CDCS - Culturally Directed Care Solutions

24/12/2025

2025 has been a full and challenging year across the Aged Care Sector as we all navigate the Reforms.

We have been busy working on a *New* (compliance) Checklist for 2026 and if you want to get this in the New Year - just visit our main page https://cdcs.com.au/ and look for the 'Waitlist' Button.

We will send it to you in January 👍

From our team to you and yours, on behalf of the CDCS Team, we wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Donna & Carrie

16/05/2025

“Will I still get my cleaner next week?”

This is likely to be one (of many) questions Home Care Package (HCP) providers are going to be asked by clients and their representatives after receiving a formal letter from the Department of Health and Aged Care that was sent to current HCP clients last week.

Will I have to pay more?
Will I be income tested?
Are my services changing?
These will be further Qs many clients have…

The letter contained a high-level message about program changes to the Home Care Package program — now called Support at Home — but it may raise more questions than it answers.
There is a ‘checklist’ for older people and an information booklet, but while these may contain relevant information, it’s not necessarily accessible or easy for many older people to understand.

The truth is: for many clients, not much is changing daily. The key changes are in the way the program will be administered and funded, and the new fee and care management structure.

But the way it’s being communicated can cause real anxiety.
To add to the confusion, there are two versions of the letter.

One is for clients on an HCP prior to September 12, 2024—these will be ‘Grandfathered’ clients.
The other is for those approved for an HCP after 12 September, and these clients will not get the same provisions when they all transition to the Support at Home program on July 1st.

That’s why a clear, personalised letter from aged care providers is so important right now. One that explains things in plain language, reassures them that their care will continue, and gives them a real person to talk to.

Many providers are scrambling to update service agreements, fees, and client communications – but most importantly, clients need reassurance and clarity.
We’ve developed a plain-English client letter that:

✅ Reassures clients their care won’t change
✅ Explains the changes without jargon
✅ Aligns with the Department’s advice

📩 If you need urgent help preparing this—from letters to pricing communication—get in touch. We’re already supporting providers to prepare for this major shift.

💬 Comment “letter” or message us, and I’ll send you the template and tips for effective rollout.

P.S. We don't call support workers 'cleaners' - but many older people still do...that's a topic of another post...🙃

14/03/2025

This week we completed our lightening tour of the NT delivering the latest updates to providers on the Aged Care reforms.
Co- presenting with Department and Commission representatives and facilitating much needed discussion and Q&A about the changes for the sector.

If you want to get your hands on a copy of the Resource Book from the workshop, head over to our website: cdcs.com.au
This version is the first iteration with an update coming late next week 👍

19/10/2024

Back in Broome after a great week onsite with a remote Aged Care provider in the Kimberley.

In four months they have moved from only meeting 2 Quality standards to full compliance against their assessed standards.

It’s wonderful to see their team build their confidence and capabilities and their clients are benefiting as a result which is the ultimate goal 😊👍

If you and your team want to know more about how we can help you - contact us: https://cdcs.com.au/

19/05/2024

In some of our recent videos you may have noticed Carrie has been wearing a cap or scarf.
In October 2023, Carrie was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer that needed immediate treatment. As you can imagine, that news changed her life.

In our most recent blog post, we wanted to share a little bit about how cancer has had an impact and share our gratitude for events like the Biggest Morning Tea happening this coming week on Thursday 23rd of May that helps fund vital research in fighting cancer.

In honour of the Biggest Morning Tea, we're giving away the Cancer Assessment and Care Planning Guide and the accompanying Cancer Care Provision Guide for free.

We hope that these valuable resources are helpful for providers, care workers and most importantly clients and their families,
Best wishes, the CDCS Team.

To read the Blog and get the link for the free Guides - follow the link below:
https://cdcs.com.au/when-cancer-gets-up-close-and-personal/

19/04/2024

🤝 We’re collaborating with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver a free national Menu and Mealtime Review Program for residential aged care services. The program will include independent feedback and recommendations from Accredited Practising Dietitians specific to each service.

The program:
🔹 is completely free and confidential
🔹 is conducted on-site by an Accredited Practising Dietitian
🔹 provides customised feedback and recommendations.

Eligibility for this program is limited to residential aged care services.

ℹ For more information or to express your interest please visit our website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/food-nutrition-dining-information-providers/menu-and-mealtime-review-program

07/08/2023

Aged Care Employee Day is today!
August 7th

Aged Care Employee Day celebrates the more than 370,000 residential care, home care and retirement living staff who care for over 1.5 million older Australians.

The campaign recognises the countless roles in the aged care workforce – from nurses to personal care workers, allied health professionals to lifestyle coordinators, hospitality teams, drivers, cooks cleaners, administration staff and so many others.
👏😊

05/07/2023

We’re excited to announce that the Department of Health and Aged Care have released the long-awaited animated video series CDCS worked on with East Arnhem Regional Council last year.
Here is the first of three that were aimed at promoting working in aged care.

Tamika and Samuel apply for a job in aged care.

10/05/2023

27/11/2022

Last week the majority of our wonderful team were able to catch up in person in one place! 😊
Some exciting plans ahead for 2023 😎
& we look forward to sharing those with the community of care providers who it’s our privilege to serve 👍

21/11/2022

SIRS in Home Care is coming 1st December 2022. In our latest YouTube video Carrie provides an overview of what this means for provider of home care support. This video is the first in a short series we'll be producing to help support providers and staff to understand the requirements and how to implement.
Head on over to our YouTube channel - Culturally Directed Care Solutions.

21/10/2022

Want to understand the CHSP service type - Transport Services? Check out this video in our 'Understanding CHSP Service Types' series. Designed to help aged care staff better understand the support they provide.

Find all our videos on our YouTube channel culturallydirectedcaresolutions