Demand for aged care and disability support services in Australia is growing faster than at any other time in history. Australians are growing older and living longer. In the next 10 years, the number of people aged over 85 is predicted to increase by 30 percent, whilst 25 percent of Australia’s population will be aged over 65 years by 2040. While living a long, happy life is wonderful, the risk of illness and disability increases with age. Every six minutes someone is diagnosed with dementia, totalling 1,800 new cases in Australia every week.
There are around 1.3 million Australians who are profoundly affected by a disability and need ongoing support with core activities.
The community care industry is expanding to meet this need. Overall, the industry will generate over $43b in revenue during 2016 alone. The industry is expected to grow at a rate of 6.4 per cent annually over the next five years.
Every day, professional support businesses such as Just Better Care provide in-home services, ranging from a short visit to round-the-clock care. Services include in-home nursing, respite, companionship, transport, cleaning, shopping, meal preparation and much more.
The industry is now entering a pivotal era. Both the aged care and disability sectors are undergoing significant reforms and decentralising of the existing Government funding models. The NDIS and CDC reforms, for the first time, empower consumers with choice and control over the services they receive, from the service provider of their choice. This is great news for consumers and represents a fantastic growth opportunity for service providers such as Just Better Care.
Just Better Care
In 2005, Trish Noakes wanted to provide higher quality in-home nursing in her community. With 20 years community care experience, Noakes founded Just Better Care with the philosophy that every individual deserves choice and control over the services they receive – a principle that is now the foundation for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Consumer Directed Care aged care reforms. Today, Just Better Care is Australia’s largest franchised provider of in-home care with over 30 territories across Australia and is part of the global Caring Brands International group.
“Most people want to remain at home, with their families, surrounded by a lifetime of memories and connected to their communities. To make that possible is a special feeling,” explains Alison Chandler, director of Just Better Care Australia.
According to Chandler, in-home care should be designed to meet the individual’s needs, not the needs of the provider.
“The elderly and people with a disability are valued members of the community, with unique needs and personal goals. Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and live the way they choose. Just Better Care makes this a reality for thousands of Australians, every day,” Chandler adds.
Just Better Care recruits franchisees based on their business skills and shared values. “We look for people who are progressive, goal-oriented and passionate about customer service,” she says.
Relationships are vital – with clients, support staff and among the community. “Each franchise includes professional clinical support workers and coordinators to provide seamless service to clients. Our people are fundamental to success.”
According to Chandler, industry experience is valuable but not essential. “In the changing marketplace, the ability to build strong networks and successfully market and promote your business in the local community is key advantage for success in this sector.”
Are you interested in helping Australians live their lives the way they choose? Find out here how Just Better Care could be your path to a caring and financially-rewarding future.