Department opens second aged care provider pulse survey after criticism of reform process

A second Provider Pulse Survey is open for aged care providers to complete, to help inform the Department of Health and Aged Care after the first survey issued last year revealed mixed awareness of the reform and criticism of the consultation process. The survey asks providers about their preparedness for reform, how knowledgeable they are about what is required of them, and how the Department can provide better support through the reform process. The first Pulse Survey was distributed in October 2022, and results showed providers only had a “moderate” level of awareness about the reforms.

Only 38% of residential aged care providers and 26% of home care providers were “well aware” of the reforms relevant to them. Nearly half – 40% – said they were not getting the level of detail required to plan and prepare for the reform changes. Providers said they are receiving details too late and require more time to implement reforms. Workforce challenges were also identified as a key theme. The second Pulse Survey is available here.