volumebladder chart to determine theresident’s level of incontinence.The failure to detect accuratevoiding patterns results in animpersonalised and undignifiedpractice where groups ofresidents are simultaneouslytaken to the toilet at the samepredetermined times each day.The way forward: InnovativeTechnologyInnovative technology is a wayforward to generate valid datato accurately assess the naturalbladder voiding pattern ofindividuals, to develop care plansto deliver individualised UC care.The UC care plans developedfrom digital assessments mightinclude a toileting assistanceprogram that optimises care staffworkflow and achieves effectivetoileting and appropriatecontinence aid selection forindividuals. A small range ofstudies have shown the benefitsof technology in providing moreeffective UC assessment andmanagement.Smart sensor technologyIn a study, Yu et al measuredthe voiding patterns of 32 olderpeople living with dementia ina RACF in Melbourne during a72-hour Urinary Incontinence(UI) assessment at two differenttime points using a sensortechnology called SIM ® (SmartIncontinence Management). Theinitial SIM ® assessment developeda bladder chart and recordedother observations based on thefacilities current continence careplan(Figure 1).The information from thisassessment was used to developa SIM ® continence care plan.This new continence care planwas implemented and a secondassessment (example figure 2)was conducted 2 to 5 weeks afterimplementation to measure theeffectiveness of the care plan.The results showed statisticallysignificant outcomes: reductionin the volume of urine voidedinto continence aids, increase insuccessful toileting events andan increased level of adherenceto the number of toilet visitsprescribed in the care plans(Figure 2)The study demonstrated thatan instrumented electronicincontinence assessment toolhas the potential to improvecontinence care outcomes andrelated health impacts.References1. O’Connell B, Ostaszkiewicz J, Hawkins M(2011) A suite of evidence-based continenceassessment tools for residential aged care.Australasian Journal on Ageing 30.2 Yu P, Hailey D, Fleming R, Zhang Z,Traynor V (2012) Evaluating the impactof implementing of a new wirelesstelemonitoring system for urinary continencemanagement for older people living innursing homes. International ContinenceSociety Conference, Beijing.Paul FishHead of Marketing and ClinicalResearch of Simavita1300 746 736pfish@simavita.comAdvertisein our next issueCommunityMembersResidentialRetirement LivingLegislationTechnologyFor advertising contactHugo Silva on07 3725 5555 orhugo.silva@qld.lasa.asn.auLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 15

COMMUNITY CARECONFERENCEThe LASA Q Community CareConference - back to stayAfter a brief hiatus, theLeading Age ServicesAustralia Queensland(LASA Q) CommunityCare Conference hasmade its triumphantreturn as the eventfor community careindustry professionals.Held in the coastal setting ofthe Novotel Twin Waters from29 -31 May 2013, around 200Community Care professionalstook part in a dynamic andhighly relevant conferenceprogram, influenced by thelearnings and experiences ofthose at the leading edge ofcommunity age service provision,both here and internationally.Themed Learning, Leading,Living - Through Change, guestspeakers delivered informativeand interactive presentations,focusing on the manyopportunities and challengesof delivering age services athome to an increasing ageingpopulation. While the LivingLonger Living Better reformagenda was a key feature ofdiscussion, there was also someinsight provided into a likelyfuture Australian Governmentapproach, especially in the areaof workplace relations.Delegates were engaged on topicsranging from Consumer DirectedCare, the Gateway, NDIS, LGBTIand Medicare Locals, through toactive ageing and reablement,squalor and hording and mentalhealth. Preceding the two dayconference a master class;Leading through Change withJudy Gregurke (LASA Vic) andPaul Johnson (LASA Q), providedan informative update andcontext on the new Home CarePackage framework and currentdesign discussions on the HomeSupport Program.Highlights of the conferenceincluded presentations fromPat Sparrow (COTA) and CarerLinda Hewlett, highlighting theconsumer expectations of the ageservices industry. Linda provided16LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

COMMUNITY CARECONFERENCEsome compelling examplesof when the industry has notdelivered on pre-arranged respitesupport and the impact this hason her ability to care for herhusband at home. Equally asenlightening was an inspirationalpresentation by Angela Scotney,Director, Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Health Unit,Metro North Hospital and HealthServices, on being a successfulleader regardless of the personaland professional challenges weall encounter.Also contributing to the successof the conference was a largenumber of industry tradeexhibitors and sponsors. Rangingfrom providers of home supportservices, tailored IT programs,workforce solutions andhealthcare products, delegateswere encouraged to consider howthese professional organisationsmight support and enhance theircurrent provision of communityage services.Particular trade favouriteswith conference attendeesincluded, The Contented Chef –Prescare Catering Services, whoprovided delicious samples oftheir exceptional quality andtrademark catering (the jaffamacaroons were a definite crowdpleaser) and the Tempsmartsponsored masseuses’ whoprovided much muscle relief forthe hard working delegates.The conference also providedan excellent backdrop for theSunshine Coast launch of JustBetter Care; in home supportservice providers that designand deliver support in ways thatensure client preferences areexercised and independence ismaintained.Capping off this highly successfulconference was the positivemedia attention it received fromtelevision media. The coveragereinforced the important roleplayed by community careproviders now and into thefuture, as our older populationgrows, lives longer and aspires tomore independence and controlover how they (we) live.The team at LASA Q wishes tothank all those who made thisconference so successful. Armedwith the excellent feedback,ideas and innovations receivedfrom delegates, we are alreadyplanning next year’s event.With much growth expected inthe community care space, thisconference can only go fromstrength to strength. We welcomefurther suggestions and feedbackon location and program contentviacommunitycare@qld.lasa.asn.auPaul JohnsonManager Community CareLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 17

WORKFORCELiving Longer, Living Better and the Aged CareWorkforce Supplement: Hopes Dashed?Almost 12 months ago, followingthe April 2012 Living Longer LivingBetter announcements by thefederal government, this writerproposed that the-then “WorkforceCompact” could representhope for the future of communityand residential aged care, giventhat its purpose was “to improvethe capacity of the aged care sectorto attract and retain staff”.Events since then have inspiredlittle confidence that the(now-titled) Aged Care WorkforceSupplement will deliver on thatpurpose – at least in so far aswages are concerned.In March this year, followingthe inability of the StrategicWorkforce Advisory Group (madeup of union, department andemployer representatives) toarrive at an agreed “Compact”,Minister Butler made furtherannouncements on the make-upof a “Workforce Supplement”.This provided little more than anoverview of the criteria whichmust be agreed to by employersin order for them to qualifyfor additional supplementaryfunding. The criteria related tonecessary wage rate differentialsabove awards, access to paidtraining and professionaldevelopment, leave for workplacerepresentatives, annual review ofpart-time hours, conversion ofcasuals to part-time, workloadmanagement, workplace healthand safety and disciplinarymatters.Employers were given scantinformation on process orapplication issues. Nor were theyimpressed about the fact that,in addition to the extra directcost impacts inherent for themin implementing the terms ofthe Workforce Supplement, noprovision is made for fundingthe inevitable on-costs such assuperannuation contributions(increasing progressively to 12%from July 2013), leave, workerscompensation, payroll tax, etc.Employers’ general disquietabout the Supplement wasmore recently reinforced by the(apparently mistaken) distributionby the Department of Health andAgeing of information to agedcare workers which, accordingto some reports, simply servedto raise employees’ expectationsabout pay increases “from July”.At the time of writing, a “DraftAged Care Workforce SupplementGuidelines” has been issuedto providers in residential andcommunity care; this at leastprovides some more detailedindication of DOHA’s intentionsand no doubt employers will becontributing with comment andfeedback by the 23 May deadline.18LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

