Proposed alternative models for allocating residential aged care places

This is a submission made to the Department of Health consultation that closed on 13 September 2019.

Lack of any published data on quality and financial stability is a problem for consumers nationally. Lack of data on types of person unable to find residential care is a problem for the affected persons, for the Department of Health in carrying out its legal responsibilities, and for providers wanting to meet specific needs.

Provided consumers are well-informed about quality and financial stability, reducing locational controls is a good idea. Providers usually have a better idea of the likely demand for their services than the Department. They will not risk capital without reasonably assured demand.

Modern technology could be used to make the market function better. Consumers should be able to select a number of residential care services, and make simultaneous applications to each of them.