FicusBridge and Insights42 announce merger
Dr Tanvi Dalal, James Price and Bret Duckers have teamed up to offer providers technology and advice for operating in the new era of aged care.
Aged care funding and care minute management advisory firm FicusBridge and governance and reporting specialists Insights42 have joined forces to offer technology and advisory services that support providers through the reforms.
The combined entity – which will operate under the name FicusBridge from 1 December – will specialise revenue management, governance, reporting and oversight, training and capacity support.
The merged organisation has three partners leading different areas of the business. Dr Tanvi Dalal – who founded FicusBridge just over a year ago – is leading the clinical-business integration. James Price – who co-founded Insights24 a couple of months ago – is heading up operational transformation initiatives. And fellow Insights24 co-founder Bret Duckers is leading financial and capital management strategies.
The advisory service will initially focus on the residential aged care sector and business processes across revenue, workforce and accommodation including building sustainable revenue streams, and expand across the broader aged care sector including home care and retirement living as the new Aged Care Act comes into force.
“Our first-year vision is centred on empowering aged care providers to navigate the complex regulatory landscape while maintaining operational excellence,” Mr Price told Australian Ageing Agenda.
“With the upcoming Aged Care Act and the projected growth in Australia’s aging population, we’re focusing on delivering technology-enabled solutions that address the sector’s most pressing challenges – from AN-ACC funding management to governance standards,” said Mr Price, whose background includes creating the national aged care practice at PwC in 2008 and co-founded Mirus Australia in 2010.
FicusBridge’s have always aimed to empower providers with the expertise needed to deliver exceptional care while maintaining financial sustainability, said Dr Tanvi, who has operational and funding experience from previous roles at aged care providers Signature Care and Estia and Mirus Australia.
“By joining forces with Insights42, we’re creating a partnership that brings together complementary capabilities and deep expertise to address the sector’s most pressing challenges,” she said.
Those challenges include staffing optimisation, governance, and financial sustainability, said Mr Duckers, whose previous experience includes building the capital management practice at Mirus Australia and founding Encore Care.
“Our merged capabilities will help providers tackle these challenges head-on, particularly in crucial areas like managing staffing costs and maintaining operational standards.”
In early 2025 FicusBridge is planning to launch a proprietary technology platform focused on streamlining operational workflows for aged care providers, offering real-time analysis and insights into funding, care minute targets, and financial reporting which all contribute to the Star Rating system.
“Our target is to help providers build sustainable operations that can adapt to the dynamic nature of our sector while delivering high-quality care,” Mr Price told AAA.
Have we missed a merger or acquisition? Send us the details and an image to editorial@australianageingagenda.com.au