WORKFORCENonetheless, significant issuesremain for employers, such as:••the likely shortfall betweenwhat the Supplement willcost employers to implement(both directly and indirectly)and any additional funding;••recent and future changes toACFI which could negativelyimpact on funding forresidential facilities, thusfurther reducing capacity topay;••whether or not indexationwill apply (given it waseffectively not paid for the2012-13 year) and if so, howmuch;••the long-term future ofSupplement payments (i.e.beyond 2016-17);••calculations of the additionalfunding and its distributionfor multi-site organisations;••whether or not implementingthe Supplement will makeany real difference inattraction and retentionfactors in the sector.A recent Catholic Healthcaresurvey indicated that up to 40%of their membership was unlikelyto sign up to the Supplement.Given that very few of theorganisations with whom thewriter is in constant contacthave indicated that they will besigning up, a 60% take-up ratemight be an optimistic view.The reality is that the sectoris already under significantfinancial pressure in deliveringthe current level of services in aheavily regulated environment.Disappointingly, that pressureis unlikely to be eased by theWorkforce Supplement as it isknown at the time of writing.Scott LucasMiles Witt PartnershipLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 19

TECHNOLOGYWeighing up theCost of GoodManagementBarry WilliamsGeneral ManagereziTracker AustraliaGood communication is the key to effective management of a team of carers inthe field. Simply making a phone call is no longer adequate - governing bodiesand funders are now demanding transparent systems that provide duty of careto your staff and proof of service delivery to your client.You may already have anautomated system to plan yourclients’ care provision, but whatif something doesn’t happenwhen it’s supposed to? Howwould you know?Finding the right solution is achallenging task. IT and mobilesolutions are vast and there ismuch to consider when searchingfor the right service to best suityour needs.Rightly or wrongly, the firstconsideration is usually cost. Dowe have to buy new hardware?New software? What are theongoing costs to my business?My client? My staff? Beforereflecting on costs however,give some thought to the longterm goals you hope to achieve.Do you want to enhance clientservice delivery? Improve staffcommunications? Automate yourpayroll processes? Automateclient billing or funder reporting?It is reasonable to expect toachieve all these goals, and manymore besides.Then ask yourself whattype of solution would bemost appropriate for yourorganisation. Consider yourclient, your staff, your servicearea, and your existing systems.How immediate do you wantthe information made available?What form of technology doyou envisage to perform yourtasks? Computer? Mobile? Acombination? Is your existingsystem helping or hindering youto achieve your goals?The last consideration isflexibility. Will all of your clientsfit the same solution? Will allyour staff?Once you have considered theseparameters, you are ready toinvestigate potential IT or mobilesolutions. Make sure to ask aboutset up costs, after sales service,and assess the credibility of thecompany. Ask for testimonials.Often a combination of suppliersystems is required to fulfil yourneeds. This is not unusual andis sometimes a simple matterof developing an interface forease of operation. Howeverit is important to rememberthat your existing systemwas probably not designed toaccommodate monitoring data ormobile technology solutions soremember to keep your long termgoals in mind.Now it’s time to weigh up thecost. With the expansion ofweb and cloud-based services,investment in hardware orsoftware is a thing of the past.When compared to the time,expense and inaccuracies of yourmanual paper shuffling system,the right solution should in factsave you money.www.ezitrackerhm.com20LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

SECTION NAMEKeeping Connectedwith your Mobile WorkforceAny busy homecare service provider knows that keeping connected with your mobileworkforce is essential to avoid client service breakdown and ensure the safety of your staff.eziTracker homecare management (hm) is a flexible and affordable workforce managementsolution. Using the latest data capture technology via the telephone or mobile networks,eziTracker hm is designed to enhance care delivery and staff safety. Recording data in realtime, eziTracker hm seamlessly integrates with all leading client management systems andenables care providers to reduce costs and improve service delivery.Register for the next free webinar to assess if eziTracker hm is right for your organisation.“eziTracker is a key enablingtechnology that has allowed us toimplement and realise considerablebenefit from the automation of coreprocesses and significantly reduceinstances of fraud.”Matthew Linscott,Spinal Injuries AssociationImprovesServiceReducesCostsStreamlinesProcessesEnhancesCommunicationsSafeguardsCare WorkersWeziTrackerhm.comE sales@eziTracker.comT 1800 eziTrk (394875)LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 21

AGED CARESURVEYRAC providers driveefficiencies to sustain sectorAustralia’s topperforming residentialaged care providersare driving internalefficiencies to enhancetheir own profitabilityand long-term financialviability.According to Bentleys directorand aged care specialist HeathShonhan, this finding from thefirm’s 2012 Aged Care Survey hasgenerated considerable discussionacross the sector.“In presenting this year’s surveyresults across the country, it’sclear leading providers areproactively addressing the pushto deliver efficiency dividendswithin aged care funding” saidMr Shonhan.“Along with aged care fundersand investors, providers areworking hard to define theirservice offerings, understandtheir cost of accommodation,and consider what’s working forothers in the sector.”Now in its 18th year, the 2012survey analysed the generalpurpose financial reports andthe profit and loss and otheroperational data of close to 250residential aged care facilitiesaround Australia.“The survey found, forexample, the top quarter ofrespondents spend $1.95 less inadministration costs per residentper day,” said Mr Shonhan.“For an 80-bed facilityreplicating those savings, that’san extra $56,940 that could bespent elsewhere such as serviceexpansion into community careor technology improvements.22LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

