With the days counting down until the implementation of the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Support at Home program on 1 July 2025, home care providers are calling for more resources and clarification to ensure a smooth transition.
Concerns about the tight timeline were voiced at the recent sold-out LEADERS SUMMIT in Sydney.
Operators have highlighted eight key areas of concern to The Weekly SOURCE:
- Insufficient time for transition:
Prue Bowden, Australian Unity’s CEO of Home Health expressed concerns that there is not enough time to prepare Grandfathered Home Care Package (HCP) recipients for the transition, with just 63 days remaining.
- Need for clearer IT system guidelines:
Despite the Government announcing delays to key ICT reforms, HammondCare’s Executive General Manager of Home Care, Marcela Carrasco, emphasised the need for more direction and lead time for changes to IT systems, as well as clarity on pricing and care management fee caps.
- Uncertainty around client pricing and service delivery:
Marcela also raised questions about how providers should handle clients who disagree with the new Support at Home pricing and the implications of the 10% cap on care management fees.
- Challenges with service flexibility:
Providers said they need clarity on how to deliver flexible care when a client’s situation changes and requires services not included in their Support Plan. Without reassessment, it could be difficult to respond to urgent changes in a client’s needs.
- Concerns over cancellations and funding:
There are also concerns regarding how providers will be funded if a service can’t be delivered or if cancellations occur.
- Vulnerabilities of home care clients:
Prue also stressed the importance of allowing enough time for clients, especially those with cognitive impairments or from culturally diverse backgrounds, to navigate the transition effectively.
- Clarification of the regulatory framework:
Helen Kemp, Benetas General Manager of Community Health and Care, highlighted the need for further information about the new Aged Care Act Policy Manual and registration conditions to understand the broader regulatory framework.
- Need for clear claiming guidance:
Benetas is also seeking more guidance from Services Australia on claiming services under the new program to ensure smoother administrative processes.
