With the aged care sector anxiously waiting to see if the new Aged Care Bill 2024 passes Parliament this month, enterprise software provider Epicor is warning that operators need to be preparing now given the limited timeframe to transition to the new Aged Care Act.
Two weeks ago, the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) called for realistic timelines to implement the incoming reforms, in particular citing the need for IT suppliers to ensure their systems are up to date.
With its clients accounting for 50% of the residential aged care market, Epicor Regional Vice President for AU and NZ Graeme Evans says clients have raised concerns about the short runway to the reforms and the costs involved.
“There’s a funding challenge across the industry, not only in the provision of facilities, but to also enable your business to be a modern business and keep up with the challenges,” he stated.
“Change is complex and can be costly – there is a timing challenge facing the industry.”
The latest ACCPA survey of aged care providers found that 97% of operators are concerned about increasing costs, with 50% of residential aged care homes operating at a loss.
The other challenge in implementation is workforce.
“The proposed legislation will further drain resources in a sector that’s already challenged in some of the client facing workforce. To meet the proposed reform can be a significant change,” said Graeme.
Epicor is certain however that they can meet the runway for reform, including the 1 July 2025 timeline for the new Support at Home program.
“We are confident that we can make the adjustments needed in the software allowing our clients to make the necessary changes for their organisation,” added Graeme.
