Following the success of the Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP), funded by the Australian Government, we are excited to announce the expansion of the program to include Rural LAP Aged Care. This expansion will allow us to support aged care facilities in rural and remote Australia.

Jessica Andrew, National Manager for Rural LAP and Rural LAP Aged Care, has worked closely with the Australian Government to launch the aged care program. “It’s both exciting and rewarding to see our program extend into the aged care space. Our team has grown to include program officers who are focused on our aged care clients and locums, and we’ve already seen a great uptake of the program.

“Rural LAP Aged Care is designed to expand the current program to increase access to a surge aged care workforce, to ensure continuity of care and clinical leadership in locations that have difficulty hiring.

“We can support your rural health service by providing qualified, experienced health professionals to backfill your aged care workers when they take personal or professional leave”, said Jessica.

The following roles can be filled under Rural LAP Aged Care:

• Registered or enrolled nurse
• Residential aged care facility manager
• Residential support worker
• Care support worker
• Personal care worker
• Care coordinator
• Community support worker
• Allied health workers.

You can apply for locum support to cover between 14 to 90 working days, and under exceptional circumstances, an extension may be granted for up to an additional 30 working days.

To be eligible, your aged care service must be located in Modified Monash Model (MMM) locations 4-7 and:

• operated by an approved residential home care provider (as defined under the Aged Care Act 1997) or
• receiving funding under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) program or the Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) program or

Aged care services in MMM 6-7 that are operated by an approved Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider are also eligible.

In exceptional circumstances, where continuity of care is seen as high risk, other services providing aged care may also be able to access locums under Rural LAP Aged Care.

There are a few differences between the original Rural LAP and Rural LAP Aged Care. “Under Rural LAP Aged Care, we offer incentives for permanent placements to increase staff retention, particularly in MMM categories 4 to 7. We’re also able to support rural and remote aged care providers who are experiencing a high turnover or the sudden departure of staff, and those who require access to a temporary surge workforce while they recruit,” said Jessica.

“We have a longstanding, dedicated team who have looked after our clients and locums under Rural LAP for the past 10 years and we’ve really ramped up our support to ensure the aged care sector receives the same level of care and attention.

“A high proportion of our locums opt to repeat their experience with us and enjoy a variety of placements. They tell us that being a locum gives them the opportunity to really see Australia and visit unique and beautiful places in the rural and remote areas of the country.

“Our locums also report the opportunity for personal and professional growth when they step away from their urban practice to a smaller, community service and environment. In addition to the fantastic teams they work with, it’s also that fresh country air that keeps them coming back for future opportunities.”

As with Rural LAP, there are no fees or charges, and no premium wages charged for locums, and we’ll organise and pay for their travel, accommodation and incentives.

“We’re here to support the aged care workforce in rural and remote Australia so I’d encourage aged care services and interested locums to get in contact,” says Jessica.

Visit www.rurallap.com.au or contact us either by phone on 02 6203 9580 or email enquiries@rurallap.com.au.