Silverchain buys KinCare
The acquisition will be beneficial for both providers, say its chief executives.
In-home care provider Silverchain has acquired KinCare. The acquisition – effective from 1 July – provides an opportunity for the Silverchain Group to expand its operations on the east coast.
“We welcome our new colleagues from KinCare and look forward to supporting them as they continue to deliver safe and effective care for their clients,” said Silverchain group chief executive Dale Fisher.
KinCare’s chief executive Bernadette Gotch said the acquisition will bring benefits to both organisations. “As we approach a period of needed reform and strengthened quality standards for in-home care, we will be able to learn from each other for the benefit of all our clients.”
“Silverchain will also benefit from KinCare’s digital investment as part of our own digital transformation,” added Ms Fisher.
The acquisition means that Silverchain has inherited KinCare’s 1,300 employees and more than 11,500 Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Program clients in New South Wales.
Silverchain currently provides HCP and CHSP services in Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. Before the acquisition, its in-home client base stood at more than 21,300.
“Our key focus is ensuring continuity of care for those receiving KinCare services,” said Ms Fisher. “We are committed to minimising any disruption to the care or services that KinCare and Silverchain clients receive.”
Have we missed a merger or acquisition? Send us the details and an image to editorial@australianageingagenda.com.au
Better care for people over 65 who have significant disabilities.
People who suffer spinal cord injury through accident and become disabled are well cared for by the NDIS. However, a person injured after age 65 is excluded from the NDIS by Government legislation and must rely on the Age Care system.
The current Aged Care system is planned for the sick or frail aged, not designed for people with significant disabilities and is grossly inadequate for many.
The Age Care Royal Commission recognised this problem and in their recommendation entitled “Equity for people with disability receiving aged care” stated: By 1 July 2024, every person receiving aged care who is living with disability, regardless of when acquired, should receive through the aged care program daily living supports and outcomes (including assistive technologies, aids and equipment) equivalent to those that would be available under the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a person under the age of 65 years with the same or substantially similar conditions.
This recommendation should be the guiding principle in the re-design of the Age Care system to properly and fairly meet the needs of disabled people. However, it has been completely ignored in the new Age Care Act. The Department of Age Care avoids any mention of disability. The Minister must act to correct the dire situation affecting older disabled Australians.