Forty Years in Aged Care: Progress Made, Challenges That Remain

Grant Corderoy is a widely respected voice in the aged care sector, having worked closely with CHA and its members over many years. This  month he retires on his 70th birthday after working for more than 40 years as a financial and policy advisor. He shared his reflections with Health Matters. 

I have been professionally involved in the aged care sector since 1982 with a focus being on the funding and financial sustainability of this important community service for our elderly citizens. My role as a member of the government-appointed Aged Care Taskforce provided further opportunities to utilise the comprehensive data and analysis supplied by StewartBrown.

This evidence based analysis has been instrumental in shaping funding policy including the recent significant shift towards increased contributions from aged care participants who are financially able to do so.

The introduction of the new Aged Care Act in November 2025 marked a major transition to a rights-based approach, placing older individuals at the centre of the system. While this legislative reform is commendable, it alone cannot guarantee that aged care will meet the current and future expectations of participants.

Over the past 25 years, aged care policy has undergone more reforms than any other community sector. These changes have been necessary to address evolving demographics, an ageing population, and increasing funding needs. The community’s preference is clear – aged care services are best provided in a home setting rather than in the more institutional environment of an aged care home. However, it must be recognised that when an individual can no longer be cared for safely at home, a move to an aged care home becomes essential.

Despite these considerable reforms, it remains uncertain whether the aged care system is now robust, innovative, and equipped to meet future requirements. This continues to be the challenge we face today.

The current aged care system is complex, diverse, and heavily policy driven. The Royal Commission into aged care notably recommended establishing a single system where all individuals requiring services would have one point of entry, be assessed for their needs, and receive appropriate funding and care in the best-suited environment.

This unified system has not yet been realised, and the sector remains fragmented with different funding arrangements. The introduction of the Single Assessment System is a positive step forward. However, both government subsidies and participant contributions still fall short of what is needed to make the sector financially sustainable and capable of meeting rising demand. There is a need for greater public education about the real cost of aged care, as misconceptions persist that these costs are unaffordable for individuals. In reality, this is not the case.

Catholic providers account for more than 12 per cent of aged care services, playing a crucial role in the sector today and in the future. The commitment to mission, quality care, and strong financial management often sets them apart. The Catholic providers have attained the combination of quality aged care service delivery supported by their faith and community mission. This is a proud achievement.

Alongside other faith-based, community, and private providers, Catholic organisations continue to pursue improvements in how aged care is delivered with a strong focus on diversity and supporting vulnerable persons.

Innovation in service delivery is essential, as the expectations and needs of future participants will differ greatly from those of today. Future government policy should prioritise and reward innovative approaches, not only in personal care but also in accommodation. It is certain that those entering aged care in the coming decade and beyond will have very different expectations, and the sector must begin to adapt now.

On a personal note, my involvement in the aged care sector has been both rewarding and challenging. My passion for this sector will remain strong, even as I eventually become a recipient of aged care services myself. Catholic providers have been central to both the sector and my own journey within it. I commend the Catholic providers for their significant role in ensuring that the lives of elderly persons is enriched with dignity, respect and support.

Grant Corderoy is a senior partner at chartered accountants StewartBrown