Toolkit Resource
Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM )
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre in collaboration with Dementia Support Australia
DREAM offers in person access to dementia support coaches who can travel to you at no cost (yes, even in remote Australia), a series of online education modules and an online Community of Practice developed for the dementia respite workforce, but applicable to everyone providing care to people living with dementia.
DREAM is funded by the Australian Government and is completely free to access.
How can I engage?
Read more about DREAM: https://dream.utas.edu.au/page/14/about-dream
Enrol into DREAM: https://dream.utas.edu.au/
Contact DREAM directly: dream@utas.edu.au
Once you have enrolled you will have access to the three DREAM elements: Education, Community of Practice and Coaching. To engage with a dementia support coach, navigate to the coaching tab and click “+ request a coach”.
Care Friends
Care Source
As an alternative to heavy reliance on job boards and agency, Care Friends is used around Australia in rural & remote settings to supplement staff recruitment.
Care Friends is an employee referral tool used to boost the number and consistency of referral sourced starters in your organisation. It is a major redesign of the strategies and operation of referral programs, delivering meaningful numbers of starters for providers around Australia. Existing staff are an organisation’s best advocates and the most effective pathway into the local labour market. Care Friends makes it easy to access the social, work and family networks of existing staff and provides an opportunity to diversify sourcing strategies.
Please note there are fees associated with this service
How can I engage?
Enquiries can be directed to: info@carefriends.com.au
Brain Hubs
Dementia Australia
If you are impacted by dementia, Dementia Australia’s Brain Hubs can connect you to the information, education and support you need.
The free Brain Hub sessions are available to anyone who wants to learn about dementia, including local residents and health care providers.
Through the information provided and connections formed, the Brain Hubs serve as a gateway to a wide range of Dementia Australia services, giving communities access to long-term, ongoing support and information.
The Brain Hubs are funded by the Federal Government and enable Dementia Australia to reach more people living in regional and remote areas, providing greater equity of access to our services.
How can I engage?
Resources are available from the website:
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples & dementia
Dementia Australia
Dementia resources developed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
How can I engage?
Resources are available from the website:
https://www.dementia.org.au/dementia-and-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people
Dementia Learning Guide
Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia’s Centre for Dementia Learning supports health and aged care professionals to provide the highest quality care for people impacted by dementia, enabling them to live as well as possible. Dementia Australia supports the industry through our award winning suite of education programs, including the use of innovative technology to create immersive experiences.
Dementia Australia believes a well-educated and supported health and aged care workforce that is committed to a person-centred approach is essential for quality dementia care. This guide provides an overview of the training opportunities available for service providers and staff.
How can I engage?
The Dementia Australia learning guide provides an overview of a range of available resources:
Work Placement Visual Learning Resources
Human Services Skills Organisation
These online resources enable users to get on demand access to content which help support students when undertaking mandatory work placement as part of their Certificate III in Individual Support training.
These resources can also be used to help as part of induction for employees with little to know experience in aged care facilities.
Access is free, and offline access is also available for users with limited internet access.
How can I engage?
Employers that are interested can complete an expression of interest form on the HSSO website, which can be found here.
A guide to VET for Human Services Employers
Human Services Skills Organisation
The challenge for building a skilled human services workforce is a pressing one. Designed for employers, the Guide to VET for human services employers contains practical, easy to understand information about the vocational education and training (VET) system and advice on how to build and maximise relationships with training organisations.
Within the guide you will find simple information about vocational education and training, step-by-step instructions for finding training providers that can deliver what you need and how you need it, how you can influence the VET system, useful resources and more.
How can I engage?
The guide is available for direct access and download via the HSSO website.
Human Services Workforce Development Initiatives Portal
Human Services Skills Organisation
The Workforce Development Initiatives portal has been designed to collect valuable information about the sector. The portal is an insightful tool for the Human Services sector that will help inform planning.
The portal is an opportunity for the Human Services sector to work together and share best practice. In 2021 we undertook a research exercise which we called Mapping the Sector. We looked across Australia at programs that existed at a national, state, and local level, regardless of ownership. This information is now available within the portal for employers, training providers and decision makers to access.
How can I engage?
