The Support at Home program marks a significant shift in the way aged care funding is allocated, reinforcing the principle of “use it or lose it” within quarterly funding cycles. While this change introduces new challenges, it also presents valuable opportunities for care providers to enhance service delivery, improve financial stability and ensure recipients fully benefit from their funding allocations.
Understanding the “use it or lose it” policy
Previously, unspent funds could accumulate over time, creating inefficiencies in resource utilisation. Under the new system, care recipients must use their allocated funds within each quarter, or only a small non-cumulative amount will roll over. This ensures more consistent service uptake while encouraging timely access to essential care.
Key benefits for agencies
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Increased service engagement
With a quarterly funding cycle, agencies can expect higher engagement levels from care recipients seeking to utilise their full allocation. This presents an opportunity to offer new services, improve outreach efforts and tailor programs to better align with client needs.
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More predictable revenue flow
The structured funding model provides greater financial stability, reducing fluctuations caused by unspent budgets. Agencies can now plan services with more confidence, ensuring staff and resources are allocated efficiently.
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Encouraging proactive care management
By actively supporting care recipients in planning their services, agencies can strengthen client relationships and reinforce the importance of ongoing care. Offering personalised consultations, scheduling assistance, and proactive reminders can help recipients make informed choices about their care needs.
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Expansion of value-added services
With the new funding structure, agencies can focus on introducing or refining additional services that encourage recipients to make full use of their funds. This could include social programs, wellness initiatives, digital support tools, or specialised aged care services.
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Strengthened compliance & efficiency
Quarterly funding requirements encourage agencies to streamline administrative processes, ensuring prompt service delivery and accurate financial reporting. Agencies that adapt swiftly will set themselves apart as leaders in efficiency and innovation within the aged care sector.
Preparing for success
To maximise the benefits of this new funding model, agencies should consider:
- Enhancing communication – Educate recipients about how to make full use of their funding before each quarter ends.
- Visual representation – Readership of monthly statements is generally very high, insert a visual reminder to enforce the “use it or lose it” concept.
- Optimising service planning – Introduce scheduling systems that ensure care recipients utilise their allocations effectively.
- Leveraging technology – Utilise digital tools for tracking, engagement and automated reminders.
- Collaborating with stakeholders – Engage advocacy groups, caregivers and healthcare professionals to align services with real client needs.
Final thoughts
The Support at Home quarterly funding model isn’t just a change, it’s an opportunity. By adopting a proactive, client-focused approach, agencies can enhance service delivery, improve financial stability and build deeper connections with care recipients. This transition will drive greater engagement, ensuring that funds are utilised efficiently while supporting the well-being of those who need it most.
Embracing this model now will set agencies up for long-term success in an evolving aged care landscape.
