A new survey by aged care consultancy Mirus Australia has revealed that while most providers acknowledge the pressure of care minute compliance, operational and staffing challenges—rather than financial shortfalls—are the biggest barriers to meeting targets.
The poll, which gathered insights from 352 respondents across 248 aged care organisations, found that 43% of providers cited staffing shortages as their top concern, followed by 41% who pointed to the administrative burden and limited management time. Only 9% listed financial constraints as their primary hurdle.
The survey also found that only 38% of providers feel confident they can remain financially sustainable while meeting care minute requirements, highlighting ongoing concern about balancing regulatory compliance with financial viability. Meanwhile, 58% of respondents agreed that financial penalties are pushing the sector toward compliance—though 41% remain unsure or unconvinced.
Mr Covino emphasised that the key to addressing these challenges lies in smarter workforce management, better planning, and investment in technology.
“Providers who embrace holistic strategies that align staffing with operational efficiency and best practices can create sustainable care models.”
Mirus Australia Managing Director Robert Covino.
The results also reflect a strong belief in the value of increased staffing, with 83% of respondents agreeing that more staff directly improve care outcomes. However, the survey suggests that simply increasing headcount isn’t enough—workforce deployment must also be strategic and efficient.
As compliance deadlines approach and aged care providers face tighter regulatory oversight, Mirus Australia will host a sector-wide webinar to explore solutions and release recommendations for improving financial and operational sustainability while maintaining high standards of care.
