Moving into a Residential Aged Care facility is a life changing process for many people, their families and friends. Everyone has unique story, a lifetime of experiences that have shaped who they are and how they live. Being part of that story is a privilege. Melissa is determined to ensure Aged Care provides support, dignity and trust, as well as a happy environment for all.
Melissa has over 22 years of diverse Healthcare and Financial Services experience. Melissa commenced her career as a Registered Nurse receiving her Bachelor of Nursing from Griffith University, a Graduate Certificate in Health Management from QUT and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern QLD. Early in her clinical career, Melissa found her passion for the Aged Care sector and has since worked in a variety of specialties both in Australia and internationally. Prior to joining Rockpool as the CEO, Melissa was the Regional General Manager for Healthcare Business at Westpac, QLD. Melissa led the successful implementation and achievement of the Westpac Healthcare business strategy leading a direct team of Business relationship managers resulting in exceptional business outcomes, banker capability and staff culture. It is at Westpac where Melissa worked alongside Bill, Michael and the team to bring the Rockpool vision to life officially joining the team as CEO in 2020.
Demystifying legislation through the eyes of one provider and one lawyer – practical solutions to legislative challenges
Precis
This session is intended as a lively roundtable debate between Mel Argent (one of the most respected CEOs in the aged care industry) and Julie McStay (an acknowledged legal expert) on the most significant operational challenges presented by the Aged Care Act 2024 and the practical solutions available to those challenges.
The session is intended to be an interactive session between Mel and Julie where we will discuss those issues from the provider and legal perspective and how to deal with them on a very practical basis.
We intend to cover the following topics:
• Memory support units – the real threat to the future of these highly specialised units. Recent changes to restrictive practices obligations strengthen existing requirements but what does this mean and what risk do we carry as providers?
• HELF – risk vs reward – The 2024 Act permits providers to offer this essential revenue line so that providers can continue to set the standard of services to meet the demands of consumers but what risk comes with this? How will providers manage the legislative restrictions including the impact of limits to when the services can be offered (post admission) and the opt out component?
• Security of Tenure – what is different under the new act and how can providers navigate these changes? Who can help? What are the conditions the resident has to meet and how do we proceed if they are not meeting their obligations? Is compliance practically impossible?
• Unpaid fees – an increasing problem likely to be exacerbated by increased co-contributions. What can I do and when – eg deducting fees from the RAD? Chargin interest etc?
Connecting the dots — Aligning health and aged care services, benefits and barriers
Precis
What can be done to enhance pathways for older Australian in accessing care and services?
The broader system supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians is a complex ecosystem of funding, services, organisations and policies. This leads to competing priorities, and the siloing and stratification of agencies designed to work together. The following diagram paints part of this complex picture.
Our abstract will cover the conference’s key themes,
• Strategic Thought leadership,
• Innovative solutions, and
• Best practice implementation
This panel will explore the interface between services across health and aged care ecosystem. With panel members representing the diverse components of the system the discussion will focus on areas for improvement and systems that are working well. Ideas that have been trialled will be discussed.