AGED CARESURVEY“On a national level, if threequarters of today’s 180,000residential aged care places couldsave $1.95 in admin costs perday, there would be a resulting$96million of sector-widesavings per year.”According to Shonhan, thesurvey results also point to theincreasing imperative to focus onefficiency measures in aged care,such as upgrading technologyto “by-the-bed” tablet recordkeeping to reduce administrationtime spent by care staff.Further efficiencies can also begained through consolidation orgroup purchasing arrangementsfor clusters of smaller aged careproviders.“The survey found thatfacilities with more beds (60or more) performed better, asadministration costs were ableto be spread out over moreresidents,” said Mr Shonhan.“It is inevitable smaller providerslook to consolidation in thefuture as a means to enhancetheir efficiency.”Additional survey results include:• The average net profit standsat 7.8 per cent, well below2005-06 levels of 9.95 percent.• Care costs now represent67 per cent of the averageprovider’s expenses (up from65.3 per cent in 2011), withaccommodation at 15 percent and services at 18 percent.• Between 2011 and 2012:o Average income -including subsidies,consumer and otherfunding combined – grew7.97 per cent.o Care costs (wheresubsidies are generallyfirst directed and whichinclude items like nursingand chemist supplies),jumped 11.58 per cent.o Average services costs(like cleaning andcatering) grew 9.07 percent.o Accommodation costs(like energy and rates)decreased slightly, down1.19 per cent.• Accommodation bondsmake up almost a third(31.17 per cent) oftotal financing. Thispercentage has steadilyincreased from 16.83 percent in 2005-06.• The average return onequity in aged care at6.57 per cent, which isrelatively low comparedto the returns in excessof 10 to 12 per cent thatefficient providers wouldlook for as a return ontheir equity.2012 Bentleys Aged CareSurvey reports are available fordownload by participants atwww.agedcaresurvey.com.auIndustry participants, banksand other interested parties canpurchase the data from the agedcare survey website also.Heath Shonhan will speak at theLASA National Congress, 4-7August in Sydney.About Bentleyswww.bentleys.com.auBentleys is an association ofindependent accounting firmsin Australia with specialistexperience in the aged care andretirement village industries.Bentleys offers a broad rangeof services including businessand corporate advisory, taxationsolutions, corporate recoverystrategies and aged care specificaudit programs. Since 1994, ourannual aged care survey hasbeen benchmarking the financialhealth of the aged care industryto guide the decision making ofproviders, the government andthe financial sector.Find out more atwww.agedcaresurvey.com.auHeath ShonhanDirector and Aged CareSpecialistLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 23

PERFORMANCESECTION NAMEEnhancingData in Aged CareIn recent times thegeneral media hasfeasted on storiesarising from theuse of performanceenhancing drugs insport. First there wasonce inspirational,now disgraced cyclistLance Armstrong andnow we have the waveof suspicion washingover Australian sportas a result of the recentand ongoing AustralianCrime Commissioninvestigations.An athlete may be motivatedto take a banned substance inorder to improve their resultson the field and raise theirstanding in the game. As hasbeen documented, they will alsogo to extreme lengths to removeany trace of their less-thanhonourableactivities throughmeasures such as paying officialsto turn a blind eye and havingsecret transfusions.Sport fans are understandablyup in arms over dishonesty anddeceit affecting the outcomeof their favourite matches andevents but where such activitiesmay evoke strong emotions, theydo not necessarily impact onour quality of life. In Aged andCommunity Care however, thelevel of a service’s performancecan. While such services maynot have a ‘quick fix’ availableto them like sportspeople doto artificially enhance theirobserved results, the samemotivations for seeking them outstill exist within the industry.It is natural for most staff towant to increase their standingwith management. Managementmay then also have their ownsuperiors to answer to, alongwith the agency or departmentalong with other stakeholderssuch as the friends and relativesof those within their care. This,in combination with targets such24LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

PERFORMANCESECTION NAMEas Key Performance Indicatorsfor individuals, internal controllimits and Industry Benchmarksfor service’s and organisationsto aspire to can then also createtemptations to want to be seen asachieving higher results than cansometimes be the case.The easy solution is then forindividuals and services to alterresults and manipulate datathat is used to evaluate theirperformance. In the context ofevaluating quality systems andperformance and using examplesfrom within the Moving ONAudits program, it may bemuch more favourable for astaff member to record a ‘Yes’response within a monthly auditor record a higher/lower figurein response to a quality indicatorto avoid an undesired flagpresenting on reports – especiallyif you then have to present orexplain that report to someoneelse or an appraisal of yours oryour services overall performanceis affected by these results.Staff attempting to artificiallyenhance their performancewithin aged care are puttingthemselves and the servicethat they represent in the samepredicament as a cheatingathlete. A deficit or weaknessin performance is being hiddenrather than addressed andimproved and while thosestaff may be accepting theaccolades they will also livein the knowledge that they areliving a lie. The big differencefrom sport is that a mistruth oran area of unidentified risk in acare situation is not just a stainon an individual’s conscienceor a contributor to a poor trackrecord; they have the potential toseriously impact the health andwell-being of other individuals.Unlike a sporting event, in realitythis is a matter of life or death.It also creates an uneven playingfield in terms of comparingresults and striving to improve.The clean cyclists riding in LanceArmstrong’s slip stream forover a decade were in pursuitof an artificial benchmarkbased on artificially enhancedperformance and results thatwere unachievable under ‘real’circumstances. Falsified andinaccurate data can have thesame effect in the comparisonof Aged and CommunityCare services, where industrybenchmarks are calculated basedon the results being contributedby individual services. If thisinformation has been alteredto influence perception priorto being accepted into thebenchmarking equation thennaturally this will be reflected inthe final figures.The vast majority of MovingON Audits members join theprogram with the overallobjective of creating a betteraged and community care servicethrough data. The individualservices results and reports arethen only as reliable as the dataentered into the system whichplaces the onus of responsibilityon them to be honest in theirdata collection and entry. Theseresults are anonymous and areonly accessible within memberservices and organisationsand not by any other externalindividual or body. So ultimatelythe data that is entered and thecorresponding results is only ofinterest to member services, andproviding the service’s leadersalso value and promote honestyover favourable results at allcosts, this then allows themto make confident decisions,based on strong and reliableinformation. The flags, alerts andalarms on reports are not theculmination of services qualityassurance activities nor are theythe most important part of theprocess. It is the actions thatservices take in response to theirresults that are imperative to keepthe continuous improvement cycleturning.Athletes with inaccurate measuresof their actual performancepotentially have unrealised andunaddressed weaknesses that areultimately exposed for all to seein an upcoming match or event,and if they try to supervene thisthrough doping there is a highprobability they will be caughtand disgraced, sooner or later,through drug testing. Aged andCommunity Care services workingwith accurate data have theopportunity to identify issues inperformance internally and rectifythem before they are revealedthrough a significant or less thanfavourable incident or a visit fromsomeone representing an officialdepartment. Also like ‘clean’athletes, positive performance isalso measurable and recognisedwith the resulting spoils andrewards being so much sweeterwhen they are achieved honestly.Steve CollierMoving on AuditsLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 25

HEALTH ISSUESDepression and dementiaNot many peopleunderstand howdebilitating depressionand anxiety can befor the sufferer. Theconditions drain thelife out of the personleaving only extremesadness, feelingsof worthlessness,helplessness andhopelessness. It is oftenthought or believed thatdepression and anxietyare normal conditions ofageing. This is not true.In 1996 I was confronted bythe reality of depression andanxiety in an aged person whenI visited my beloved 76 yearsold aunt. I traveled to Irelandwhen I heard of her deterioratinghealth. On entering her home Isaw she had gone from a robustlively woman to a shadow of herformer self. She sat staring at asmall piece of coal burn out inthe grate, wringing her handsand mumbling . She didn’t lookup when I entered she just keptstaring. Her once welcomingwarm home felt empty anddisconnected. The ticking clockwas the only sound. The personalkeepsakes and photos on themantelpiece that she had cleanedreligiously each day were heavywith dust. It was like they didn’tbelong to her any more.It was like she didn’t belong tothem.Her small frame heavy withmemories of loss and grief bentforward. The beams from thesun trapped behind the curtains.Shadows lurked in the smallcorners of the neglected kitchen.My heart screamed in pain atthe injustice in front of me. Ismelt the depression, I tasted it.It was suffocating. Depressionand anxiety was all there was,my beloved Aunt Hannah alone,empty and disconnected. It washorrible. It was tragic.An estimated 14% of older peopleare affected by depression and10% of older people experienceanxiety. Research from theNational Ageing ResearchInstitute shows the incidence of26LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

