Providing compassionate support to our senior community members is a cornerstone of Australian society, enabling many to live independently within their own homes. However, circumstances can arise that pose challenges to the delivery of such essential care.
Across the aged care sector, organisations continually adapt to evolving needs and operational pressures. Such adjustments, when they occur, can impact both those delivering care and, most importantly, the vulnerable individuals who rely upon it.
If you or someone you love relies on in-home care in Queensland, you may have heard some worrying news: UnitingCare, one of the state’s largest providers of aged care services, is set to cut around 120 jobs from its Blue Care community services division.
This comes hot on the heels of last year’s major shake-up, when the organisation let go of about 340 staff. So, what’s behind these job losses, and what does it mean for older Queenslanders and their families?
Why are these jobs being cut?
According to Uniting Care’s group executive, Maria McLaughlin-Rolfe, the decision is all about ‘operational sustainability’ as the organisation prepares for sweeping federal aged care reforms.
In plain English, that means they’re trying to get their house in order before the government’s new rules come into play.
The charity has been under financial pressure, recording a staggering $95 million loss last financial year—almost double the previous year’s $53 million shortfall.
Ms McLaughlin-Rolfe was quick to reassure the public that no frontline care staff would be affected in this latest round of cuts.
That means the nurses and carers who visit people in their homes should still be there for now. But with so many jobs on the line, it’s understandable that both staff and clients are feeling uneasy.
What’s changing in aged care?
The big shake-up is the federal government’s new Support at Home program, which is set to replace the current home care packages from 1 November (after a delay from the original July start date).
This program aims to streamline and improve the way older Australians receive help at home—whether that’s nursing, cleaning, gardening, or other support.
But there’s a catch: the new system will introduce tougher means testing. Full pensioners will now have to pay 5 per cent of their support costs, while self-funded retirees could be up for as much as half. For many, that’s a significant change to the hip pocket.
What does this mean for regional Queensland?
For those living in regional and remote areas, the news is particularly concerning. Debra Burden, CEO of Townsville-based not-for-profit Selectability, says the sector is facing a lot of uncertainty.
‘The hard thing will be for the sector to transition from the previous model of care where they had more choice and control than the recipients to the new model,’ she explains.
She’s especially worried about the impact on regional Queensland, where Blue Care is often the only provider.
‘I just can’t imagine an aged care sector in Queensland without Blue Care,’ she says. For many older Queenslanders, these services are a lifeline, helping them stay independent and connected to their communities.
Why the delay in reforms?
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the delay in rolling out the new system is to ensure ‘all of the systems are in place to deliver a smooth transition to the new laws’.
While that sounds sensible, it also means more months of uncertainty for providers, workers, and the people who rely on these services.
What can you do if you’re affected?
If you or a loved one receives care from Blue Care or another provider, now is a good time to check in with them about how these changes might affect you.
Ask about any changes to your services, fees, or support staff. If you’re worried about costs, you can also contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) for advice on what you might be eligible for under the new system.
The bigger picture: Is aged care in crisis?
These job cuts are just the latest sign that Australia’s aged care sector is under serious strain. With an ageing population, rising costs, and ongoing workforce shortages, providers are struggling to keep up.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety shone a spotlight on many of these issues, and the government’s reforms are an attempt to fix them—but change is never easy.
Have your say
Are you worried about the future of aged care in Queensland? Have you or your family been affected by job cuts or changes to home care services? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your story in the comments below. Your voice could help others navigate these challenging times.
Also read: Aged care reforms delayed after sector raised survival issues
