An early investigation of individual budget expenditures in the era of consumer-directed care.

Objectives: To identify the key categories of consumer expenditures following the introduction of consumer-directed care (CDC) in the Australian community aged care sector.

Methods: Income and expenditure data were extracted from monthly budget statements and categorised. Expenditures by category were examined by home care package level, length of time receiving CDC and socio-demographic characteristics.

Results: A total of 150 older people in receipt of CDC in South Australia and New South Wales were approached, of whom 95 (63%) consented to participate. Hours of formal care support received was a key driver of expenditure. On average, approximately 53% of total expenditure was allocated to care services, 20% to administration and 17% to case management.

Conclusions: This study was undertaken during the initial stages of the transition to CDC. Further research should investigate the longer-term budgetary impacts of the transition to CDC for consumers and the sector.