Aged Care Program Highlights

9 May 2025

In this issue:

Latest News

National Palliative Care Week – What’s your plan?

This year’s National Palliative Care Week, asks a simple, yet powerful question, “What’s your plan?”

It is an important time to start conversations about what matters most at the end of life. It also provides an opportunity to break down taboos, dispel myths, and empower the choices that need to be considered with terminal illness and ageing. There are a number of resources available to download on Palliative Care Australia’s website.

You can also read more about WA Primary Health Alliance’s (WAPHA) commitment to improving awareness of and access to safe, quality palliative care at home.

Learn more

Optimising primary care coordination for aged care residents: Phase two

WAPHA, in partnership with the WA Department of Health, is making notable progress in enhancing primary care for residents in aged care homes.

The Optimising Primary Care Coordination for People Living in Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) project, funded through the National Partnership Agreement, has entered its second phase. This work aims to build internal aged care capacity to deliver quality primary, end-of-life and palliative care and to reduce administrative burden from GPs.

Are you ready to register for My Health Record?

My Health Record is a secure online summary of key patient health information. In an aged care setting, authorised health care teams can access and update a resident’s record, ensuring immediate access to key health information between facilities.

For more information and helpful resources visit the Australian Digital Health Agency website. WAPHA is also offering a digital tools training series for residential aged care. You can find out more and register for an upcoming session here.

Learn more

Immunisation

Preparing for co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations in 2025

WA rates of COVID-19 vaccinations have slowed in the last year. Older age is one of the biggest risk factors for serious illness from COVID-19 or flu. Regular vaccination is the best protection against serious illness, hospitalisation or death.

COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines (including influenza), in people aged five years or older to increase uptake and improve protection against both diseases for residents and their loved ones. Co-administering the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can offer logistical benefits, reduce costs, and potentially boost vaccine uptake.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has created a page for aged care providers who play a key role in ensuring their residents and workers can access COVID-19 vaccinations safely and easily.

2025 influenza vaccination

Staff and families can access a free influenza vaccine during May and June this year and adults 65 years and older are eligible for a free influenza vaccine all year.

After receiving the immunisation, it can take up to two weeks for the body to develop immunity and protect from influenza. While the highest level of protection is in the first three to four months, it is never too late to get vaccinated as influenza can be present in the community all year.

WAPHA’s role in COVID-19 management

WAPHA has been involved in WA's COVID-19 response from the early days of the pandemic to the transition of COVID-19 into normal immunisation practice for respiratory illness.

In 2025, WAPHA continues to support existing local solutions to enable fair and timely access to vaccines. We are also working with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care on a transition strategy for COVID-19.

For more information and resources, visit our webpage below:

General record-keeping requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations

RACHs have an important role in offering timely vaccinations for residents.

While COVID-19 vaccination reporting is no longer required on the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal, aged care providers must still comply with general record-keeping requirements as outlined in the Records Principles 2014. You can read about these amendments to understand your responsibilities.

Where low vaccination rates are reported, WAPHA’s COVID-19 and Immunisation teams may email you to offer support, education resources and link you with vaccine providers in your local area.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at RACFvaccination@wapha.org.au.

Training and events

View All Events

Residential Aged Care Digital Tools Training webinar series

20 May, 3 June and 10 June | 6-7pm | Online | WAPHA

A new training series designed to enhance your skills and knowledge of My Health Record and the electronic National Residential Medication Chart in aged care.

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday 20 May: My Health Record and Aged Care: Enhancing Clinical Care
Tuesday 3 June: My Health Record and Aged Care: How to Register
Tuesday 10 June: eNRMC and digital medication management tools

Download the flyer

My Health Record and Aged Care: Security, Privacy and Legislation

On demand | WAPHA

The first session in our residential aged care digital tools training series was held on 6 May and short video highlights are now available to watch on demand. These videos cover strategies for safeguarding sensitive health information in aged care, including guidance on data breaches, system security, resident privacy, and navigating legislation to uphold confidentiality and protection.

Watch the videos on demand

Concussion Awareness Course

Online | Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia

This short course will provide information needed to take an evidence-based approach when responding to and managing concussion injuries occurring in the context of aged care. Designed in conjunction with the University of Tasmania, the course is ideal for people working in aged care, carers and family members.

Enrol online

Resources

Resources: Support at Home templates and guides

The Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme from 1 July 2025. A number of resources are available including a program manual, monthly statement template, user guide and claim guide.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Resources: Volunteering in aged care

A one-stop-shop with volunteering in aged care resources, training links and helpful information to support aged care providers.

Downloadable materials such as frequently asked questions, booklets and toolkits are available here.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Webpage: After-hours support

WAPHA is helping RACHs with enhancing out-of-hours action planning.

We have developed a suite of resources to assist aged care homes in self-auditing and improving the quality and sustainability of after-hours care to their residents.

These resources were made possible through consultation with aged care workers. A key stakeholder who assisted in the development and trial of the resources was Hall & Prior Executive Director Dr Kristi Holloway.

“The importance of these resources to support after-hours care cannot be over emphasised. Resources that support clinicians in aged care to make decisions, enhance access to services and reduce the need for unnecessary transfers to hospital are appreciated." - Dr Kristi Holloway.

The resources include an audit tool to help facility managers identify areas they might consider enhancing, such as escalation of care, available services and digital capability.

Access the resources

Government Updates

Introducing the WA Mobile Radiology Pilot Project

The Mobile Radiology Pilot is an exciting partnership between WA Department of Health, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, WA general practice and the WA aged care sector. The mobile radiology service is a key initiative in improving health care access for older adults.

The pilot will enable people living in aged care homes to receive x-ray and ultrasound services in the comfort of their residence with no out-of-pocket costs. It began in March 2025 and will initially run for 18 months.

WA Department of Health has engaged Mobile Radiology Australia as the service provider to deliver mobile imaging at almost 200 aged care homes across the Perth metropolitan area.

Find out more on the WA Mobile Radiology Pilot Project webpage or view the flyer

Changes to eligibility for aged care services for younger people

From 1 July, the new Aged Care Act will limit entry to Australian Government-funded aged care services to:

people aged 65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with care needs aged 50 years or over
people with care needs who are homeless or at risk of homelessness aged 50 years or over

Ability First Australia’s Younger People in Residential Aged Care System Coordinator Program is a nationally funded program. The program focuses on younger people who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It’s designed to reduce the number of younger people at risk of entering, and living in, residential aged care.

From 1 July, System Coordinator teams will continue to work with younger people to test NDIS eligibility and work with state and territory agencies to identify appropriate services to meet the needs of younger people. Ability First Australia will not refer younger people to My Aged Care for an aged care needs assessment.

For more information contact 1800 771 663.

You are receiving this email as an interested party for activities related to the Primary Health Network Aged Care Program or have signed up through our website. All enquiries related to the Aged Care Program should be attention to healthpolicy@wapha.org.au

Our mailing address is: WA Primary Health Alliance Level 2, 1 Hood Street Subiaco, WA 6008 Australia

Disclaimer

WA Primary Health Alliance’s publications and the material within them are intended for use by health professionals for general information purposes and do not replace clinical decision making. Please read our full disclaimer.

While the Australian Government contributed funding for this material, it has not reviewed the content and is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided herein.

Acknowledgement

WA Primary Health Alliance acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country and recognises the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values and beliefs and how these contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community.

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