FPA launches Aged Care Specialist professional designation
The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) is launching the FPA Aged Care Specialist professional designation in collaboration with Aged Care Steps’ Accredited Age Care Professional Program.
The new FPA Aged Care Specialist designation was part of a suite of new specialist designation programs that FPA is currently developing as part of ongoing development to support member professional development.
Successful applicants would be required to complete nine continuing professional development (CPD) hours in the area of aged care each year to maintain their ongoing training and uphold the designation.
FPA members who have previously completed the Aged Care Steps Accredited Aged Care Professional program before 1 January, 2019, would also be required to complete the Aged Care Steps Accreditation Refresh workshop and assessment before applying to become an FPA Aged Care Specialist.
Louise Biti, Aged Care Steps director, had run the program for six years and had over 2000 financial planners complete the course.
“Aged care advice is now part of mainstream financial planning and an essential service for Australians in the transition phase of their retirement,” Biti said.
“While there are only a couple of hundred financial planners in Australia who specialise in aged care advice, a large number of those who have completed the training have built some aspect of aged care advice into their service proposition.
“Moving into aged care can be an emotional decision for clients and financial planners are uniquely positioned to provide completely objective guidance and advice.”
Dante De Gori, FPA CEO CFP, said that aged care advice was a specialist area of financial planning and required specific skills and a commitment to ongoing training.
“Not all financial planners will become Aged Care Advice specialists, but all financial planners must be aware what aged care is and the role that our profession plays in guiding Australians through this process,” De Gori said.
“As we move into our senior years, encountering frailty is a reality we will all experience. With the FPA Aged Care Specialist designation, financial planners can be there to support and give advice to those considering their options for later life.”
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