Most older Australians receiving aged care receive it in their own homes. In 2022, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that 800,000 Australians used home support and 213,000 used home care.
Since July 2019, aged care Providers have been required to comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards, one of which is ‘Consumer Dignity and Choice’. This means that if seniors find their current Provider’s level of care lacking, they have a greater number of options to switch to. An important element of providing top-notch aged care is using the right aged care software systems.
Software is an integral part of every industry in the digital age, even industries predominantly dedicated to people and their needs. In the field of aged care, software can help with everything from scheduling and rostering to streamlining training to complying with legislation.
A report by RMIT-Cisco Health Transformation Lab found that technology has a crucial role to play in transforming the aged care system and scaling it to meet the needs of the one million plus Australians who rely on it. The report emphasised the way that technology can free up carers’ time by automating non-care-related tasks.
With so many options out there for aged care software providers, it’s important to find a provider that meets the needs of both you and your clients. Here is what to look for when choosing aged care software systems and why you need the best possible provider.
The Importance of Finding Reliable Software for In-Home Aged Care Providers
Finding reliable software for in-home aged care providers is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it enhances the quality of care delivered to clients. Reliable software ensures accurate record-keeping, efficient scheduling, and effective communication between caregivers, clients, and their families. This leads to better coordination of care and timely interventions, which are vital for the well-being of elderly clients.
Moreover, reliable software helps in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. The aged care sector is heavily regulated, and providers must adhere to strict guidelines and reporting requirements. High-quality software automates compliance tasks, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurately maintained and easily accessible during audits.
Reliable software also significantly boosts efficiency and productivity. It streamlines administrative tasks such as billing, payroll, and inventory management, allowing caregivers to focus more on providing quality care rather than getting bogged down by paperwork. This not only improves the organisation’s overall efficiency but also enhances job satisfaction among staff.
Additionally, reliable software can provide valuable data analytics and reporting features. These insights help providers monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to optimise care delivery and operational processes.
Reliable software is essential for in-home aged care providers to ensure high-quality care, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
What to Look For In a New Aged Care Software Provider
Not all aged care software providers offer quality in equal measures. When choosing the right kind of aged care software systems, some areas to focus on include:
A lot of experience and a good reputation
Look for providers that have been providing quality software for a long time. Look for positive reviews and a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions.
Compliance with regulations
Your software provider must comply with all relevant industry regulations, including privacy and confidentiality laws.
Customisation and flexibility
The software should be customisable to suit your client’s needs and flexible enough to adapt to your processes and workflows.
Capacity for integration
The most useful software for your organisation is one that’s simple and effective to integrate with your existing systems, such as electronic health records and billing software.
High security and data privacy
Protecting the privacy of your clients is non-negotiable. The aged care software you choose should have strong security and privacy measures, such as tight encryption and access control.
A user-friendly interface
Less is more, and a simple and easy-to-use interface is best. An interface that’s easy to master, even for less tech-savvy employees, means less hassle and more time to devote to client care.
Reliable customer support
If anything goes awry, you need the support of a strong customer service team on your side to deal with any difficulties. Having a helpful customer service team on hand helps minimise downtime and disruptions for your clients.
Things to Avoid When Choosing a New Aged Care Software Provider
When it comes to aged care software systems, some red flags for software providers include:
Difficulty and complexity
Software or a user interface that’s too complicated or difficult to use can delay important processes, sow the seeds of dissatisfaction among your team and detract from the important priority of client care.
Commonly known issues or poor reviews
It’s best to avoid any software provider with a history of issues or too many negative online reviews. Look for credible reviews, both positive and negative, seeking those with demonstrated experience using that software.
Security breaches
Data security is of the highest importance. Don’t take your chances on software providers that have a history of data breaches or a reputation for not taking security seriously.
Business Sustainability
Similar to any other business, a software company operating in public health is susceptible to insolvency. It’s crucial to assess the financial health of the company you’re partnering with. Dealing with an insolvent business could disrupt data access, consume time, and result in lost revenue due to complications.
No user support network
If you require urgent assistance or encounter any issues, it’s crucial to have a robust customer support team on which to depend. When assessing potential software providers, inquire about their procedures for seeking assistance and ensure they won’t keep you (or your clients) waiting. Does the software company offer AI-supported Help Centres with user guides, instructions, frequently asked questions, videos, and diagrams?
Limited customisation
“Off-the-shelf software,” which offers limited customisation opportunities, is unlikely to meet the needs of a dynamic industry such as aged care, where adaptability is crucial. While less flexibility may be acceptable in certain instances, a software provider that remains flexible to providers’ needs and industry shifts is vital for the future success of both the software and its users.
Choose Caremaster’s End-To-End Aged Care Software
CareMaster’s aged care software system offers solutions for all kinds of at-home aged care clients. Our approach is end-to-end, meaning we focus on every aspect of the care process.
Our aged care and NDIS onboarding training packages are made to suit all kinds of enterprises, from small start-ups to businesses with 50-200 active staff members. CareMaster’s aged care software systems are designed to grow alongside your business and continue to meet your needs no matter the level you reach. All of our packages come with detailed training resources and access to account help desk services.
CareMasters is an innovative software application designed to meet the needs of various Providers in the aged care and disability sectors. Our software streamlines processes and improves efficiency for Providers and Support Workers while ensuring the Participants receive the attention and care they deserve.
An Australian-owned and operated company, CareMaster is dedicated to providing aged and disability care that complies with local regulations and benefits local businesses. Our end-to-end software enables aged care and NDIS Providers to track, report, communicate, alert, secure, pay, invoice, and so much more in one seamlessly integrated process. Book a demo today to find out just how much our end-to-end cloud-based software can benefit you.
