The Australian Government’s Aged Care Act represents a landmark shift in the sector, ushering in a series of reforms designed to prioritise quality, safety, and person-centred care. With changes set to take effect from 1 July 2025, aged care and disability service providers face the critical task of adapting to new regulatory requirements and operational standards.
Solution Minds Consulting (SMC) is working alongside aged care providers to ensure they are well-prepared for this transformation. By leveraging deep industry expertise, SMC is helping organisations streamline their systems, align with compliance measures, and build sustainable frameworks that support high-quality care.
What the 2025 Aged Care Act Means for Providers
The new Aged Care Act introduces several significant changes, including:
- Strengthened regulatory oversight to improve care quality and provider accountability
- Enhanced Aged Care Quality Standards to ensure best-practice service delivery
- A Statement of Rights that places older Australians at the centre of decision-making
- A new Support at Home program aimed at helping people remain in their homes longer
- Revised funding models designed to foster sector sustainability and innovation
These reforms will require providers to reassess their internal processes, upgrade technology systems, and refine service delivery models to meet evolving expectations. Check out how we helped Silver Chain optimise their workforce management as part of our ongoing work in the sector.
How SMC Supports Providers Through Aged Care Reform
SMC takes a pragmatic and structured approach to supporting providers as they navigate these reforms. The firm’s expertise spans several critical areas:
1. Digital Transformation and Operational Efficiency
Many aged care and disability providers face challenges with outdated and inefficient processes. SMC helps organisations navigate these challenges through our five-phase approach to digital transformation. This structured methodology guides organisations from strategy and planning to system selection, implementation, and continuous improvement, ensuring a seamless transition to modern digital solutions that improve care delivery and operational efficiency.
SMC’s Five-Phase Approach to Digital Transformation
2. Compliance Readiness and Governance
The new Act introduces stricter compliance requirements. SMC works with providers to:
- Assess current operations: Ensuring alignment with the revised Aged Care Quality Standards
- Identify gaps: Developing clear roadmaps to meet regulatory compliance
- Strengthen governance structures: Enhancing accountability and transparency
3. HR & Payroll System Transformation
Many aged care and NFP providers struggle with Human Capital Management (HCM), including legacy HR and payroll systems. SMC helps organisations:
- Select and implement modern HR and payroll platforms: Ensuring workforce compliance and efficiency
- Streamline payroll processes: Aligning with new funding models and regulatory requirements
- Improve system integration: Enhancing workforce planning and overall operations
Case Studies: Real World Experience
Optimising Workforce and Payroll Systems
- Silver Chain: Needed a new ERP and HR/payroll system to improve workforce management. SMC provided:
- Process mapping and requirements prioritisation
- Selection and implementation support
- Integration management between AX, CMS, and payroll solutions
- Avivo: Engaged SMC to lead an ERP and payroll transformation, delivering:
- End-to-end business change management
- Project governance and implementation support
- Change management strategies to align people, processes, and technology
Enhancing Client and Care Management
- Mercy Health: Required an industry-leading Care/Client Management System (CMS). SMC facilitated:
- A structured selection and negotiation process
- Vendor evaluation to align with business objectives
- Implementation planning to enhance service quality
- Southern Cross Care: Needed a CRM system for better client engagement and marketing. SMC led:
- Process mapping and selection of a Tier 1 CRM solution
- Implementation support to improve communication and service coordination
Driving Digital Transformation in Aged Care
- Eureka Group Holdings: Engaged SMC for a three-phase digital transformation approach:
- Business process mapping to identify inefficiencies
- Software selection to future-proof their digital infrastructure
- Implementation planning for seamless adoption
Government Insights on Aged Care Reform
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, has emphasised the significance of these reforms, stating:
“The new Aged Care Act is the final piece of the puzzle to create a better way of caring for older people both today and into the future. Now that we have followed through on our commitment to deliver a new Aged Care Act, it’s incumbent on all of us to live up to this promise and deliver meaningful change across aged care.”
Looking Ahead
With aged care reforms fast approaching, providers must take proactive steps to adapt. SMC’s industry knowledge, strategic insights, and hands-on approach ensure that aged care and disability service providers can successfully navigate this transformation.
For those seeking expert guidance on compliance, digital transformation, and financial sustainability, SMC stands ready to assist. Speak with an SMC expert today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can aged care providers ensure compliance with the new Aged Care Act?
Compliance with the new Aged Care Act requires governance reviews, process audits, and technology upgrades. SMC helps providers assess their current operations, identify gaps, and implement practical strategies to ensure alignment with the revised Aged Care Quality Standards.
2. What digital tools can help aged care providers improve efficiency?
Aged care organisations benefit from modern Care Management Systems (CMS), HR and Payroll solutions, and financial management platforms. SMC guides providers through selecting, implementing, and integrating these digital tools to streamline operations and enhance care delivery.
3. What are the biggest digital transformation challenges in aged care, and how can SMC help?
Common challenges include system integration issues, lack of internal expertise, and resistance to change. SMC’s structured business process mapping, change management, and implementation support ensure a seamless transition to modern digital solutions.
4. How can providers prepare for the new Support at Home program?
The Support at Home program requires flexible, person-centred care models. SMC helps organisations optimise service delivery, workforce planning, and digital transformation to align with evolving funding models and Aged Care reforms.
5. How can SMC help with HR and payroll transformation in aged care?
Legacy HR and payroll systems often lack integration with compliance and care management processes. SMC supports providers in selecting and implementing modern HR and payroll platforms, streamlining payroll processes, and optimising workforce management strategies to ensure efficiency and compliance.
6. How do aged care organisations know if they need a new Care/Client Management System (CMS)?
If your current CMS is outdated, lacks integration, or doesn’t support compliance reporting, SMC provides independent CMS selection and implementation guidance to ensure the system meets your needs for effective care management and compliance.
7. Which top software vendors can help healthcare providers improve efficiency and compliance?
Healthcare providers can enhance efficiency and compliance by comparing leading software solutions that offer features such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), workforce management, ERP, and supply chain management. Exploring and comparing the top software vendors can help providers select the best solution to meet their operational needs, streamline processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. Explore our 100% Independent guide to learn more about selecting the right vendor.