A major step forward for the Shared Care model.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will convene online workshops with Support at Home providers to help design a pooled funding trial, slated for 2026, backed by $5.2 million in funding over three years announced by the Federal Government in December 2024.
The move mirrors the Retirement Living Council’s Shared Care White Paper released in December 2023, which called for block-style funding to support ageing-in-place services within retirement villages.
“This is the moment to test our theory in practice – and we’re calling on retirement living operators to get involved in the Department’s upcoming workshops and help shape the future of Shared Care," said Retirement Living Council (RLC) Executive Director Daniel Gannon.
"This is a powerful validation of the RLC’s Shared Care model – and proof that our sector isn’t just part of the conversation. We’re helping lead generational change in how care is delivered and funded across Australia.
"With hospitals under significant pressure, aged care at capacity and the population ageing rapidly, Shared Care represents a smarter, safer way forward – one that connects housing, health and community to deliver better outcomes for older Australians.”
More than 20 operators have already expressed interest in participating in the trial, which aims to test how pooled resident funding can be used to deliver shared wellness and care services more efficiently.
What the Department says
“Pooled funding would allow Support at Home participants to combine part of their ongoing budgets to access services on a more flexible or as-needed basis,” the Department stated.
The trial will focus on communities where shared delivery makes the most sense, including:
- close-knit community with shared cultural background;
- group setting, like a retirement village; and
- small rural town or remote community.
Workshop details
- Dates: 10, 11 and 13 November 2025, 2-3pm (AEDT)
- Register your interest by 5pm (AEDT), Wednesday 5 November 2025
The Department is seeking sector feedback on trial design and how pooled funding could align with existing service delivery models.