On February 17th and 18th, Kayla Garside, DRTA Executive Officer, and Rachel Askew, DRTA NSW Board member, attended the National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) meeting. At this meeting, DRTA stressed the fact that Diversional Therapists, Recreational Therapists, Lifestyle Coordinators and Activity Staff have not been included in the Aged Care Workforce Bonus payments of up to $600 and $800 for direct care staff. As a result and at the support of all of 52 peak national NACA members organisations, comprising consumer groups, providers, unions and health professionals, a letter was written up and sent Monday, 28th February, to the Prime Minister, Hon Scott Morrison MP; Hon Greg Hunt, Minister for Health and Aged Care; and Senator Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians urging them to expand the payment to Diversional Therapists, Recreational Therapists, Lifestyle Coordinators, Activity Staff, administration staff based in residential facilities, spiritual care staff, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) workers, and maintenance workers at residential facilities, all of whom interact directly with residents.
We hope to have further news regarding this matter soon.
For further information on the Aged Care Worforce Payments visit https://www.health.gov.au/news/announcements/aged-care-workforce-bonus-payment