Written by Tracy Foster, Senior Project Manager with integratedliving
integratedliving is committed to aged-care reforms, driving the Federal Government's key legislative and governance changes to enhance quality and safety for all clients.
The Australian Government and the Department of Health and Aged Care have commenced the first half of 2024 with some important milestone releases and progress in their proactive response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. These highlight the ongoing commitment to reforming aged care for better health outcomes, service provision and quality care for older Australians now and into the future.
What has integratedliving implemented recently?
We are pleased to inform our clients and their representatives that since 1 December 2023, we have successfully implemented and met legislative changes and requirements relating to new and improved reporting and governance responsibilities. This includes extending an annual offer to our Home Care Package clients to join a Consumer Advisory Body, and the inauguration of our Quality Care Advisory Body.
The journey ahead in 2024
As we move into the second half of 2024, the establishment of our new Quality Care Advisory Body is certainly a pivotal addition. It enables us to enhance our direct reporting with our board on quality issues, collaborate on areas for improvement, and support strategic decision-making by our governing body. Membership to the Quality Care Advisory Body consists of both experienced employees of integratedliving and a client representative, to ensure an inclusive and diverse approach to governance and quality outcomes.
The Government are considering feedback from across the sector on the draft of the new Aged Care Act and strengthened Aged Care Standards. Their introduction has been delayed to coincide with the implementation of the first round of the Support at Home model, and provider regulatory and registration model, on 1 July 2025. integratedliving will continue work to prepare for these changes over the next 12 months.
As one of Australia’s largest providers of aged-care services, integratedliving continues to support the government’s efforts in improving care delivery to clients. Our Aged Care Reforms project team, in partnership with various leaders and stakeholders across our organisation, remain focused on the suite of complex changes required to meet the Government’s reform deadlines through our comprehensive program.
We continue to maintain our ongoing engagement by other means. These include:
Providing feedback across various industry consultation platforms.
Actively participating in pilot audits to test proposed requirements.
Continuing to uphold our commitment as a key provider in the shaping and development of the draft legislation and intended outcomes for all clients and the provision of quality aged-care services.
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How to stay up-to-date?
We will keep you informed as updates from the Government are released. In the meantime, if you’re interested in reading further details on these reforms, we encourage you to visit www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-reforms
