Agenda

Jennifer Knox, Head of Quality and Safeguarding, HomeMade

• 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

• Ways to ensure compassionate, high-quality care in the final stages of life

• Address ethical and practical implications of VAD and best practices for implementation

Margaret O'Connor AM, Emeritus Professor, Monash University

Roundtable A – presented by Riskonnect

Using integrated software to streamline risk and processes organisation wide

Matthew Meldrum, Senior Sales Engineer, Riskonnect

Roundtable B – presented by Indeed

Your Brand, Their Choice: The Secret to Winning Talent in Aged Care

Lauren Anderson, Senior Talent Strategy Advisor, Indeed

Roundtable C – presented by Zipline

Cut Time to Fill by 25%+

Nonny Evans, Director of Healthcare, Zipline

Roundtable D – presented by BESTMED

Enhancing Clinical Care: Improving Safety Through Innovation

Maximising resident and participant outcomes across the aged care continuum by applying past and current learnings through adopting medication management systems.

Amanda Fieldhouse, National Relationship Manager - Clinical & Marcus Holstein, Head of Product

Marcus Holstein, Head of Product, BESTMED

Roundtable E – presented by Kath Horton

Cultural safety in aged care staffing

Kath Horton, Independent Business Owner, Aged Care Curriculum SME and NDIS Recipient Support Coordinator

• 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?

Cassara Hardie, Acting Chief Executive Officer, NATSIAAC 

• A case study exploring how decision-making support is a lifelong, relationship-based activity, where authority is shared among multiple parties—older people, care partners, family members, registered supporters, and providers

• How can we balance respecting the rights, autonomy, and preferences of older people with the need for safety, support, and shared decision-making?

• Discover the evolving role of the “Care Partner” in supporting—not directing—self-determination, and how clarity in roles impacts outcomes

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

Helen Connolly, Senior Director,  ACT Government & Work With Aged Care, Disability & Carer Advocacy

• 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: Amanda Fieldhouse, National Relationship Manager – Clinical, BestMed

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 Government & Work With Aged Care, Disability & Carer Advocacy

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 

• 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 #1

• 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

Jennifer Knox, Head of Quality and Safeguarding, HomeMade