HEALTH ISSUESdepression among older peopleliving in residential aged-carefacilities is estimated to be about35 per cent and 30 per centof frail older people who arestill living at home (but requiresignificant in-home care), willalso experience the condition.The rates are at least double thatof the general population.Depression is more than theusual changes in mood a personmay have. Symptoms includedisturbances to normal sleeppatterns; loss of interest andmotivation; loss of pleasurein activities; anxiety; changesin appetite or weight; loss ofsexual interest; physical achesand pains; impaired thinking orconcentration.When depression coexists withdementia it can be difficult torecognise and diagnose becauseof the similar presentation andsymptoms of the conditions.Older people experience similarsymptoms to younger peoplebut the symptoms are oftenoverlooked, misdiagnosed orpoorly treated in the olderperson.The stigma attached to depressionand anxiety can prevent peopleseeking help. The older personcan feel more comfortable talkingabout physical complaints ratherthan their feelings. Older peoplecan feel worthless, helpless andhopeless for a long time. Theymay describe the feelings assadness only. Persons livingwith dementia can lose languageskills. Some don’t speak at all.There are a number of riskfactors and protective factorsfor depression. Assessing therisk factors and being aware ofprotective factors for the olderperson can assist with preventionof depression.Causes and treatment ofdepression and anxiety variesfrom person to person.The cause of depression in anindividual can be a result of acombination of losses aroundhealth, death, changes inenvironment , status, socialengagement, pain and side effectsfrom medications.Depression and anxiety canbe treated with medicationsand for older people activelifestyle, counselling, promotinga favourite interest or hobby,relating to the person in anauthentic, compassionate way,understanding their likes anddislikes and spending time withthem is valuable for recovery.Involving loved ones andsupportive family is crucialto management and recoveryof depression and anxiety.Family members can offervaluable information to healthprofessionals that assist withdiagnoses and treatments.My aunt lived to 92. The causeof her depression and anxietywas never really clarified orunderstood. Her recovery wasslow but she got to the light atthe end of the tunnel and movedbeyond it. She lived a full life inher own home and died in herown bed. Her fire burned longand warm.She said hope came to her ‘allthe way from Australia’ in 1996.I wished I had brought it earlierbefore she got so unwell. No onespoke about the depression whenshe lived or after she died. It diedwith her. I believe not manypeople (including myself) reallyunderstood how debilitating ithad been for her.If depression is suspected inthe older person an assessmentshould be done to ascertain ifdepression is present and helpsought immediately. In agedcare we need to be observantof the signs and symptoms ofdepression and anxiety andvigilant in reporting thoseobservations. Teaching aged careworkers to recognise the signsand symptoms of depression andanxiety is important becausethe older person’s quality of lifecan be significantly impacted bydepression and anxiety.beyondblue is actively workingto support aged care staff tobe able to detect and managedepression and anxiety amongolder people in their care.They have developed a programfor the aged care sector called theProfessional Education to AgedCare (PEAC) program.Contact LASA EI Q on 37255555to book a session.Bibliographyhttp://www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au/internet/agedcare/publishing.nsf/Content/Depression%20and%20anxiety-1accessed 30/4/13http://www.sane.org.au/ SANE websiteaccessed 30/4/13http://www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/older-peoplehttp://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/programs/older-adults-program/aged-careeducationaccessed 30/4/13http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/c/3AB354FFA0B0A31FCA256F2A007E5075?OpenDocumentaccessed 30/4//13Philomena BatemanClinical Trainer/AssesorEducation Institute, LASA QLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 27

HIGH ACHIEVEREBITDA per bed nearly doubledIT strategic partner brings qualitysolutions to aged care28IT Integrity, an ITservice provider basedin Sydney and Brisbane,is performing the role ofIT Strategic Partner withmany of its clients.LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013In the face of huge projectedgrowth in the Aged Care marketover the next decade, a keychallenge facing all independentAged Care providers is how torespond to that growth, in termsof the direction that developmentof their facility should take, whattypes of care and associatedservices should be offered andwhat underpinning infrastructureand systems are required andwhen.A key area of this challengeis Information Technology(IT). Traditionally, the AgedCare sector has engaged ITservice providers as suppliers ofproducts, e.g. specialist industryequipment and software.From left to right:Scott Lawton, ManagingDirector IT Integrity; MarkBrandon, CEO, Aged CareStandards and AccreditationHowever, as the Aged Marketgrows significantly over thenext decade, new additionalsophisticated services will bedemanded by the market andindependent Aged Care providerswill be faced with the dauntingtask of evaluating a large varietyof options on offer and selectingthose options into which toinvest their finite funds in thehope that these solutions willenable them to meet the demandsof the growing market.In order for independent AgedCare providers to be able toeffectively negotiate this newmine field, it will be criticalfor them to build new non–traditional relationships with

HIGH ACHIEVERIT service providers. These newrelationships will be based onthe IT service provider becomingan IT Strategic Partner whocan provide qualified adviceto the independent Aged Careprovider, to facilitate informedIT investment decision makingand can then take the overallownership for implementation ofthose IT investments.There are already some IT serviceproviders emerging in the marketwho are fulfilling this role.IT Integrity, an IT serviceprovider based in Sydney andBrisbane, is performing the roleof IT Strategic Partner with manyof its clients.An Aged Care facility locatedin Beaudesert, Queensland,engaged IT Integrity to assistthem to deliver a major systemsrefresh project. This engagementincluded IT Integrity providingconsulting advice to the AgedCare facility to ensure thescope of the systems refreshwas aligned with the overallbusiness objectives, managingthe development of the technicalarchitecture and associatedsolution design, engagementand management of disparatespecialist vendors, managingthe solution integration andproviding overall projectmanagement.The project was successfullydelivered, meeting the AgedCare facility’s expectationsand enabling the achievementof a range of projected andunexpected business benefits.Critical among these was theachievement of an increase in‘EBITDA per bed’ from $2,600 in2010 to approximately $4,800 in2012.IT Integrity’s stated mission isto ‘deliver quality IT solutionswhich enable our clients toachieve ‘high value’ businessoutcomes’.Their achievements wereacknowledged at the recentITAC Conference held on 1-2May 2013. In a field of ninefinalists, they were awardedICT Company of the Year 2013,which was announced at a galadinner attended by 200 guestsat Melbourne’s Crown FunctionCentre on 1 May.Tom AndrewSales & Marketing ManagerIT IntegrityLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 29

Is your insurance programaged and in need ofsome care??Leading Insurance Brokers, Australian Reliance care about the future of our aged careindustry.As such Australian Reliance has partnered with LASA Q to protect your business bydelivering:• Cost effective, tailored and relevant insurance program;• Claims advocacy and support services to manage the claims process;• Innovative risk management solutions;• Active engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure we keep up to datewith current issues.If your program is in need of carecall Australian Reliance todayCARWYN LLEWELYNDirectorT: (07) 3251 5203E: cllewelyn@australianreliance.com.auAustralian Reliance Brisbane Pty Ltd.ABN: 27 125 926 990 CAR: 423 818General Advice Warning - This advice does not take into account any of your particular objectives, fi nancial situation or needs. For this reason, before youact on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice taking into account your own objectives, financial situation and needs.Before youmake any decision about whether to acquire the policy, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement for the policy.

