The Federal Government has taken another step towards ensuring older Australians and their families make informed decisions about the aged care services that they use.
This week saw the release of the first tranche of quarterly data on the median prices charged for common home care services.
You can take a look at the data here.
The graph shows the median prices for services such nursing, in-home respite, personal care, and cleaning and household tasks across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas and by State and Territory.
It also features the median fees for care management and package management.
Government wants “downward pressure” on prices
The Government says the information will provide consumers and their families with greater information into the actual cost of home care services – and where providers may be charging higher prices.
“We want senior Australians to be able to shop around for their care providers, knowing this will keep downward pressure on prices,” Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said.
The My Aged Care website already allows users to compare reported pricing at up to three providers, but this newly released data will provide additional insights for their decision-making.
Home care providers have been required to publish their pricing information in an easy-to-read schedule on My Aged Care since 1 July 2019 – and the Department of Health tells us that over 99% of the country’s 849 approved home care providers are now compliant with this requirement.
Star rating system on the way
It’s just one of a range of measures that the Government is putting in place to ensure providers deliver value for money.
In the recent Federal Budget, the Government also announced $200 million to deliver a star rating system which will assist Australians to further compare different facilities.
It’s good news for those trying to navigate the aged care system.
But it’s also worth remembering that price is not always reflective of quality.
While many people choose to self-manage their Home Care Packages – reducing their amount of funding spent on administration – this can place a burden on the individual and their family.
If you ask someone receiving home care why they are leaving their provider, price often has little to do with their decision – it is about the care.
We all want to pay a fair price for services – but it’s not always about the money.
What matters is the quality of life – and that the individual is happy.
A point to consider when it comes to voting with your feet.
