We understand a hastily arranged meeting of the Taskforce members was held yesterday afternoon and it is believed they have been told the Taskforce Recommendations Report will be released early next week.
The report is understood to recommend more means-tested consumer co-contributions from aged care residents for their accommodation and other services such as cleaning and laundry. Care will be funded by Government. This is an adoption of The SOURCE's Plan B campaign launched two years ago.
Anyone who qualifies for the Age Pension will be exempt but the understanding is that the changes will see providers, who are losing $10 or more per bed per day, will instead be making a positive margin, regarded as crucial to attract funding for refurbishments and future new development.
It is believed the financial changes will not apply to those currently in residential aged care, but will roll out for new residents, presumably over the next 24 months.
The financial changes are designed to make the aged care sector financially sustainable. StewartBrown's September 2023 Quarter Financial Performance Survey Report shows 50% of residential aged care homes operated at a loss.
The Australian publication reported the Government Is being urged to roll out a large education campaign to help people understand how aged care services were funded, saying “people don’t realise the government pays in excess of 90% in aged care”.