INSURANCE“At times you canfeel like you’re goingupstream in a canoewithout a paddle withan insurance claim but itreally doesn’t have to bethat way.”Navigating the muddy watersof an insurance claimThere are many war stories outthere around the difficultiesassociated with getting aninsurance company to come tothe party when you need to makea claim. When everything goeswrong you want your insuranceprogramme to be responsiveand indemnify you for yourloss. Critical to this occurringsmoothly is the engagementbetween you and your insurancebroker in proactively managingthe process.To help ensuring the claimsprocess is effective here are a fewtips:••Notify the insurance broker/insurer as soon as youbecome aware of the eventoccurring – do not wait untilyou have quantified the lossor allowed it to progress alittle further. It is imperativeyou advise your insurancebroker early so they havethe opportunity to get acrossthe issues, set an effectivestrategy, and advise you onwhat information is requiredto assist the overall process.32LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

INSURANCE••In conjunction with theinsurance broker, decide onand appoint the assessor(for property claims) or legalcounsel (for liability claims).Agree these with yourinsurers early to ensure thereare no issues down the trackparticularly on your lawyer’scharge out rates.••For property claims - checkyour policy to see whatcoverage is provided forclaims preparation costs. Alot of people do not knowthis coverage is availableor how it works but it canbe invaluable in saving youtime and maximising thesettlement claimed. Thissection pays for the costsassociated with engaginga consultant to assistwith collating the claiminformation for submissionto Insurers – a huge boostin this day and age whereeveryone is so time poor.••For liability claims – checkyour policy on whatcoverage is available formitigation costs. Sometimesit is more effective to putin place other measureseither in terms of additionalservices or products/discounts by negotiationwith the claimant thansimply sending it to insurersand allowing an expensivelegal process to ensue.Spending $30,000 up frontmay save your Insurer(and claims history) tens ofthousands of dollars but notall provide for this type offirst party indemnification.••If the claim looks to be alengthy, complex one, agreeon a regular communicationprocess with your insurancebroker and Insurer as thiswill eliminate confusionand timeframes being blownout which is critical in therebuild process for example.••Agree with Insurers toappoint a project managerfor any building works toensure it is kept on track andthere is no waste. You arenot a builder and should notbe expected to scope and runa project of that kind.An insurance claim should not bean arduous experience as this iswhat you pay thousands of dollarsin premiums for each year – butyou do get what you pay for.If you would like any additionalinformation or to discuss anyclaims issues please do nothesitate to contact our team atAustralian Reliance in Brisbaneand we’d be more than happy tohelp.Carwyn LlewelynDirector/PrincipalAustralian RelianceAdvertisein our next issueCommunityMembersResidentialRetirement LivingLegislationTechnologyFor advertising contactHugo Silva on07 3725 5555 orhugo.silva@qld.lasa.asn.auLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 33

ADVERTORIALStaff Australia Healthcare hones in onshortages in nursing and aged careThe number of peoplerequiring aged careservices in Australiais rising dramaticallyin proportion to thosecurrently working in thissector.One important support role inthe aged care ecosystem is thatof Assistants In Nursing (AIN).As an expert in people solutionswith a specialist Healthcareteam, Staff Australia is honingin on how to attract, train andretain the best AINs to bolsterAustralia’s demanding Healthcareneeds.Today, around 9 per cent ofour population (some 2 millionpeople) is aged 70 years or older.This is expected to rise to 13per cent by 2021 and to 20 percent (around 5.7 million people)in 2051*. Staff Australia has awealth of experience in resolvingthe gaps facing the aged caresector and is recognised as aleader in attract, train and retainprograms.Len Hayward, National ManagerHealthcare for Staff Australiasays, “Our market observationstell us that the demand forregistered nurses and admin,basic personal services staff likecleaners, caterers and carersthat work with our aged ismanageable. However, thereis a real shortage of certifiedAINs and these people fulfil acritical role in the support systemaround aged people in care.”Staff Australia recently surveyedmore than 200 health and agedcare providers which revealedthat 70% of respondents haveconcerns about the skills shortageof qualified AINs.As a member of the nursing teamin aged care, retirement villageand nursing home environments,AINs assist nurses and supportpatients in their daily life, aswell as monitor patients’ healthcondition, take blood pressure,temperature and respiration rates.Community minded people whoare passionate about making adifference to the lives of othersmake the best AIN candidatesand can cultivate a rewardingcareer in this role. “StaffAustralia is set apart from ourcompetitors because we havesuch a high level of customercare at both client and candidatelevels. We have excellentscreening and mentoring ofcandidates, as well as closeworking partnerships withclients. We are targeting peopleaged 40 plus who have maturitythrough life experience and areattracted to retraining as anAIN,” said Len Hayward.Staff Australia Healthcaremanages casual, long termcontract and permanent agedcare, community care, disabilityand registered nurses for alldisciplines for clients acrossAustralia and New Zealand.For more information on StaffAustralia’s Healthcare practice:13001STAFF*Source: Ageing and Aged Care in Australia,Australian Government, Dept of Health andAgeing, July 2008.34LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

SECTION NAMEThe best people for your healthcarebusiness through Staff AustraliaStaff Australia will help you ndthe best casual, long term contractand permanent aged care,community care, disability andregistered nursing staff.Staff Australia’s Healthcare team can check your pulseand pressure on stafng, HR and OH&S issues.You’ll walk away with:New ideas on how to attract and retain excellent staffTips and skills for building staff support andrecognition schemesA new contact who can service your demandingongoing Healthcare stafng needs.To book your recruitment health checkor for more information:Call 1300 1 STAFFLen Hayward: lhayward@staffaushealth.com.auRosalyn Williams: rwilliams@staffaushealth.com.auwww.staffaus.com.auwww.nzstaff.comLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 35

