Why aged care facilities need to be ready for the July 1 changes

Aged care providers will need to prepare for accommodation payment changes coming on July 1.

Substantial changes are on the way for the aged care sector, changes that are set to alter how new residents are charged for accommodation. This obviously holds ramifications for aged care facilities, as funding models form one of the most important considerations.

It's there important to make sure you understand the coming changes well before July 1 and ensure you are prepared.

Currently, a high and low care system is in place that bases funding on the differences in care type. Low-care is catered to facility residents able to move around, but requiring some form of assistance for cooking and laundry.

High-care, however is for residents who need 24 hour supervision, and nurses on site to provide assistance if necessary.

With the changes, the differences are being removed and the same system will be applied to all new facility residents. Providers can still set prices for different room types, but these will be required to be advertised in advance, and must obtain approval from Aged Care Pricing Commissioner if a lump sum exceeds $550,000 or the equivalent Daily Accommodation Payment.

To help with the coming changes, facilities can obtain assistance from Mirus Australia. Mirus is able to answer key questions in regards to the changes, and help facilities make the appropriate preparations through use of online tools and checklists.

The Mirus Readiness Assessment is able to assess providers based on preparedness for the coming changes, and subsequently issue a personalised action plan with proper checklists and information pertaining to the changes.

Preparing early will ensure no time is wasted in readying a facility for July 1. Neglecting to do so will likely mean competitors surge ahead, and are ready before the changes come into effect.