Innovation missing from aged care reform, industry leader says
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The recently released report on the Aged Care Bill has been met with mixed reactions, with some aged care providers voicing concerns over the reform’s lack of emphasis on innovation.
Natasha Chadwick, CEO of NewDirection Care, argues that the bill, while positive in some aspects, misses a critical opportunity to drive forward the innovative practices necessary to improve aged care services.
Chadwick, who provided testimony to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, expressed appreciation for some elements of the bill, particularly its focus on sustainability, provider input and flexibility in care minutes. However, she was vocal about the need for a stronger commitment to innovation within the legislative framework.
“While we warmly welcome many aspects of the Report and thank the Committee for their consideration, we remain concerned that innovation is being overlooked,” Chadwick said. “The new Aged Care Bill seeks to deliver transformational change, but there can be no change in practice if providers are not empowered to challenge the status quo.”
Chadwick emphasised that innovation should go beyond technology and efficiency, focusing instead on enhancing the quality of life for older Australians. “Innovation is not purely about robotics and information systems to increase efficiency; it is also about delivering better care and a better quality of lived experience.”
The report, while noting certain areas for improvement, did not explicitly prioritise innovation, a point that Chadwick sees as a missed opportunity. “We consider there is still some way to go if we want to see innovation being adequately supported in this new regime,” she explained. “Providers will be reticent to improve practice if there are not provisions for them to do so.”
Chadwick was particularly encouraged by the Committee’s recognition of increased flexibility in care minutes, allowing care to be tailored to individuals. However, she warns that without explicit support for innovative practices, the aged care sector risks becoming stagnant.
“We were grateful to see recognition on this critical topic in Additional Comments from the Coalition Senators,” Chadwick added. “But we would like to see greater acknowledgement for the principles of innovation being elevated as a fundamental for the success of aged care.”
Chadwick affirmed NewDirection Care’s commitment to working with the government to ensure that, as the bill is implemented, it supports innovative providers. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the Government to ensure that the application of the Bill supports the important work that innovative providers, including NewDirection Care, are doing, so that as an industry we can collectively move forward and deliver better outcomes for older Australians.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