MEMBER NEWSFrom left to right: Michael Harrison, Chairman, The Village Retirement Group; Sir Leo Hielscher, former chairman of the QueenslandTreasury Corporation, Justin Harrison, CEO, The Village Retirement Group.The Village at Yeronga Communityopens new buildingWhat better way tocelebrate the officialopening of your latestresidential buildingthan with a party for 400friends?That’s exactly what happened onSaturday 27 April 2013 when TheVillage at Yeronga threw open itsdoors and invited the community,families and guests to help markthe event with a fun-filled day oflive entertainment, activities andinformal information sessions.The welcoming atmospheregave retirees the opportunity toexperience Queensland’s firstinner-city retirement lifestyledevelopment first hand and toget to know the residents andhave a chat about what makesThe Village at Yeronga so unique.With a free barbecue lunch andperformances from the resident’s1choir and the line dancinggroup, there was plenty to keepeveryone interested but naturallythe opening of the new buildingwas the highlight for the day.The opening was conducted withthe usual style and panache ofThe Village Retirement GroupChairman, Michael Harrison, withspecial guest Sir Leo Hieslcher.The new building, calledFehlberg, is now home to 36happy new residents.After the ceremony, MichaelHarrison explained, “The ideais to give retirees the chance toenjoy life knowing that all theirfuture care and living options36LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

are available in the one place.Retirement is supposed to be areward for all your hard workand we believe it’s up to us tomake sure everything lives up tothe resident’s expectations.”The Village at Yeronga is anaward-winning development justfive kilometres from the CBD,nestled amongst 2.8 hectares ofparkland and sporting fields withspacious apartments overlookingthe city and parkland.Owned and operated by TheVillage Retirement Group,a family company, thearchitecturally designed buildingsand apartments also feature arestaurant, café, large indoorheated pool, gym, cinema, libraryand resident’s own gardens.21. The official opening of building 32. The choir3. General social pic4. Arts and crafts fair at open dayAnd with 2 and 3 bedroomapartments still available,starting from just $440,000, youcould be part of that communitytoo. For more informationcontact Kathy Harrison today inthe sales office on 3892 5454.3Event organiser Elise Tamer said,“The Village at Yeronga is agrowing and vibrant communityof villages and everyone whoattended our open day wouldhave felt just how much theresidents love living at thevillage.”More informationElise TamerMarketing Services ManagerThe Village Retirement GroupPhone: 0434 382 832Email: elise@vrgroup.com.auElise TamerThe Village Retirement Group4LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 37

MEMBERS NEWSFrom left to right:Nick Loudon, Kim Mills andKen McMillanSeasons Waterfront West Communityhelping the communitySeasons at WaterfordWest just raised $4,000for Foodbank. SeasonsCEO Nick Loudon andMarketing Manager KimMills with FoodbankQueensland GeneralManagerRESIDENTS and staff at SeasonsWaterford West Community Carehave opened their hearts andwallets to help a Queenslandcharity that feeds many hungrypeople every day.The aged care community raisedmore than $4000 at a dinner lastmonth and handed the money toFoodbank Queensland.Seasons Care CommunitiesMarketing Manager Kim Millssaid the fundraiser was plannedto help those who had beenaffected by the 2013 Bundabergfloods.“The crisis in Bundaberg becamepersonal when the son of two ofour residents and his family wereat the centre of the devastation,”she said.“Staff and other residents werequick to rally support for them,and came up with the idea of afundraising evening.“We raised $4000 for Foodbank,and we know that this moneywill go directly towards thepeople who are still in need”.More than 120 guests enjoyedthe special three-course mealand live entertainment on theevening.38LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

Special guests on the nightincluded Logan Mayor PamParker and Federal Member forForde Bert van Manen.Foodbank Queensland GeneralManager Ken McMillan said themoney went towards purchasingone food item that was in highdemand.“Rice is a good, healthy andstaple ingredient which wealways need more of,” he said.“Although the money waspredominantly for flood relief,that rice will also go towardsfeeding any other people whoneed a hand”.Top right is Yvonne Perrett walking the red carpet - one of Seasons Waterford West residents.Top left Community Manager Barbara Booth and Hester Wallace enjoy champagne andconversation Bottom right Merle McMillan lining up to purchase her tickets.“We were thrilled with thedonation made to us by Seasonsat Waterford West”.“It was a sensational result,and they really ought to becongratulated for how theircommunity rallied together tohelp others in need.”Kim MillsSeasons Care CommunitiesMarketing ManagerTHANK YOUAll donations from this event will go to Foodbank Queensland who willcontinue to help those affected by the Bundaberg floodsLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 39

SECTION ADVERTORIAL NAMEAged CareeCase® - Next Generation SoftwareImagine a providerbeing able to hand aniPad and a password toa new carer as part oftheir induction wherelittle or no training isrequired.Steven StrangeChief Executive OfficerHealth MetricsThe new carer logs in and allthe things they need to do arein front of their eyes. All thethings that need to be done for aresident are a touch of a screenaway. All the things that need tobe done for a resident are nevermissed because the supervisorshave a management console viewof all facility activity.But before any of that happens,imagine driving competencies fornew inductees via their mobiledevice. The inductee cannotproceed without “passing” thequality checks on their variouscompetencies, consistent with thecorporate policy.BP or BGL out of range? Or anyother clinical parameter for thatmatter… The Dr gets an emailand / or an SMS. The Dr doesn’thave to leave his or her desk ashe / she can use the SCE (SecureCommunity Engagement) featureto log into eCase® and writeprogress notes. The progressnotes trigger future activitiesbased upon the corporate carepolicies of the provider. Wecall this part eCase® The CareCanvas.The Care Canvas enables anaged care provider to implementtheir own best practice policiesinto the software. This is a firstfor aged care. The provider nolonger has to bend their practices(practices that in some cases havebeen developed over decades)to suit the software. Now thesoftware will bend to suit thebest practices of the provider!eCase® bends to suit theProvider’s practices!There is no need to imagineas eCase® provides this kindof functionality today. It is anenterprise strength softwaresuite for the aged care sector. Itis delivering a new era of staffproductivity and positive residentoutcomes. It will scale for thevery smallest and the very largestof customers.Health Metrics is a leader infunctional innovation for theAged Care sector and remainsahead of the technology curve.40LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

®Residential, ILU and CommunityProgress notes & ChartingRegisters & AssessmentsCompetencies & e-LearningCertified Medicare B2B IntegrationACFI Management & OptimisationApps for iPad and Android TabletsCare Plan & WorkflowQuality ManagementSurveys & Bench-markingCommunity CareDashboards & BIMedication ManagementTechnology for Nurses, Carers & Executives“...The software is incredible ...it’s the next generation for aged care management "1800 810 081www.healthmetrics.com.auenquiries@healthmetrics.com.au

RESEARCHDr Tim Henwood, Universityof Queensland/Blue CareResearch and PracticeDevelopment CentreUsing resistance training toreduce later life disabilityThe Australian Instituteof Health and Welfarewarns that over thenext two decades thedirect cost of ResidentialAged Care (RAC)service expenditure inAustralia will increasesubstantially comparedwith other primaryhealth services.Ageing of the population and anincreased prevalence of complexhealth conditions, coupledwith the increasing need forintensive RAC services, will bethe underlying cause. In Australiapresently, there are some 165 000RAC bed placements available.However, the demand is projectedto more than treble by 2050. Asa population, 45% of adults >85years require assistance withactivities of daily living, whilein RAC this figure approaches100%. A primary cause ininstitutionalisation, disability,morbidity, mortality, decreasinggait speed and increasing fallsrisk is the age-associated lossin muscle mass and function,termed sarcopenia.However, evidence is strong thatsarcopenic can be effectivelyprevented and rehabilitatedthrough targeted exercise.The benefits of exercise for olderadults are irrefutable. Studiesshow that community-dwellingadults maintaining an activelifestyle have increased physicaland cognitive health whencompared to their sedentarycounterparts. And for the42LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

