Free professional support now available to Rural, Remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Providers

Published 16th February 2021

The Service Development Assistance Panel (SDAP) provides free professional support to aged care providers located in rural and remote areas or who provide care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Qualified and experienced professionals work with eligible providers to:

• help improve service delivery and administration by addressing challenges such as clinical care, financial and workforce planning, governance and regulation.
• provide personalised support through offsite and face-to-face training and mentoring to help maintain financial viability and meet regulatory obligations.

What has changed?

• The previous SDAP expired on 31 December 2020.
• The new panel arrangements started on 1 January 2021.
• SDAP’s expanded role is to take a more preventative and proactive approach, so eligible providers are encouraged to seek SDAP assistance early.

Am I eligible?

Aged care service providers can apply if they:

• are located in a rural or remote location (as defined by Modified Monash Model 5-7)
• provide services to a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples anywhere in Australia

and offer aged care services under the following programs:

• residential aged care under the Aged Care Act 1997
• Home Care Packages Program
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (in some cases).

How can I apply?

Use this application form.

Find further information on the department’s website or email  if you have any questions.

Source:
Unknown Author, 2021, Department of Health (https://www.health.gov.au/)