Users can search using the portal which is available on the HSSO website. Users can also add to the portal if they have content that they wish to contribute.
Mandatory Work Placement Guide
Human Services Skills Organisation
The Preparing Students for Work – Certificate III in Individual Support Work Placement Guide has been designed for employers, registered training organisations (RTO) and learners to support and simplify the mandatory workplace requirements (MWR) process for the Certificate III in Individual Support.
Drawing on input from stakeholders across the disability and aged care sectors, it provides practical information and advice in the form of:
- tips
- resources
- templates
- further reading and support
The guide is a useful resource in helping all parties understand their respective roles and responsibilities in implementing the work placement component of the Certificate III in Individual Support, and ensure it works well for all involved.
How can I engage?
The guide, including a policy and research paper is available for download via the HSSO website.
Care and Support Mental Health Resources
Human Services Skills Organisation
The HSSO partnered with Phoenix Australia to develop a series of resources that aim to raise awareness and help support the wellbeing of workers working in aged care.
In addition these resources introduce key concepts of trauma-informed care. This is particularly important because the majority of care recipients accessing residential and home care or disability support will have experienced trauma and have had to manage issues related to loss and grief. Direct trauma exposure, such as occupational violence and aggression is also common in caring and health related industries.
How can I engage?
The resources are available for direct access and download via the HSSO website.
Work Placement Visual Learning Resources
Human Services Skills Organisation
These online resources enable users to get on demand access to content which help support students when undertaking mandatory work placement as part of their Certificate III in Individual Support training.
These resources can also be used to help as part of induction for employees with little to know experience in aged care facilities.
How can I engage?
Employers that are interested can complete an expression of interest form on the HSSO website, which can be found here.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
This program funds aged care services to:
- meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and
- allow them to remain close to home and community.
Most of these services are in rural and remote areas.
The NATSIFAC Program offers funding for culturally safe aged care specifically designed for First Nations Elders. This program takes a comprehensive approach by providing a diverse range of services that cater to the unique needs of Indigenous communities. Its central goal is to ensure that First Nations Elders receive care that respects their cultural values and individual requirements.
The NATSIFAC Program has secured additional funding through the 2023-24 Budget. This funding is earmarked to specifically support residential services in extremely remote locations, ensuring that Elders can continue to receive care on their ancestral lands.
The additional funding will also be utilised to assist all services in meeting the new requirements outlined in the transition to the updated Aged Care Act. By doing so, the program aims to ensure that the care provided remains compliant with the latest standards and regulations, thereby guaranteeing the highest quality of service for First Nations Elders.
How can I engage?
Aged care service providers and organisations can apply for funding through grant rounds.
Funding rounds are advertised on Grant Connect. To get automatic emails about new grant listings, register as a Grant Connect user.
Information is also available about the entry pathway into the program.
Any queries can be directed via email to: NATSIFACP@health.gov.au.
Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP)
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
The Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) is a targeted initiative which aims to improve access to high-quality aged care services in thin market settings. Its primary focus is on addressing the needs of specific groups, including individuals from First Nations communities, those living in remote, regional, and rural areas, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and those with complex care requirements, such as dementia. The program acknowledges the unique challenges faced by aged care services operating in thin market settings, where there is limited demand.
The ACCAP will make available up to $602.9 million until June 30, 2027. This funding can be used for the construction of new aged care services, extensions and upgrades to existing ones and providing staff accommodation, a vital aspect of ensuring the availability of a qualified workforce in remote areas.
The program’s flexibility allows for the adjustment of eligible applicants and activities from one funding round to the next, with clear guidelines published for each round on GrantConnect. This approach ensures that applicants understand the specific requirements and priorities for each funding round, aligning with the changing needs of remote aged care services and their residents.
How can I engage?
For organisations interested in seeking ACCAP funding, it’s essential to stay informed about program updates, as the next round is anticipated to open at the end of October 2023.
Additional information and application details will be made available on the program’s webpage as the program progresses, offering a valuable opportunity for organisations serving aged care needs in remote and very remote areas to access critical funding for infrastructure enhancements and improvements.
Queries can be directed via email: ACCAP@health.gov.au.
