Have you say on reform implementation

The Department of Health and Aged Care is again seeking input from providers to inform how it can support the sector to implement aged care reforms.

The biannual Aged Care Reform Pulse Survey aims to help the department gauge awareness of upcoming changes and what providers may need to prepare and implement them.

“The department wants to provide clear and timely information that’s relevant and at the level of detail you need as you prepare for changes in aged care. The department would like to get your views on what’s working and what else they need to do,” said a spokesperson for the department.

This third iteration of the survey – which takes about 10 minutes to complete – closes on 31 October 2023.

Findings to date

The inaugural Aged Care Reform Pulse Survey around 12 months ago attracted 2,542 responses of which almost two-thirds were from people in the aged care sector (64 per cent).

It found that residential and home aged care providers were only moderately aware and prepared for the reforms due to take place in the first half of this year.

The survey identified the need for more targeted, detailed and timely information longer implementation timeframes, and a whole-of-system picture of the reforms.

The second pulse survey around seven months ago received 1,515 responses with 84 per cent of those coming from providers or the workforce.

It found concerns related to the pace and scale of change, increasing administrative burden, ongoing uncertainty and significant workforce challenges.

Among its initiatives in response, the department published an aged care reform roadmap in June 2023, which will be updated as changes are scheduled and made.

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