RESEARCHpreviously sedentary it is nevertoo late, with research showingexercise and physical activity willincrease health and wellbeing,and reduce symptoms of diseaseand the associated medicationneeds independent of age, levelof fitness, disability or disease.But it is resistance trainingand weight-bearing exercisethat is the greatest stimulus toprolonged physical independence.Specifically, with regularresistance training older adultsexperience increases in musclemass, muscle strength, bonemineral density, muscle powerand muscle endurance, will haveimproved balance and flexibility,and a reduce falls risk. Mostimportantly, these gains transferto improved capacity in activitiesof daily living and a reducedlevel of disability. Demonstratingit is never too late to becomeinvolved, a landmark study invery old (~90yrs) institutionalisedadults show significant increasesin muscle strength (174%),walking speed (48%) and midthighmuscle area (9%) with only8 weeks of resistance training.While older Australian arebecoming more involved in someform of exercise, insufficientnumbers are incorporatingresistance and weight bearingexercise into their routines.Primary barriers to participationare access to equipment andknowledge about getting a safeand effective workout.Moreover, for the averageolder individual attending amainstream gymnasium is anincredibly daunting conceptand is often unaffordable. Toaddress this, targeted facilitiesare emerging with risk assessedappropriate equipment andprograms designed and deliveredby allied health professional.One form of equipment that isproving popular is HUR Healthand Fitness Equipment.Designed with the older adult orthose in needed of rehabilitationin mind, HUR offers a range ofmachines to target upper- andlower-body muscles. Near zerostarting resistance and ‘stepless’adjustment together with easyaccess and lower joint pressuremake the equipment ideal forexercising older adults wheresafety is a priority.One care provider that hasincorporated HUR equipment intotheir wellbeing programs is BlueCare.Recently, the South Brisbane,Ashgrove and Toowoombafacilities each installed threepieces of HUR equipment intotheir day therapy centres. Sincetheir instalment the machineshave been used for individualtreatments and multiple groupexercise classes. Used inconjunction with therabands,dumbbell and wall exercises,programs form progressiveresistance circuit class forcommunitydwelling old and veryold adults, at risk of developingor in the early stage of chronicconditions, Parkinson’s clientsand/or anyone who wishes toimprove general strength andfunction. Together with the alliedhealth therapists, clients haveembraced the equipment andnoted improvements in theirself efficacy, balance confidenceand decreased their overall fallsrisk. Personal testimonials revealclients are “feeling stronger”,“have more energy” and “feellike they are in a gym” whileusing the equipment in a safeand enjoyable environment. Inturn, class numbers have grownand reflect the willingness ofolder individuals to access safeeffective programs with tangiblebenefits.Extending the opportunity forthe old and very old Australianto get involved in regularappropriate resistance traininghas the potential to reduce thedirect impact of sarcopeniaon health care expenditure.This concept is aligned withthe Australian Governmentpriority areas of promoting andmaintaining good health byadhering to the “Wellness and reenablementapproach”.Specifically, resistance trainingcommenced later life has theability to reduce the negativeimpact of dependency andfacilitate the retention andregaining of daily living skills.Moreover, the protection of laterlife wellbeing and independencethrough targeted exercise willsignificantly increase the qualityof life of Australia’s oldergeneration.Dr Tim Henwood, University ofQueensland/Blue Care Research andPractice Development Centre; RichelleStreet and Frank Nguyen Cuu, BlueCare Allied Health; Ari Kallinen, HURAustralia www.huraustralia.com.auLASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 43

FIRE SAFETYWhile it may seemlogical, sometimes we allforget the simplest thingsin life. Where did I putthe car keys? Have I hadmy morning coffee?Fire and MaintenanceHand in HandIt is the same when it comesto our buildings and the safetysystems within them.The most basic thoughts areoften the most important. Anysystem is only as good asthe maintenance process thatmaintains it.Trick 2 – Know the significantmilestonesUnderstand that all systems/products have some significantmaintenance costs.Even your fridge packs it in afteryears. Knowing this allows youto plan budgets.Shawn BrosnanTT Building Surveyors Pty LtdWhile it seems complex there aresome simple tricks that can helpensure you are informed. (Beinginformed is about knowingthe expected outcomes not thespecific workings).Trick 1 – Keep a recordIf you can keep a list of thesystems/products installed inyour building you will know theexpected outcomes. You onlyhave to maintain the system asinstalled – not change it everytime a Standard is changed, evenif a maintenance contractor has adifferent opinion to the installer.Trick 3 – Be prepared to askquestionsA person once said that the onlydumb question is the one notasked. If you don’t know whatis being provided or explained,seek more information/betterexplanations/or other advice.These simple tricks will help youmaintain your systems and go along way to ensure that your firesafety is at the highest level.44LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

Do you havequestions about thefire safety ofyour complex?Get on the right track!Talk with us about your options on 3253 1200tt or contact us by email at bris@tt-bs.com.aubsFind us on the internet at www.ttbuildingsurveyors.com.au

Accreditation- the confidenceyour residents arelooking forQuality in Practice (QIP) is a leading independent provider of accreditation andcertification services. QIP delivers the International Retirement CommunityAccreditation Scheme (IRCAS) to retirement villages throughout Australia.QIP accreditation provides your village with tools and support to build the confidenceyour residents are looking for. QIP accreditation demonstrates and provides credibleassurance that your village is:• Meeting a high set of industry standards• Providing a quality, safe living environment for residents• Meeting State / Territory legislation• Operating with good governance, effective risk management and accountability, and• Implementing continuous quality improvement activities.QIP’s accreditation processes are streamlined and supported by its web-basedself-assessment tool, AccreditationPro. Villages also have access to a range of otherresources, including relevant fact sheets, templates and personalised support.Register your village for QIP accreditation today:1300 888 329 info@qip.com.au www.qip.com.au

The International Retirement Community Accreditation Scheme (IRCAS) Standardsprovide a framework for quality and risk management and are designed to keepAustralian retirement villages at the forefront of retirement living internationally.IRCAS was developed by Australia’s peak aged care and accommodation organisations- Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), Aged and Community Services Australia(ACSA), and Leading Age Services Australia - Queensland.The IRCAS Standards focus on corporate governance, the resident’s experience,the quality and safety of the retirement village’s facilities, as well as innovation andenvironmental sustainability.Villages that achieve accreditation with QIP against the IRCAS Standards are able toprovide their residents with the confidence they are looking for by demonstrating thatappropriate facilities are in place to ensure residents can access services and amenitieswhich positively impact their health, well-being and lifestyle.To learn more about IRCAS and to view the Standards visit www.ircas.com.au.Registeryour village forQIP accreditationtoday

