The year 2024 brought significant changes and challenges to the aged care industry, and Aged Care Essentials (ACE) readers turned to us to stay informed and ahead of industry developments.
From updates on revised Aged Care Quality Standards to the introduction of key workforce payment schemes, our blog provided aged care providers with actionable insights to help them remain compliant, deliver high-quality care and adapt to new regulations.
With 2025 on the horizon, let's take a look back at the top articles our audience couldn’t get enough of in 2024. Here are the most viewed topics that engaged, informed and supported aged care providers throughout the year.
Why it stood out:
This article was a comprehensive breakdown of the revised Aged Care Quality Standards introduced in July 2024. Readers dove into this resource to understand how they could adapt their policies and procedures to meet the strengthened requirements. Topics such as person-centred care, culturally safe practices and the new Food and Nutrition Standard were among the highlights.
Key takeaway:
Providers valued this guide for its clear, concise explanation of what they needed to implement - from digital clinical systems to better disaster preparedness strategies. For providers racing to meet deadlines, this article became the go-to resource.
Why it stood out:
Originally published in 2022, this article continued to be one of the most-read articles in 2024 as aged care providers sought answers on the government's one-time $800 workforce bonus payment. With rising costs and staff turnover being major pain points for providers, this resource provided crucial information on eligibility criteria, application process and deadlines.
Key takeaway:
Readers appreciated the straightforward breakdown of eligibility criteria and what types of workers could benefit from the bonus - making it crystal-clear how to support their staff while meeting compliance requirements.
Why it stood out:
With sweeping changes like the new Aged Care Act, revamped Quality Standards and a fresh Regulatory Model looming, this article was essential reading for providers keeping an eye on industry reform. The piece detailed key impacts on areas such as governance, compliance and registration under the redefined regulatory framework.
Key takeaway:
Aged care providers valued the clear timelines, actionable advice and focus on helping them prepare for these reforms in advance. The article shed light on what these changes meant not just for compliance, but also for improving care quality and meeting older Australian's expectations.
Why it stood out:
This article explored how feedback and complaints are now central to aged care providers’ continuous improvement processes. The article consolidated insights from the Senate Inquiry into the Aged Care Bill 2024, focusing on proposed adjustments to complaints management practices.
Key takeaway:
Providers found this resource invaluable as it encouraged them to view complaints as an opportunity for growth and improvement. The article also emphasised tools that providers could adopt to ensure compliance while maintaining high-quality care standards.
Why it stood out:
The delicate balance between respecting a care recipient's choices and ensuring their well-being resonated deeply with readers. This article tackled the ethical and compliance challenges providers face when care recipient's refuse care. Covering both practical strategies and regulatory expectations, the piece offered valuable solutions for this complex scenario.
Key takeaway:
Whether it was understanding how to implement ‘respectful no’ approaches or leveraging relationship-based care, providers appreciated the actionable insights to manage these sensitive situations effectively.
Why staying informed is mission-critical
2024 was a whirlwind of change for the aged care industry, and staying informed became a top priority for providers. With updates to Quality Standards, new financial supports for workers, and sweeping regulatory reforms, keeping up-to-date wasn’t just important - it was vital for staying compliant and maintaining high levels of care.
Our mission at ACE is to help aged care professionals understand and adapt to these changes. Whether you're navigating new standards, managing changing workforce conditions, or seeking expert tips for continuous improvement, we're here to guide you.
Get ready for 2025
A new year often brings new challenges and opportunities. From key reforms to updates in aged care law, 2025 is shaping up to be another significant year for aged care providers. Make sure you never miss an update by subscribing to Aged Care Essentials today.
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