Australia’s aged care sector is at a pivotal moment

With over 1.3 million Australians receiving aged care services, the demand for quality, participant-centered care has never been higher. But as the industry grows, so do the challenges. That’s where DataColada and Maica come in – two powerhouses combining their Salesforce expertise to help aged care providers like you deliver exceptional care, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the curve.

Tackling the Big Four Challenges with a Smile

Operational Efficiency

Did you know that efficient scheduling can reduce operational costs by up to 15%? With Maica’s advanced scheduling and rostering tools, your team will run like a well-oiled machine, freeing up more time to focus on what really matters – your residents.

Financial Sustainability

In an industry where every dollar counts, Maica’s streamlined billing processes and DataColada’s implementation expertise ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. Our solutions help you stay financially healthy, so you can keep providing top-notch care.

Skilled Staff Hiring and Retention

Happy staff means happy residents. With our intuitive rostering and shift management tools, your team will feel supported and valued, leading to better job satisfaction and lower turnover rates – a win-win for everyone!

Compliance with Changing Legislation

The aged care industry is evolving, and so are the regulations. But don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Maica’s compliance management features are designed to keep you ahead of the game, so you can focus on delivering quality care without the compliance headaches.

Summary of Aged Care Reforms

Aged Care Reform

The Australian Government has introduced various reforms to enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of aged care services. These reforms cover areas such as the workforce, diversity, safety, digital transformation, and service delivery. Key initiatives include the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement to streamline employment processes for overseas workers and a strengthened focus on culturally safe care for diverse and First Nations populations. Additionally, digital reforms like the Government Provider Management System (GPMS) and Business to Government (B2G) channels are set to modernise reporting and information sharing between providers and government. The introduction of a new single assessment system in 2024 aims to simplify access to both in-home and residential aged care services.

Support at Home Program

The Support at Home program, commencing in July 2025, will unify and improve home-based care for older Australians. This program seeks to offer a single assessment pathway and a more flexible and affordable care system tailored to individuals’ changing needs. Key elements include the development of fair pricing for services, the introduction of an assistive technology loan scheme, and expanded care-at-home options. The program builds on the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), with additional funding and support for workforce development. The Home Care Workforce Support Program also plays a vital role in attracting, training, and retaining staff to meet growing demand.

Residential Care

Reforms in residential care focus on improving funding, quality, and transparency. The Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) model, introduced in 2022, provides equitable funding based on residents’ needs, and includes an increase in care funding to support wage growth for aged care workers. Residential care services must now meet mandatory care minutes per resident and employ 24/7 registered nurses. Other reforms, like the new Residential Aged Care Accommodation Framework, emphasise better facility design, including dementia-friendly environments. The government has also enhanced quality measures through star ratings, resident experience surveys, and stricter reporting on food, nutrition, and financial performance to ensure continuous improvement.