LASA Q STATECONFERENCEWith the Power of OneA conference unites an industryLast March heralded thereturn of the Association’sState Conference.Themed The Power ofOne; One purpose - OneVoice – One Passion,Leading Age ServicesAustralia Queensland’sconference saw some 250plus delegates (and 150exhibitors) convergedon Jupiters at their GoldCoast venue, for whatpromised to be a highlyrelevant, informative andthought provoking threedayprogram.Here’s a little of how it allunfolded.Day oneWith, what can only be describedas lashings of ‘je ne sais quoi’,attendees were treated to awonderfully uplifting andpersonal opening address fromthe ‘Forever 25’ Ms June Dally-Watkins (or Junie from Watson’sCreek). June invited delegates tojoin her on a journey through herlife, from humble beginnings in abush town in rural NSW, throughto her internationally acclaimedmodelling and business careers.She went on to share her passionfor life and love, especiallyaround her children andgrandchildren, and for her needto keep a very active mind busy.A key message from June, whichbecame a thread throughout theconference, was around takinglife on ‘with a smile’ and notletting the naysayers dissuadeyou from ‘reinventing’ yourselfor looking ahead to the nextopportunity.Concluding her presentation inimpeccable style, June unveiledand autographed a poster-sizedcover of the next edition of ‘NowThat’s Living ‘, of which she isthe ‘covergirl’.Following on from a reflectivepresentation on the opportunitieslost and gained 18 monthson from the ProductivityCommission’s report, a panel ofexperts, including Marcus Riley(President LASA Q), Charles Wurf(CEO LASA NSW), Nick Ryan48LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

LASA Q STATECONFERENCE(CEO LASA Q) and Tim Longwill(McCullough Robertson) led apanel discussion on the LLLBpolicy reform. Particular focuswas placed on the WorkforceCompact and Supplement,resulting in numerous questionsand comments from the audience.With segueing presentations onthe Gateway, concurrent sessionsacross the residential care,community care and retirementvillage streams, and insightsinto the future challenges forthe industry, LASA Q’s 2013Conference was already shapingup to be one to be remembered.Day twoReenergised from applyingthe reflection and relaxationprinciples of the ‘Third Space’,mingling at the flash mobbedcocktail reception, andnetworking with colleagues atthe Rural and Remote dinner,day two saw delegates return foranother full day program.Delegates were immediatelyimmersed in the research andfindings leading to new hope forpeople with dementia, includingfascinating insights into thetrialling of vaccinations andultrasound in the search for acure for this disease. Equally asinformative was the subsequentpresentation on Advanced CarePlanning National Standards,including the timely message thatadvanced care plans are not justfor old people!Provoking thoughts about thefuture of the age service industry,Futurist, Morris Miselowskithen asked delegates to join himon a journey of considerationabout what the landscapemight look like in 2030 andbeyond. Concepts includingthe mirroring of real worldactions as digital reactions,hyperpersonalistion and theinternet of things captivateddelegates, but were balancedwith the acknowledgement thatessentially human needs don’tfundamentally change.This sentiment was reiteratedby a panel of faith and religiousleaders who then discussed howfaith and belief affects care forboth the caregiver and receiver ofcare. Leadership, what constitutesa ‘good’ death?, and how themeaning of care giving can belost in the every day provisionand medicalisation of providingcare, were just some of the topicscovered during this session.The afternoon’s concurrentsessions ranged across theissues of workforce, health andwell-being, and leadership,again providing delegates withthe choice to access relevantinformation from industryspecialists and recognisedleaders.And what better way to wrapup proceedings than withthe Conference Dinner andExcellence in Care Awards,giving delegates the opportunityto connect with their ‘glitzy andglamorous’ colleagues…old, newand yet to be discovered!Congratulations go to the 2013Excellence in Care Awardswinners, proudly sponsoredby HESTA Super Fund andMcCullough Robertson:Vicky Johnston, CarramarNoosacare - Winner of theEmployee Award. Vicky is theCatering Administrator who hada vision to create an enjoyableeating experience for theresidents by replacing contractorswith people who were passionateabout cooking food resulting inan enjoyable eating experiencefor the residents.Raymond (Joe) Beck, TorbayRetirement Villages Ltd - Winnerof the Volunteer Award. Joe isthe Coffee Shop Convener atTorbay Retirement Villages Ltd.Joe has been a volunteer withthe Village for the past 10 yearsand has worked tirelessly to helpprovide a unique service to theresidents.LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013 49

SECTIONLASA Q STATENAMECONFERENCEWoombye Care, Woombye -Winner of the OrganisationAward. The organisationwas founded in October1986 specifically to provideaccommodation for fullysupported and other personsin the community who find itdifficult to access main-streamhostels including those with longterm psychiatric disorders anddementia.Day ThreeThe final day of the conferenceand delegates were treated toan informative and entertainingpresentation that examined theeconomic potential of seniorAustralians. Some of the issuesraised during this sessionincluded the lack of age friendlyhousing, the need for innovativehealth and recreation programsfor seniors, and the need to carefor carers.Further panel sessions andpresentations focused on bestpractice business cases fordevelopment and expansion,and improving health outcomesthrough Telehealthcare. Andwhat better way to conclude theconference, than by hearing fromthe next generation of leaders inthe age services industry?Overwhelmingly feedbackreceived from delegates postconference has been highlycomplimentary of both the rangeand depth of topics covered, andof the variety and high-standardof guest presenters. Tradeexhibitors also conveyed theirdelight in the number of visitorsto their stands seeking the latestproducts and services to assistthem in their business. Thanksgo to all who attended andcontributed to such success.The LASA Q Conference andEvents Unit have a second-tononetrack record when it comesto coordinating events, such asthis conference, bringing togetherthe age services industry todiscuss, question and influencethe opportunities and challengesfacing the sector, now, and intothe future. Don’t miss youropportunity to continue to bepart of this…visit our website(www.qld.lasa.asn.au) for thelatest in forums, functions andevents or call the unit on (07)3725 5555.NB Conference presentationshave been made available, withmany thanks to our keynotespeakers and presenters, andare available for a short time byaccessing the LASA Q websitevia this link http://www.qld.lasa.asn.au/lasa-q-state-conferencespeaker-presentationsLiza HarrisPolicy and Research OfficerPhotos1. Excellence in Care Awards 2013 Winners2. Now That’s Living magazine Launch: MarcusRiley, LASA Q President; Hugo Silva, Now That’sLiving editor3. Delegates at State Conference dinner party4.MPS Stand: Sanam Souzani, Chief CustomerOfficere, MPS; George, MPS; Pam Bridges, PamBridges Consulting5.Speaker Morris Miselowski6.Delegates at State Conference plenary sessions50LASA-Q Focus | Autumn edition 2013

Better numbers.Director Heath Shonhan and the team at Bentleys have a strongtrack record in the Aged Care industry. We assist providerswanting to improve their performance; help banks to manage theirdebt funding positions, and advise the Government regarding riskmanagement in the sector.Think ahead. Talk to us today.Better decisions.Contact us for a free confidential discussion about:improving your long term financial viabilitymanaging financial riskdevelop rolling three-way forecaststransitioning to cloud accountingauditing your GPFRsbuying/selling assetsminimising your taxexecuting your forward thinking strategic plans.P 07 3222 9777E hshonhan@bris.bentleys.com.aubentleys.com.au

Every71minutes another older Australian is denied the care they need.Funding must match basic care needs and the age services workforcemust be supported to grow to meet demand.he clock is cking. e need to act now.Join the campaign today, sign up on the website to showGovernment that you support the fight for beer age servicesin Australia.Encourage your family and friends to sign up as well!www. 3millionreasons.com.auTASMANIAWESTERN AUSTRALIA