The Aged Care Access Initiative commenced in July 2008 replacing the Aged Care GP Panels Initiative. This Department of Health and Ageing funding is to support the primary health care needs for people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). There are two components:

The first component is payments linked through PIP for GPs who provide a predetermined number of Medicare services to residents living in Commonwealth funded RACFs in 2008-2009. Funding is a based on a two tier model. Tier 1- a payment of $1000 for the first Qualifying Service Levels (QSLs) of 60 services is claimed; Tier 2-a payment of $1500 when second QSL of 140 services is claimed. The maximum payment any GP can receive in the financial year is $2500. MBS items that count towards the QSLs include attendances in RACFs, CMAs, contribution to review of care plans, case conferences and RMMRs.

The second component is the provision of allied health services identified through a local needs assessment for services that is not funded by Medicare or other government sources. Clinical allied health services can be provided on an individual or a group basis. Planning for this service provision is in the early stages and will be led by Anita Needham, Allied Health Advisor. For further information about aged care initiatives please contact Anita Needham at the IDGP at 4220 7600.

Enhanced Primary Care - GP Resources

Comprehensive Medical Assessment

Comprehensive Medical Assessment (CMA) for residents of aged care
facilities - Checklist                                                                                                Click here
Proforma - Comprehensive Medical Assessment (CMA) for residents
of aged care facilities                                                                                            Click here
Comprehensive Medical Assessment (CMA) for residentsof aged care
facilities - fact sheet                                                                                               Click here

MBS Online

For Information on Residential Aged Care Item Numbers                                        Click here

Other Useful Resources

The following are resources for GPs related to Aged Care 

Residential Medication Management Reviews (Item 903)

For referals forms and templates relating to this item number, please visite our ISML Template Resource page.

Advanced Care Planning 

• Guidelines for End of Life Care & Decision Making (NSW Health) PDF (KB) or go to this link http://www.health.nsw.gov.au
• visit http://www.archi.net.au

Visit this site http://www.health.nsw.gov.au

• Alzheimer’s Australia website provides a variety of information for patients, carers and health providers. http://www.alzheimers.org.au/

Palliative Care 

• Facts about Morphine and Other Opioid Medicines in Palliative Care  PDF (KB) – a brochure for patients that is designed to address and expel the myths that have evolved about opioids and replace them with facts.   or visit this site http://www.pallcare.org.au
• Until the Chemist Opens - Palliation from the Doctors Bag -A journal article that identifies medications from the doctor’s bag that can be used in the palliative care crises, presents the best possible evidence for these indications, and provides GPs caring for palliative care patients after hours with management strategies.
• Living, Caring, Working website provides information for people living with life limiting illness, their carers and co-workers. http://www.livingcaringworking.com/

Falls

• http://www.health.nsw.gov.au
• www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au

General Clinical Guidelines/Best Practice Information

• RACGP Silver BookMedical Care of Older Persons in Residential Aged Care Facilities 3rd Edition http://www.racgp.org.au/silverbookonline/index.asp
• 'Green box' for RACFs - Preventing falls and harm from falls in older people: Best Practice Guidelines for Australian Hospitals and RACFs 2005. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/safety/publishing.nsf/content/FallsGuidelines

Office of the Public Guardian

The Office of the Public Guardian exists to promote the rights and interests of people with disabilities through the practice of guardianship, advocacy and education. The Guardianship Tribunal appoints the NSW Public Guardian as guardian of last resort and the Public Guardian then acts as a substitute decision-maker for people under his guardianship. http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/opg/ll_opg.nsf/pages/OPG_index

Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI)

The Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) is a new funding tool for aged care facilities. It is important to note that there should be no change to the practice of GPs working within residential aged care facilities, however it is important to know how this new tool will impact on the care needs of your residents. GPs visiting RACFs are advised to liaise with their RACFs to discuss mechanisms that can facilitate the sharing of information collected from ACFI.  Links to useful resources are below:

• Cornell Scale Assessment Information http://www.racgp.org.au/silverbookonline/print.asp?id=4-5
• Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales (PAS) http://www.mhri.edu.au/pas/ 

 Other Useful Resources on Aged Care

Ageing with vitality: Your everyday guide to healthy active living - Queensland Government http://www.health.qld.gov.au/stayonyourfeet/ageing_vitality.asp
This is an excellent resource on healthy active living with tips, real-life stories and sample exercises to make being healthy and active fun.  The guide suggests everyday activities and exercises for strength, balance, flexibility and endurance that you can do at home.  It includes tips, simple step-by-step instructions and photographs.   The guide has been made available in smaller downloadable sections.