With the new Support at Home program launching on 1 July, home care providers have just weeks left to overhaul their systems, staffing, and service delivery – or risk falling behind. In a recent DCM Group webinar, sector leaders laid out six key strategies to succeed in this new era.
1. Simplify service agreements
Consumer agreements must be short, clear, and free of legal jargon. Inconsistencies between documents or websites can trigger compliance issues.
2. Know your true costs
Government-set pricing and future price caps mean providers must model their actual service costs now. A 33% gross margin is recommended for viability.
3. Boost clinical capability
Support at Home demands integrated, clinical care – like restorative and end-of-life programs. Providers must upskill staff or partner strategically.
4. Go digital, or go home
Real-time tracking of services, budgets, and client needs is now essential. Miss your targets, and you risk losing 100% of your monthly funding.
5. Governance is non-negotiable
Boards must take the lead on compliance, risk oversight, and governance structures that align with new regulatory demands.
6. Outsourcing? You’re still accountable
Providers remain legally responsible for services delivered by partners. Contracts must be watertight and monitored closely.
“These things all need to speak to each other,” said Lucille Scomazzon, Partner at law firm Maddocks. “There is a lot to be done, but we are in a good place to start.”
Read the full story in the latest issue of SATURDAY – subscribe here.
