At the final Department of Health, Disability and Ageing webinar before the new Aged Care Act takes effect, Support at Home pricing dominated the closing Q&A.
Tom Symondson, CEO of Ageing Australia, said many providers are anxious about lifting prices – and many consumers are angry and confused.
“Because of the change from having package management, 20% care management, and the unit price to having just the unit price and 10% care management, providers can’t put the price up by what they need to because people will think they’ve put it up by too much,” Tom said.
CEO Ageing Australia
“A lot of members are definitely getting pushback around that and having to explain it… This is a substantial change.”
His advice: know your costs and be transparent.
“So, put as much science around it as you possibly can, and make sure you’re charging the price necessary to deliver the service at the level of quality that is expected and required. It is difficult, and it’s really important that you get it right, because if you don’t, you will regret it possibly forever.”
Tom urged providers to keep calmly explaining the shift: “Yes, the unit price has gone up, but it’s covering more of the total cost than it used to.”
If providers are struggling, he said, seek help – from Ageing Australia or the Department’s resources.
Backing that up, Greg Pugh, First Assistant Secretary, Access and Home Support Division, reminded providers they can access free, independent and confidential advice through the Business and Workforce Advisory Services Scheme, including guidance on Support at Home pricing.
