Aged Care Reforms – Why So Many Providers Are Under Immense Pressure

Aged Care Reforms – Why So Many Providers Are Under Immense Pressure

The aged care sector is in the middle of one of its biggest periods of change in decades. From the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program through to shifts in funding, registration and workforce requirements, providers are being asked to adapt at speed – often while still dealing with the day-to-day pressures of running essential services.

Why providers are struggling

Pace of reform – The timeline has left little breathing room. Providers who are already stretched thin are now being asked to roll out new compliance frameworks, reporting standards and care models with very short lead times.

Workforce pressure – With skills shortages already at critical levels, new workforce requirements are amplifying the struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff.

Funding uncertainty – While reforms promise better long-term outcomes, many providers are managing immediate financial strain, unsure how funding will flow or how to cover the rising costs of compliance and care.

Balancing compliance and care – Providers want to stay focused on delivering quality care, but the volume of administrative change risks pulling time and resources away from residents and clients. 

What this means for leaders

Leaders in aged care are carrying a significant load – not only guiding their organisations through reform, but also supporting teams who are feeling stretched, uncertain and fatigued. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about morale, resilience, and ensuring people still feel connected to the purpose of their work. 

Finding a way forward

Despite the challenges, reform brings opportunity. Providers who can steady their teams, adapt quickly, and find the right external support will be better placed to deliver quality care while meeting new requirements. This might mean:

• Bringing in temporary or project-based expertise to cover reform rollouts.
• Partnering with specialists to manage workforce peaks.
• Taking time to engage staff, listen and provide reassurance amidst the uncertainty.

The aged care sector has always been about people – and this period of reform is no different. By supporting the workforce as much as the compliance framework, providers can not only navigate change but come out stronger, with teams who feel valued and supported.

How we can help

At ASR Recruitment, we’ve been working alongside providers as they navigate this reform environment – strengthening core teams, adding temporary or permanent support quickly, and supplying project resources to keep key initiatives moving. For us, it’s about making sure providers can continue delivering quality care while managing the changes in front of them.

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