The industry needs to do more to prepare for the implementation of the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) on 1 October, a study has warned.
The survey by Mirus Australia found that 70% of CEOs have done “little or nothing” to get ready for AN-ACC, despite it ranking among the top three concerns for providers.
63% of respondents feared AN-ACC would increase their costs, especially in transition, while only 19% have made progress towards planning for new processes; in addition, 70% are worried that their people will require “significant” costly and difficult new training.
According to Andrew Farmer, CEO of Mirus Australia (pictured), the industry has a “low level of preparedness” for AN-ACC.
“Aged care leaders are dealing with a number of significant challenges and while AN-ACC is on their list, for many there is still a perceived lack of information, and this is in part what is holding them back from taking decisive action.
“We conducted this survey to bring out the themes that our clients are dealing with so that senior leaders can assess how their views compare with the wider industry. We can see from the findings that some preliminary progress towards the AN-ACC transition is in place; however, the work that needs to be undertaken to fully prepare cannot be underestimated,” he said.
Mirus has recommended that providers engage with others in the industry on solutions; adjust current plans to account for AN-ACC; and build towards an “integrated data model”.
“A data operating model that integrates resident funding, workplace rostering and resident admissions will help providers manage their business at a facility level, and this in turn will support compliance for star ratings and mandatory care minutes,” said Mr Farmer.
The full report is available online. Mirus last year launched a free calculator to help providers prepare and manage the transition.
