News
26 October, 2024
Care concerns rise
The Aged and Community Care Providers Association’s (ACCPA) inaugural ‘State of the Sector’ survey shows seven out of ten aged care providers are worried about Australia’s readiness for an ageing population.
Australia is on a reform journey, and the ACCPA report underscores the opportunities and challenges facing the aged care sector, including funding, workforce issues, and reform priorities for a better future.
ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson highlighted that the sector is at a critical juncture, providing evidence-based insights into the current situation.
The survey revealed that 70% of aged care providers are concerned about Australia’s readiness to support a growing ageing population.
Nearly all respondents (97%) expressed worries about rising costs, as 50% of residential providers continue to incur losses.
Margins for home care providers have plummeted to $1.80 per client per day in the first half of 2023-24, down from about $3.20 in 2022-23.
Government funding under current policy settings is a significant concern for 92% of providers, especially with the impending implementation of the new Aged Care Bill currently before parliament.
The situation is particularly dire in regional and rural areas, with 20% of smaller providers lacking confidence in their ability to provide services within the next 12 months.
Symondson stressed the importance of adequate funding to deliver care and attract investment for future needs, given Australia’s ageing population.
While 51% of respondents believe that aged care reforms are heading in the right direction, many are anxious about the rapid pace of change.
About 64% of providers feel the transition timeframes are too fast, and 84% believe that new requirements will place further strain on the sector.
Workforce shortages and meeting care minutes requirements are also major issues.
Only 36% of providers are confident in their ability to recruit enough staff to meet increased care minutes.
The current migration settings are seen as inadequate, with 64% of providers unable to access the necessary workers under existing arrangements.
For more detailed information, the full report is available at [ACCPA's State of the Sector: Aged Care 2024](https://www.accpa.asn.au/state-of-the-sector-aged-care-2024/).
