ABSTRACT
Objectives: To identify the key categories of consumer expenditures following the introduction of consumer?directed care (CDC) in the Australian community aged care sector.
Methods: Income and expenditure data were extracted from monthly budget statements and categorised. Expenditures by category were examined by home care package level, length of time receiving CDC and socio?demographic characteristics.
Results: A total of 150 older people in receipt of CDC in South Australia and New South Wales were approached, of whom 95 (63%) consented to participate. Hours of formal care support received was a key driver of expenditure. On average, approximately 53% of total expenditure was allocated to care services, 20% to administration and 17% to case management.
Conclusions: This study was undertaken during the initial stages of the transition to CDC. Further research should investigate the longer?term budgetary impacts of the transition to CDC for consumers and the sector.
SOURCE: Bulamu, N. Kaambwa, B. Gill, L. Cameron, I. Ratcliffe, J. “An early investigation of individual budget expenditures in the era of consumer?directed care.” Australasian Journal on Ageing, 09 August 2019.
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