The New Aged Care Act: What Providers Need to Know and How Marysol Consulting Can Help
The passing of the new Aged Care Act on 25 November 2024 heralds a transformative era for aged care in Australia, with a start date set for 1 July 2025. This landmark legislation responds to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s top recommendation and aims to deliver a system that prioritises the rights, dignity, and safety of older Australians. For aged care providers, these changes represent a critical shift in how care services are delivered, regulated, and reported. Marysol Consulting stands ready to support providers in navigating these changes to ensure compliance, quality, and exceptional outcomes.
Key Changes Under the New Act
The new Aged Care Act introduces significant reforms designed to improve the aged care landscape for older Australians. Key changes include:
A New Regulatory Model: Providers must register with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) and meet strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Revised Provider Obligations: Providers will face new statutory duties, financial and prudential standards, and workforce screening requirements.
The Support at Home Program: Launching alongside the Act, this program will enable older Australians to remain in their homes longer with enhanced services and support.
Greater Accountability and Transparency: Providers will need to adhere to streamlined obligations aligned with the Statement of Rights and strengthen complaint handling mechanisms.
Specific Provisions for First Nations People and Vulnerable Groups: Tailored measures will ensure earlier and more equitable access to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those at risk of homelessness.
Challenges for Providers
The Act’s emphasis on quality, accountability, and transparency means providers must:
Implement robust clinical governance frameworks.
Align operations with the revised Aged Care Quality Standards.
Adapt to new reporting and compliance mechanisms.
Enhance workforce training and screening processes to meet higher expectations.
How Marysol Consulting Can Help
Marysol Consulting, with its extensive expertise in aged care, clinical governance, and compliance, offers tailored solutions to help providers adapt to these sweeping changes. Our services include:
Quality and Compliance Support: We assist in interpreting and implementing the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring your organisation meets and exceeds regulatory expectations.
Clinical Governance Frameworks: Our team designs and implements governance models that align with the new statutory duties, safeguarding your organisation against compliance risks.
Enhanced Reporting Solutions: Marysol Consulting simplifies the transition to the new reporting requirements, ensuring financial and operational transparency.
Tailored Workforce Strategies: From screening processes to training programs, we help providers build a workforce that delivers high-quality care and complies with the revised standards.
A Partner in Your Transition
The new Aged Care Act presents an opportunity for providers to elevate their services and align with a system that prioritises the rights and wellbeing of older Australians. Marysol Consulting is committed to guiding providers through this transition, offering practical support to strengthen operations, improve service delivery, and achieve compliance seamlessly.
As public consultation on the Aged Care Rules continues through early 2025, staying informed and prepared is crucial. Partner with Marysol Consulting to ensure your organisation thrives in this new era of aged care. Together, we can build a future where older Australians receive the care they deserve.
For more information on how Marysol Consulting can assist your organisation, contact us today.
