Agenda

• Transition from Home Care Packages (HCP) introduces new funding levels, assessment tools, and service structures. How will the new Support at Home program reshape service delivery? What are the critical changes providers must prepare for?

• Transition from four HCP levels to eight funding classifications is aiming to provide more targeted care - how will it impact care planning and provider operations?

Michelle Smith, Director – Operational Policy and Implementation Management (Assessment and Home Care Transition Branch), Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Claire Lancashire, Director – Engagement and Implementation Readiness (Assessment and Home Care Transition Branch), Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

• As the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) replaces multiple assessment processes, what challenges will providers face with the Single Assessment System and how can they maintain efficiency through this transition time?

• Existing HCP clients will be reassessed under the new system—how can providers manage expectations and minimise disruptions to ensure smooth transition?

Dean Saxby, Operations Manager for Aged Care Assessment Services, Catholic Healthcare

Join us for 4 small-group roundtables looking deep into the latest challenges and solutions. These small group sessions allow for more dynamic, engaging and discussion-based conversations and are always a highlight of the forum.

• New compliance measures require enhanced data tracking, reporting, and quality assurance. Are providers prepared for stricter regulatory requirements and what best practices can they adopt?

• Rural and remote communities experience disparities in access to services, particularly in obtaining high-quality care. What innovative models can be developed to overcome these challenges?

• A case study on the complex interplay between participant choice, self-management, and provider regulation within the Support at Home (SAH) Program

• Define roles and responsibilities within the Care Partner team and who leads decision-making

• Address the balance between participant autonomy and regulatory requirements in home care

Meredith Coote, Co-Chair, Department of Social Services, National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee

• How can providers ensure that participants have meaningful choice while maintaining accountability and regulatory compliance?

• Address the challenges of ensuring participants' right to choose how, when, and by whom services are delivered

• Better understand how co-contributions influence what older people and their families or decision supporters deem most important and critical potential impacts

Moderator: Meredith Coote, Co-Chair, Department of Social Services, National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee

Geoff Rowe, Chief Executive Officer, Aged & Disability Advocacy Australia

Debra Burden, Chief Executive Officer, Selectability

Johanna Heaven, Associate, Russell Kennedy Lawyers

Helen Connolly, Senior Director, ACT Disability Aged and Carer Advocacy Service

Lexie Dennis, General Manager, Hazel Home Care

• How can providers move from reactive risk management to proactive prevention? Explore practices for risk prevention such as AI-driven analytics, predictive risk modelling, and workforce training

• Discover frameworks for ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance (i.e. clear reporting protocols, real-time tracking, crisis management training)

Jennifer Knox, Head of Quality and Safeguarding, Homemade support

• How can organisations expand consumer choice and enable greater flexibility by empowering consumers but at the same time prevent disparities in service availability across different regions and income groups?

• Explore strategies to manage greater complexities with more customisation options while ensuring operational efficiency

Juliette Spurrett, Executive Director, Community Services

• On one hand consumer-directed care offers greater flexibility, yet it also increases unpredictability in service scheduling - how can providers adapt staffing models to meet demand?

• With increasing consumer autonomy, staff must be trained to deliver personalised, culturally responsive care while leveraging digital tools effectively. Learn strategies to expand workforce proficiency in adaptability, cultural competency, and technology integration

Heather Hollingworth, Chief Executive Officer, BCD Community Care

• Learn how Feros Care is using technology to improve transparency, streamline service selection, and facilitate better communication between consumers and providers – explore the best tech-driven solutions

• While digital tools improve efficiency, over-reliance on automation risks depersonalising care. How can providers integrate technology without losing the human connection essential to quality care?

Alice Hay, Executive Manager, Feros Care