To receive notifications about future funding opportunities, organisations can register with GrantConnect
Remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Service Development Assistance Panel (SDAP)
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
The Service Delivery Assistance Panel (SDAP) offers professional support for services to improve the delivery and administration of aged care services, with a focus on addressing challenges in clinical care, financial and workforce planning, governance, and regulation.
The program also emphasises culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care services.
Eligibility for SDAP is open to aged care service providers in small rural towns or remote areas (Modified Model 5–7) and those serving a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals anywhere in Australia. This includes providers of residential aged care, home care through the Home Care Packages Program, and those funded under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. Providers in rural and remote areas delivering aged care services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) may also be eligible.
The program seeks to assist aged care providers in rural and remote areas, who face challenges such as higher costs, limited access to professional services, a shortage of skilled workers, and the need to adapt to changes in the aged care system. The support offered through SDAP helps these providers build capacity and enhance the quality of their services to meet standards and legislative requirements.
SDAP support is divided into three main areas: Provider Capability and Support, Sector Development, and Infrastructure Project Management. Provider Capability and Support includes assistance with compliance, quality standards, and building management and governance capabilities. Sector Development focuses on helping providers adapt to changes in the aged care system, offer workforce training, and enhance service delivery. Infrastructure Project Management provides support for compliance with relevant laws and project management of building works.
Additionally, the Rural and Remote Aged Care Management Training Program offers training for aged care managers in rural and remote settings, with no specific prerequisites. This program is delivered by experienced trainers who guide participants on meeting their responsibilities to consumers, communities, and organizations in these unique care settings.
How can I engage?
Organisations can apply by reading and completing the SDAP Application Form.
Email sdap@health.gov.au with any queries or contact your local Department of Health office to discuss your support needs.
Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
The establishment of an Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner aims to give a voice to advocate for the needs of First Nations Elders and hold the government accountable for delivering quality care services. The Interim Commissioner’s primary role will involve engaging with First Nations communities and stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations that will shape the responsibilities and functions of the permanent First Nations Aged Care Commissioner.
Remote aged care providers can anticipate a more focused and responsive approach to addressing the unique needs of First Nations Elders. The Interim Commissioner will actively consult with communities and stakeholders to define the role and responsibilities of the permanent Commissioner, ensuring it aligns closely with the specific needs and expectations of these communities. This initiative signifies a significant step towards improving the aged care services available to First Nations Elders in remote areas and emphasizes the government’s commitment to inclusive and accountable care provision.
Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
The Department of Health and Aged Care funds a range of scholarship opportunities through the Australian College of Nursing including nursing, midwifery, aged care, undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. Preference is given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
These are administered through the Australian College of Nursing.
How can I engage?
You can find more information on the ACN website: https://www.acn.edu.au/scholarships
Rural Locum Assistance Program
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
The Rural Locum Assistance Program is dedicated to supporting aged care facilities in rural and remote areas that face workforce shortages due to sudden departures, annual leave and training needs. The program aims to connect these facilities with suitable locum professionals to fill essential positions, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery across rural and remote Australia. The positions eligible for locum cover include Aged Care Nurses, Allied Health experts, Facility Managers and Aged Care Workers.
The program guarantees that older Australians in need of aged care services in these areas receive consistent, high-quality care with clinical leadership. It also provides a lifeline for facilities experiencing high staff turnover, offering temporary workforce solutions while they recruit permanent team members.
The program manages all aspects of locum recruitment, from travel and accommodation to incentives, without any fees or charges to your aged care service. Your only responsibility is paying regular wages, including penalties, superannuation, and taxes, for the placement period.
How can I engage?
For more information, contact enquiries@rurallap.com.au.
ARIIA Opportunities
ARIIA
ARIIA provides over 1,170 sources of information and reliable research evidence through its Knowledge and Implementation Hub. This trusted resource connects service providers and workers to aged care priority topics to guide innovation and change in aged care and beyond. They also offer an Innovator Training Program to upskill aged care workers and an Aged Care Partnering Program as an incubator for collaboration
How can I engage?
Visit : https://www.ariia.org.au/
Email : ariia@ariia.org.au
Call : 08 7421 9134
CRANAPlus Bush Support Line
CRANAPlus
The Bush Support Line is a free 24/7, 365-day telephone counselling support line for the rural and remote health workforce and their families.
