Feedback from the aged care sector supports the decision of a brief start-date deferral and will mean a better outcome for older people.
The extension reflects feedback from across the aged care community and represents a win for those who have been calling for more time to prepare for the sweeping changes ahead.
The deferral will allow aged care providers to better prepare clients, support workers, and ensure their systems are ready for the changes.
It will mean providers and workers will have more time to talk to older people about how aged care is changing to make sure:
the rights of older people are protected
decision-making support is their choice
care assessment is easier
aged care service information is transparent
what older people should expect from providers and workers is clear.
The brief deferral will also ensure older people accessing home care have the time to understand the Support at Home changes, including:
service agreements and care plans
service list, prices and contributions to non-clinical services.