The aged care reforms 2025 bring major changes that small and regional providers can’t afford to ignore. From 1 July 2025, the new Aged Care Act will come into effect, reshaping the sector with a strong focus on consumer rights, transparency, and quality of care. Key changes include public star ratings, tighter compliance standards, and a shift in funding models like AN-ACC that reward outcomes, not just services delivered.
While the reforms raise the bar, they also present a clear opportunity. Smaller providers can move faster, adapt quicker, and offer the kind of personalised, community-based care that larger organisations struggle to match. This article outlines how you can use your strengths to stay competitive—and even thrive—in a changing aged care landscape.
Double Down on Your Competitive Advantages (Position smallness as a strength)
Smaller aged care providers have one major edge: personal connection. Unlike large corporate facilities, you’re not running a system—you’re caring for people. Residents know your staff by name. Families see the same faces. This consistency builds trust and comfort that large providers can’t replicate. Use it.
You’re also part of the community. Local GPs, charities, and Indigenous groups know you and your work. These partnerships strengthen care delivery and open doors to culturally safe, community-led support. Leverage this trust—it’s a strength that big providers can’t buy.
Specialise in what your community needs. Offer culturally tailored programs with multilingual staff. Run rural respite services where bigger operators won’t go. The more targeted your offering, the harder it is to replace you.
Invest in Technology
Technology is no longer optional—it’s a must. The aged care reforms in Australia demand better transparency, reporting, and outcomes. Small providers can meet these expectations without heavy investment by choosing smart, low-cost digital tools.
Use telehealth to connect residents with doctors quickly. Streamline medication tracking with apps. For reporting and compliance, move to cloud-based platforms like Eldermark or Mirus—they’re built for aged care and reduce admin burden.
Upskill your team using free or low-cost online courses. Better digital literacy improves care delivery and helps meet new compliance standards.
Tech Checklist for Small Providers
- Have we set up telehealth access for residents?
- Are we using a medication management app?
- Is our care documentation stored securely in the cloud?
- Are staff trained to use these systems confidently?
- Do we use data to track and improve resident outcomes?
Strengthen Financial Resilience
The aged care reforms place greater pressure on financial sustainability. To stay ahead, small providers must maximise every dollar. Start by optimising AN-ACC funding—make sure resident assessments are accurate and up to date.
Look beyond residential care. Home care packages, day programs, and short-term respite services can bring in new revenue and meet local demand. These services are often easier to deliver at scale for smaller, more flexible providers. Cut overheads by working together. Share admin functions, pool procurement, or invest in systems jointly with nearby operators.
Example: A regional aged care provider in northern NSW partnered with three nearby facilities to form a collaborative purchasing group. By buying medical supplies, food services, and cleaning products in bulk, they secured better pricing from vendors and reduced delivery costs. Within 12 months, each provider saw up to a 20% reduction in their operating expenses—without compromising care quality.
Understanding the aged care reforms timeline and planning early will help you make strategic decisions before the new law takes effect.
Master Compliance Without Overwhelm
Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on what matters most. Real-time documentation cuts down audit risks and proves care quality. Make sure your staff complete all mandatory training and understand the why—not just the how. Build a culture where compliance is part of daily work, not a box-ticking exercise.
Use what’s available. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) provides free guidance materials, templates, and checklists. These can help you meet the new standards without spending extra.
As part of the Aged Care reforms Summary, the focus on stronger governance and risk-based regulation means small providers must be selective with their time. Start with high-impact areas, and use the matrix below to prioritise effectively.
Build a Stronger Local Brand
Your reputation drives referrals. Encourage families to leave honest online reviews—guide them through the process if needed. A steady stream of recent, positive reviews builds trust with future residents and their families.
Use storytelling to your advantage. Share testimonials from residents and families, whether in short videos or written posts. These real stories make your care more relatable and memorable.
At SAH Consulting, we don’t just tick compliance boxes—we help aged care providers grow. We use targeted advertising, content marketing, and proven lead generation strategies to help you attract the right clients. We also support you in managing those relationships, so they stay with you longer. With us as your marketing partner, you can build a respected local brand and grow your client base with confidence.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be big to win—just focused. The aged care reforms will reshape the sector, but they also open doors for small and regional providers ready to adapt. By leaning into your strengths, embracing smart tech, and staying financially and operationally sharp, you can thrive—not just survive. Start with one step this week: audit your unique strengths or book a staff training session.