Agency to provide information, needs assessment, care coordination and carer referral services. The Gateway would deliver services via a regional structure. A platform within the Gateway would provide information on healthy ageing, social inclusion and participation, age-friendly accommodation, and information on the availability, quality and costs of care services from approved providers, and how to access those services. Assessments of the needs of older people would be undertaken for their potential entitlement to approved care services. The level of assessment resourcing would vary according to anticipated need. Assessments of financial capacity to make care co-contributions toward the cost of services be undertaken by Centrelink on behalf of the Gateway. The assessment of the individual lead to an entitlement to a set of aged care services which the older person and their carer may access from approved aged care providers of their choice. The assessment lead to a referral or an entitlement to community support services and carer support services where such services form an essential part of a set of services to meet complex needs. Initial care coordination services would be provided, where appropriate and requested, as part of the Gateway. Further care coordination and case management, which may form part The aged care reform package includes additional funding to establish an Aged Care Gateway, will create a clear pathway into, and through, the aged care system. The Gateway will encompass and be complemented by a number of elements: A My Aged Care website in 2013 that will provide clear and reliable information allowing people to better navigate their way through the aged care system. For example, information about services available in a region, what services are provided in particular Home Care packages, fees payable and, once developed, quality indicators about particular providers. From 2015-16 website capabilities will be extended to include self-service functions for consumers and service providers and service availability data. A new national call centre, to be established in 2013 that, in addition to providing information, will allow consumers to discuss their options in more detail with call centre staff. National call centre staff will be able to provide referrals to local service providers. Development of a national assessment framework for aged care, in consultation with consumers, health professionals and aged care providers. This work will include developing and testing standardised assessment processes for entry into the new Commonwealth home support program and comprehensive assessments for entry into Home Care packages or residential care. This will position the Gateway to assess people more consistently so that people with similar needs are
the Gateway. The need for such arrangements will be carefully monitored over time. 9.2 An intensive reablement service should be introduced to give greater focus on independence, rehabilitation and restorative care. Eligibility and entitlement for this service should be assessed by the Australian Seniors Gateway Agency. Supported. The Government supports the need for a strong focus on independence, rehabilitation and restorative care. An integrated Commonwealth home support program will be established from 1 July 2015 (see the response to recommendation 9.4). This program will seek to maximise preventative and restorative care to optimise outcomes for care recipients and avoid their unnecessary progression to more intensive, higher cost services. At the same time, the Government notes it will be important to build on and avoid duplicating existing services, including the Transition Care Program and other services provided through the public and private sectors. The aged care reform package therefore includes a range of initiatives to promote greater innovation within the aged care sector and better links with public and private hospitals and medical insurers. As well as improving the capacity for older people to receive restorative care through the aged care system, these initiatives also aim to improve access to services provided through the wider health system. 9.3 A of more flexible arrangements for respite care, such as cashing out for respite services and extending the range of registered individuals who can be approved to provide respite, should be conducted as part of a broader introduction of an entitlement based approach to care services. Largely supported. While further work is necessary before a more entitlement-based approach to care services can be considered, the aged care reform package will support better access to care and promote greater choice for carers of older people by streamlining arrangements for respite care, expanding access to services and giving carers more choice and flexibility in the services they use. These improvements will be delivered through four elements: providing increased funding and growth for services supported under the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) from 1 July 2012; consolidating funding for respite programs into one program from 1 July 2014;
17.7 In implementing reform, the Australian Government should announce a detailed timetable for changes and how the changes are expected to affect consumers (including carers), providers, workers, and the sector in general. In particular, the Australian Government should: carefully and fully communicate the design, objectives and implications of the reform measures be guided by the three-stage implementation plan listed in schedule A. Largely supported. The aged care reform package will be underpinned by a 10 year implementation plan that will enable immediate improvements in access and quality for consumers while at the same time providing a clear path to further reform. There will be a substantial review of the reforms after five years. This timeframe responds to calls from stakeholders for certainty about the future direction of aged care reform and for sufficient time to adjust to existing arrangements. A 10 year timeframe will ensure a smooth transition path that minimises disruption to existing clients. Implementation of the 10 year plan will be overseen by the Aged Care Reform Implementation Council.