CHSP Provider Community of Practice Hub

The Department has asked that we distribute the following informaton to CHSP Providers in the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, North Brisbane, Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast, and Darling Downs West Moreton PHN regions.

Dear Home Care Providers

In light of Cyclone Alfred impacting South East Queensland, we are confirming the expectations of the Department of Health and Aged Care regarding service delivery during this emergency event.

As a home care provider, there is a duty of care to clients. You must maintain quality care to older people during an emergency. This is required by the Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards) and the Aged Care Act 1997. It might also be required for your grant or aged care funding agreement.

All aged care services must have an emergency management plan. Your plan will include staff roles before, during and after an emergency. While we do not expect services to travel to clients during the cyclone itself, we ask that service delivery continue to the best of your ability before and post the event, with an emphasis on staying informed of the latest weather conditions, road closures, and other relevant updates.

Critical services that should be maintained until the cyclone makes landfall and in the aftermath include meal services, medication management, and nursing services. However, this will depend on road accessibility and flooding. If you are unable to reach a client due to these circumstances, you can make welfare checks by phone. Issues found during welfare checks might require immediate action. Call 000 for an emergency response. You must address all issues found during a welfare check. This might mean working with another provider to deliver care or services.

If you have been unable to contact a client for a day or more, and there are ongoing concerns, we encourage you to refer the matter to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for a welfare check at the client’s home. Please note that clients may not have family or other supports available and may require assistance with accessing community evacuation centres, securing water, or other urgent needs.

Further information can be found at Service continuity and emergency events in aged care | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

If you have any questions, please contact engagement.QLD@health.gov.au

Thank you for your commitment to ensuring the well-being of your clients during this challenging time.

Kind regards

Nicole Jarvis PSM

State Manager

QLD and NT

Department of Health and Aged Care Local Network

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care