The Australian Government has introduced a digital tool aimed at reshaping the landscape of disability and aged care services across the nation. The Care Sector Demand Map provides access to comprehensive data on supply and demand for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and aged care services.
This innovative platform, an evolution of the 2019 NDIS Demand Map, now incorporates aged care alongside disability services data, offering a holistic view of the care sector’s needs and opportunities.
Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, emphasised the map’s significance in understanding local service demands. “The Care Sector Demand Map will be a valuable tool for providers across Australia to identify opportunities for future growth and allow them to make informed decisions about expanding their footprint and service offerings,” Minister Shorten said.
The map offers detailed insights into participant numbers, workforce statistics, and community support needs at a local level. Users can access information on service types, provider operations, and expenditure across both NDIS and aged care sectors.
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, highlighted the tool’s role in addressing workforce challenges. “Disability support and aged care workers play an invaluable role in our community, and we know that building strong, local workforces is key to addressing service delivery gaps,” said Minister Wells.
A key feature of the map is its forecasting capability for NDIS services, projecting future service volumes and workforce requirements by occupation. This forward-looking approach aims to facilitate strategic planning and expansion, particularly in underserved rural, regional, and remote communities.
The Care Sector Demand Map is designed for accessibility, available on smartphones, tablets and computers. It will undergo annual updates, with the next data refresh expected in late 2024.
This initiative represents a significant step towards data-driven decision-making in the care sector, potentially transforming how providers, policymakers, and communities approach the growing demands of disability and aged care services across Australia.
This article was also published in the Third Sector.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
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