Australian Unity becomes one of Australia’s largest home care providers

While Australian Unity is a well-established provider of aged care, retirement living and home care services, the transfer of more than 4,000 staff from Home Care means that Australian Unity is now a major employer of aged care and disability workers in New South Wales (NSW).

The transfer includes Home Care’s specialist area providing culturally appropriate care for the Aboriginal community – Aboriginal Home Care – which will retain its important and unique identity.

Under the agreement, Home Care staff and over 50,000 clients annually across New South Wales will transfer to Australian Unity.

The Home Care business has a network of 42 branches with 107 office locations. Core services include domestic assistance, personal care and respite care, for seniors and people with a disability.

Derek McMillan, chief executive officer of Australian Unity’s Independent & Assisted Living, says Australian Unity’s initial focus in this transition is to maintain the quality and service continuity for all clients.

“Australian Unity will strive for continuity of service with regards to Home Care operations and seek to provide increased levels of care as clients’ needs change,” Mr McMillan says.

“Central to this ambition is to build a business based on a true continuum of client-directed care. Combined with our Better Together model of service, we believe the transfer enables us to provide the best possible outcomes for both our new clients in NSW and of course additional options for our existing Home Care clients.”

Integration activities will be gradual throughout 2016 to ensure minimal disruption to staff and clients. Future changes will include new technology and improved processes to support carers in their roles.

“A considerable amount of time and resources have been invested in preparing for the official transfer to ensure a smooth transition and integration,” according to Mr McMillan.

“We are looking to unlock the potential of the Home Care Service of NSW business and give staff tools that reduce administration and allow them to spend more time supporting our clients and making a difference in the community.”

The official transfer follows the announcement made in August 2015 that Australian Unity had successfully won the tender to meet the NSW Government’s objective of a provider who can deliver continuity of service and prepare Home Care for the NDIS and the national aged care reforms.

”Throughout the transfer of Home Care and during the remainder of 2016, Australian Unity management will remain focussed on ensuring clients eligible for the NDIS are fully supported in their own funding transition.”

Clients can expect communications from Australian Unity detailing this transition in the coming weeks.