A new research report from National Seniors Australia examines the introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) in community care services in Australia.

The report, based on a survey of 4,267 National Seniors members, has revealed 98 per cent of its members, regardless of their age, believe choice of home care services is important, with those living on the age pension most likely to say it is ‘extremely important’.

It has also revealed some problems with the new system, including lack of choice, high administration fees, insufficient care packages, the need for consumer coaching and personal advocates. As well, less than half of the respondents had confidence in their ability to choose a provider, putting the system at risk of failing.