Private providers: The future of aged care

Trish Noakes, Just Better Care chief operating officer, says recent analysis by an independent consultant shows private providers were allocated 15% of the ACAR home support packages in the 2014 funding, and account for about 10% of that overall market.

“The reforms underway and the move to consumer directed care (CDC) mean increasingly private providers will become the norm in aged care – similar to child care, health care and education,” Mr Noakes says.

She adds that increased competition in aged care, and the inclusion of more private providers, will result in more choice for clients and should be welcomed by the community.

”Change is underway – no longer is aged care the sole domain of not for profit organisations. The community should not be fearful of private providers in the industry, as the end result will mean greater competition and ultimately better care for older people,” she says.

Just Better Care received its first ACAR funding allocation last week with 30 home care packages in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Earlier this year, Just Better Care was acquired by the Caring Brands International Group, an international market leader in home and healthcare franchising services, with more than 50 years experience in providing aged care, nursing, chronic disease management, mental health and disability support services in community care in both the United Kingdom and America.

“This means Just Better Care can benefit from experience in America and UK markets, but at the same time retain its local identity and knowledge – it’s business as usual, but with a solid, international brand supporting us, so we are very excited about 2015,” Ms Noakes says.