There were 5 key 2017 Federal Budget announcements that related to aged care. The most relevant to the sector was a 2-year extension of CHSP Service Provision and RAS Assessment contracts to 2020 in all states (including VIC from 2019) as well as new CHSP and RAS contracts for WA HACC providers and assessors from 2018. New funding conditions will provide a greater focus on activities that support independence and wellness and provide more choice for consumers.

The Department of Health has advised that a major IT systems update will be undertaken between 3pm (AEDT) Friday 24 February 2017 and 8 am (AEDT) Monday 27 February 2017.

This update will enable changes to the Aged Care system(s) from next Monday 27 February that will give consumers greater choice, control and flexibility in the way they receive home care services and the way these services are delivered. Systems should be operational from start of business next Monday, however, if providers experience any issues they are encouraged to be patient and to check the DoH website for updated notices regarding IT performance issues.

We are pleased to announce that our Call for Abstracts for the MOD.A 2017 National Conference, Going for Gold: the pursuit of best practice in the age of reform, opened on 1 February and close 15 May 2017. We now invite members and others in the industry to submit an abstract for presentation at our conference around the following themes:

• Best practice and quality assurance
• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
• Innovative Home Modifications that address specific needs
• Improving the customer experience
• New and innovative products
• Latest research and literature in home modifications
• Financing home modifications

For additional information see our conference website.