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Background to ACIA

ACIA was established in 2005 as a peak industry body to address key issues facing this expanding industry. Supported by a grant from the Motor Accident Authority of NSW and auspiced by the Westmead Brain Injury Unit, ACIA was established to promote and implement the vision of an attendant care industry that is known and respected as a provider of quality services that enhances outcomes for service users. While ACIA commenced as a NSW based association, it is now a national organisation with a national agenda.

Vision

ACIA’s vision is that the attendant care industry is known and respected as a provider of quality services within a sustainable environment

Objectives

To represent and advance the knowledge and practice of attendant care in Australia by:

• enhancing the professionalism of attendant care by identifying, supporting, promoting and advising on best practice in attendant care through policy development, education and quality certification
• advocating for and promoting the delivery of quality attendant care for the public benefit
• raising awareness and profile of attendant care
• advocating for the development and implementation of appropriate legislation, policies, practices and programs relevant to attendant care at national, state and local levels
• encouraging intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration between attendant care service providers, policy makers and researchers

 ACIA Activities

To achieve our vision and objectives, ACIA:

• conducts education and training and convenes industry forums
• develops ACIA policies/position papers on relevant topics such as administration of medication in the community
• has developed a quality management system standard and certification program (the ACIMSS), specifically for the attendant care industry
• publishes monthly bulletins and email alerts for members/stakeholders
• provides industry representation on government advisory committees
• responds to government policy initiatives/proposals
   

Click here for further information about joining ACIA.

Management

The ACIA Board of Directors is elected at an Annual General Meeting from the membership.  

The current Board of Directors comprises:

ACIA is supported by an Executive Director who manages the operations of the Association and supports the ACIA Board of Directors to plan, implement and strategically evaluate ACIA’s objectives and activities.

Constitution

ACIA Constitution

Funding

ACIA is a not-for-profit industry association that exits to support service providers to deliver high quality attendanr care service to people requring support to live at home or in their community. 

ACIA is sustained by revenue generated through memberships, education and training workshops, special project work and donations. ACIA is also grateful for the financial support provided by the NSW Motor Accidents Authority (MAA) and the NSW Lifetime Care and Support Authority.

ACIA offers a wealth of expertise and extensive knowledge of the attendant care sector, and is uniquely placed to undertake research, capacity building and support projects for the sector. If you or your organisation would like to assist ACIA to meet its objectives, please contact us to discuss.

ACIA Strategic Plan 2010 - 2012

ACIA Strategic Plan 2010 - 2012

This plan outlines ACIA's key focus/projects for the period 2010-12. We welcome input from members and other interested parties to comment on the strategies or to seek involvement in achieving our goals.

More About Attendant Care

Attendant care services (as per the ACIMSS) may include, but are not limited to:

Personal assistance:  Includes assistance with personal care activities such as feeding, drinking, toileting, personal hygiene, grooming and dressing and personal administration such as personal correspondence.

Domestic services:  Includes cooking, cleaning, shopping and similar tasks involved in the everyday operation and maintenance of a household.

Community access: Includes social and avocational activities and facilitation of community access through transport and mobility.

Home nursing:  Includes those direct care tasks requiring specialised skills, training or experience of a Registered Nurse.

Gardening / home maintenance services:  Includes performing routine garden/home maintenance for the purpose of upkeep and to ensure safe and easy access for the individual.

Child care services:  Involves supervising and attending to the needs of children for the purpose of ensuring their welfare in the absence of a parent, guardian or other suitable Carer.

Educational support:  Includes those services required to allow the person to enter and remain at school or other educational facility.

Vocational support:  Includes those services required to assist the person to maintain employment.

Respite care:  Provides respite for either the person or their family/Carer (to provide a break) and can be provided for the person at home or in a separate location.

Social support: Assists the person to participate in social activities in the community.

Palliative care: Provides care and assistance in the last stages of life.

Therapy program support: Involves implementing therapeutic programs.

Attendant Care Worker

Is a person paid to assist people with disabilities (and their family / Carer), the frail aged, and those recovering from acute health issues, to perform tasks of daily living so as to participate in social, family and community activities in the person’s home or their community.

Carer

Carer includes any unpaid person who assists the service user (this may or may not be a family member).