OPAN launches new decision-making e-resources for providers and seniors ahead of Act – Advocates maintain further reform to Act is still needed

With the view to support the rights-based, dignity-centred approach of the new Act, OPAN has released two stems of resources for seniors and providers respectively, to support navigating the new “decision-making approach”. Craig Gear, OPAN’s CEO, states, “The new regime is about rebalancing the power dynamics in aged care and putting the wishes  of older people front and centre”. The newly launched supporting decision-making resources have been described as grounded and realistically attuned to the new act, the realities of those seeking help, and the functioning of the sector.

New e-supports for seniors and providers

Messaging from OPAN places the resource for providers as, “a new Supported decision-making eLearning  module, offering practical guidance on how to put supported decision-making into practice in line with their obligations under the new Aged Care Act.”

For seniors and loved ones, “The Supported decision-making toolkit helps older people, their families and supporters understand what supported decision-making is, why it matters, and how to use it in everyday life.”

“It includes practical tips, easy-to-understand information, and real-life examples to help people stay in control of decisions about their care, services and daily life.”

Support to make and communicate decisions

Gear notes, “supported decision-making means having the support you need to make and communicate your own decisions, rather than having decisions made for you.”

“The new Aged Care Act reinforces that right. It ensures older people remain at the centre of their care, supported by those they trust – whether that’s a family member, friend, advocate or provider.”

Gear continues, “These new resources give older people practical tools to exercise that right and help providers understand how to embed supported decision-making in everyday practice.”

OPAN articulates that the resources were constructed through sector experts alongside seniors, advocates, and aged care providers. This was done to facilitate the effectiveness of impact for the realities of many senior experiences and accessibility needs in seeking help.

Further reform needed

Advocates however have been vocal in the need for support not just in managing the upcoming changes in legislation but in the construction and adjustment of that very legislation.

Peter Willcocks has been extensively campaigning for adjustments, particularly to the upcoming changes to home care pricing models.

Critically he notes that with the upcoming co-payment changes, for those in vulnerable positions, not the “rich, greedy boomers” messaging unfortunately prevalent in policy conversations, the implications for any decision-making at all could be grievous.

Through leveraging his specialised business background, he has analysed government data to model the likely impacts of November 1 changes, on those on full and part pensions, and self-funded retirees. Assessing the disparity of those grandfathered on to the soon to be outdated pricing model, and the financial impact of those who have applied post 12 September 2024, the figures are indicative of potentially severe personal and financial upheaval. 

Willcocks analysis models, using government data, the likelihood of scenarios where both seniors and providers may only have the opportunity to decide between the limited and difficult.

Cash-flow implications for providers

Willcocks who is a self-funded retiree predicted that he may, on a level 7 or 8 package, under the upcoming modeling under the new Act, be legislated to pay 62% of his weekly income in co-payments. 

This “ludicrous” amount is simply prohibitive for most, and the decisions turn to either going without care, which is likely to impact provider financial viability and cash-flow, or turn to alternative ways to meet their home care needs out of the system, which has the same implication for providers.

Supplement pricing and RAD models

Further advocacy and conversations have been undertaken by multiple providers in terms of the upcoming funding models for RAC. Uniting NSW.ACT’s Tracey Burton has been clear and sustained in drawing attention to the potential pitfalls of the supplementary pricing as opposed to RAD pricing models. The limiting impossibility of decisions that government funding models, as it stands, could have on providers is of serious concern. 

Assessing the potential, simply put, awful decision of either being able to intake residents of low means, and or covering costs as a provider, is a strained and uncomfortable position for the majority of providers. In a move that indicates a government that is willing to lean in Minister Rae announced the price inquiry into supplementary pricing, providers and advocates are highly encouraged to utilise this opportunity as a resource to have their say on the effectiveness of policy. The opportunity of submissions closes October 31. 

Dynamic reform – openness to continued iteration

Resources for seniors and providers to navigate upcoming complexity of legislative changes is important. Further yet, the need to be open to have continued open discussions and learning, as Burton notes, “being open to evolving and maturing, Government needs to be open to that, we all do.” 

This attitude is critical for the sector and government as a whole. To enable a sustained sector that supports rights-based, dignified care must be based on the reality of the complicated multi-faceted factors of legislation, dynamic funding models and longevity of impact.

All must lean in, from commonwealth policy-makers, sector experts, provider leaders and advocates. A strong and sustainable sector must be built to enable the essence of the act, rights-based and dignified excellence of care, to meet results in the grounded and routine.