Reimagine, redefine, reform: Leveraging the Aged Care Act postponement
Last updated on 23 June 2025
The delay of the new Aged Care Act rollout to 1 November 2025 offers aged care providers an unprecedented opportunity to transform their approach. With less than 100 business days remaining, this isn’t just a pause, it’s a chance to reimagine systems, redefine priorities, and reform practices to align with a future-focused care framework.
Reimagine: A new approach to aged care
This delay gives you the space to reimagine your organisational strategy and take a fresh, innovative approach to aged care. It’s an opportunity to go beyond simply meeting compliance requirements; it’s a chance to transform the way you deliver care.
How can your organisation create a care model that not only meets the standards but sets a new benchmark for excellence in the sector?
For Lorraine Poulos and Associates (LPA), having supported the sector for over 15 years, they understand exactly what uncertainty is brought by sector change.
In light of the most recent delay to the Aged Care Act 2024, LPA’s chief executive officer Marisa Galiazzo suggests providers to, “start by critically evaluating your current systems and processes. Are they aligned with the principles of human rights, accountability, and reablement that underpin the new framework? This is your moment to build a care model that anticipates future needs and positions your organisation as a leader.”
Consider these critical questions:
How will your care model adapt to changing participant expectations?
Participants and their families increasingly expect aged care to be personalised, respectful, and empowering. What changes can you make to ensure you meet these expectations?
With a strong focus on clinical care, Steve Neal, Head of Clinical Services and Leadership Programs at LPA has been working with providers preparing for the new age of Aged Care. Underlying concerns and priority areas show that “strong clinical services are essential to ensuring aged care providers can deliver safe, effective, and person-centred care. By preparing now, providers can embed robust clinical governance, support their teams with the right training, and confidently meet the challenges of the new aged care framework.”
What innovations can you introduce to enhance care delivery?
Whether it’s adopting new technologies, integrating reablement-focused practices, or exploring partnerships, innovation is key to staying ahead.
Are your staff equipped for the future?
The care model is only as strong as the team behind it. Investing in tailored training and workforce development will ensure your team is prepared to deliver excellence consistently.
How will you measure success?
Establish clear metrics and systems for monitoring care quality, participant satisfaction, and compliance to ensure continuous improvement.
By reimagining your organisational strategy with a focus on innovation and leadership, you can transform this delay into a strategic advantage. The extra time allows you to build a care model that is not just compliant but future-ready, driving positive outcomes for your participants, staff, and stakeholders.
Redefine: Strengthening systems and culture
This is a critical time to reflect on your current systems and culture, identifying areas where strengthening is needed to meet the demands of the evolving aged care landscape.
Refine policies and practices
Providers must ensure that internal policies are not just compliant but fully aligned with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and the requirements of upcoming legislation. This means:
- Conducting comprehensive policy reviews to close gaps and update procedures.
- Embedding participant rights, safety, and quality care principles at the core of your operational framework.
- Integrating clear, accessible guidelines that support staff in delivering consistent, high-quality care.
Train and empower teams
Your workforce is your greatest asset in delivering meaningful care. Redefining your culture means investing in tailored staff training programs that go beyond awareness and build genuine capability.
- Translate reform requirements into clear, actionable practices that staff can apply every day.
- Address diverse learning needs across all roles from frontline carers to management and governance teams.
- Foster a shared understanding of values such as dignity, respect, and reablement, essential for a human rights-based care model.
Empowered, knowledgeable teams are the foundation for confident, consistent care delivery that meets reform objectives and consumer expectations. Having operated in the sector for over 15 years, LPA’s managing director Lorraine Poulos, shares that “waiting until the last minute to prepare is no longer an option. The providers who act now to optimise their processes, invest in training, and engage participants meaningfully will be the ones who thrive in this new era of aged care.”
Enhance governance and accountability
Strong governance underpins organisational success and sustainability. The postponement offers an ideal opportunity to strengthen governance structures by:
- Providing targeted Board education to ensure leadership is fully informed about reform impacts and strategic responsibilities.
- Conducting thorough risk assessments that proactively identify and mitigate potential compliance and care delivery issues.
- Implementing rigorous compliance monitoring frameworks that support continuous improvement and transparency.
Reform: Preparing for sustainable excellence in aged care provision
For providers, this time allows your organisation to embed sustainable practices that not only meet regulatory requirements but also elevate the quality and consistency of care for the long term.
Optimise care management systems
Effective care management is the backbone of delivering person-centred, reliable services. Take this time to get your “back of house in order” with:
- Budgeting and financial planning: Develop robust budgeting frameworks that balance cost-efficiency with quality outcomes, ensuring financial sustainability without compromising care.
- Documentation practices: Implement clear, compliant, and user-friendly documentation systems that support transparency, continuity of care, and audit readiness.
- Care planning and coordination: Refine care planning processes to be dynamic and responsive, integrating consumer goals, risk management, and multidisciplinary collaboration seamlessly.
By optimising these systems, your organisation can reduce inefficiencies, prevent errors, and improve the consumer experience across all touchpoints.
Measure, monitor, and continuously improve performance
Sustainable excellence requires an ongoing commitment to measuring and enhancing care delivery. Providers can be using this period to focus on establishing and embedding performance management frameworks that:
- Define clear success metrics: Identify key indicators aligned with the new Aged Care Quality Standards, such as participant satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and operational compliance.
- Implement data-driven monitoring: Use reliable data collection and analysis tools to track performance in real time and detect areas needing attention.
- Drive continuous quality improvement: Foster a culture where feedback loops from participants, staff, and auditors inform improvements to care practices and systems.
Looking for support?
Navigating this transition successfully requires more than just knowledge of the new regulations; it requires a trusted partner who understands the intricacies of aged care service delivery. The LPA team doesn’t just bring knowledge; they bring practical, actionable strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by aged care providers. Whether it’s streamlining operations, ensuring compliance, or improving workforce readiness, they deliver solutions that empower your organisation to adapt and thrive. With LPA, you’re not just investing in a partner; you’re securing value for money through comprehensive support designed to position your organisation for long-term success.
LPA understands that every provider has different needs and constraints. That’s why their services are designed to provide measurable outcomes, from improved efficiency to financial viability and regulatory compliance. Their tailored approach ensures that you receive expert guidance aligned with your budget, goals, and vision. LPA’s team comprises seasoned professionals who have held senior roles in the home care sector.
The team’s deep understanding of aged care operations, combined with regulatory expertise, positions LPA as a trusted partner for providers looking to succeed in the Support at Home Program. Their tailored approach ensures that your organisation’s resources are focused on where they’re needed most, allowing you to stay ahead in a dynamic and competitive environment.
Contact the team at:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lorraine-poulos-and-associates