It is open to all health workers, health discipline stu dents, and their families in rural, remote, and isolated communities, including nurses, midwives, general practitioners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/Professionals, the allied health workforce and other staff involved in health service delivery.
You can ring 1800 805 391 at any time to speak with a psychologist experienced in the rural and remote sector. When you call, you will receive a non-judgemental, respectful, ethical and culturally safe service.
How can I engage?
By calling 1800 805 391 to access the Bush Support Line.
By subscribing to the service’s weekly Mindful Monday newsletter at crana.org.au/mindfulmonday
By exploring mental health and wellbeing resources tailored to the remote health workforce at crana.org.au/helpful-resources
By arranging a wellbeing workshop for your team by emailing wellbeing@crana.org.au
Equip Aged Care Learning Packages
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
The University of Tasmania was contracted to develop the Equip Aged Care Learning Packages. The packages consist of 14 modules designed for carers, personal care workers, nurses, allied health professionals and volunteers working in the aged care sector.
All 14 modules are free of charge and available now.
How can I engage?
Participants can enrol and complete the modules through the Equip website.
Aged Care Providers can request access links to the modules to be made available on their own learning platform. This option is available by contacting UTAS through the equip website.
Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placement Program
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
This program provides Bachelor of Nursing students with high-quality clinical placements in the care and support sector. Students are provided support through Clinical Facilitators and access to an Aged Care Knowledge hub.
The program is delivered across Australia by five suppliers:
- A consortium led by The University of Canberra
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association
- Brightwater Care Group
- Hunter Primary Care
- Pop-Up Health
How can I engage?
Participants can register their interest via supplier’s websites.
Aged care service providers can contact the Department of Health and Aged Care with questions about the program via email: ClinicalPlacementsp@health.gov.au
Aged Care Transition to Practice Program
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
The Aged Care Transition to Practice (ACTTP) program provides nurses with mentoring, training, and support at the start of their career in aged care.
The program is delivered nationally by the following suppliers:
- Aged and Community Care Providers Association
- The Australian College of Nursing
The University of Wollongong
How can I engage?
Participants and aged care providers can register their interest through one of the three supplier’s websites:
Home Care Workforce Support Program
NACCHO, Settlement Services Australia, Aged and Community Services Australia, Apprenticeship Careers Australia, Care Community
The Home Care Workforce Support Program is aiming to attract, train and retain 13,000 personal care workers to the aged care sector by 2024.
The Government has provided $91 million in grants to six consortia, with specific funding allocated to assist rural and remote communities to deliver support services to providers.
The program provides services to Home Care Providers to assist with human resourcing, pre-employment support (including facilitating access to training, where required), post-placement support (including mentorship programs) to improve the retention of workers.
How can I engage?
Information on organisation delivering the program in each state or territory, can be found at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/home-care-workforce-support-program.
Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment to reward clinical skills and leadership
Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
Payments for either 6 months or 12 months of employment will be available to registered nurses who work for the same aged care provider over the eligibility periods.
Round 2 Eligibility periods are:
- 1 November 2022 – 31 October 2023 (12 month payment)
- 1 May 2023 – 31 October 2023 (6 month payment)
Registered nurses who work in a rural or remote area (MMM3-7) may also be eligible for an additional payment per year of up to $2,300.
How can I engage?
Funding for Round 1 is closed.
Funding for Round 2 will be advertised on Grant Connect. To get automatic emails about new grant listings, register as a Grant Connect user.
Queries can be directed via email: acrnpayment@health.gov.au
Rural Health Pro
Rural Doctors Network
Rural Health Pro connects people and organisations passionate about keeping rural and remote communities healthy. Rural Health Pro’s digital hub provides information, resources, and training opportunities to support the capability of rural and remote health professionals.
Rural Health Pro enables health sector organisations and peak health bodies to interact through groups and discussions; receive content customised to their profession and interests; learn about career opportunities, training resources and funding opportunities; and attend digital events, all of this from the convenience of your homes and offices or on the go with the new app. It is also free to use.
How can I engage?
It’s free to join Rural Health Pro’s community. Members can connect via discussion groups, participate in online events and access resources, news and scholarships via the Rural Health Pro app or website.