BaptistCare now third biggest provider as merger finalised

Three not-for-profit aged care providers have successfully combined forces, leading to a shift of the major players in Australian aged care.

Baptcare (Vic, Tas, SA), Baptist Care SA and BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) have merged to become one entity – BaptistCare – and in doing so, BaptistCare has emerged as the country's third largest integrated care and service provider.

The faith-based organisation now employs more than 12,000 staff, and services around 38,000 older Australians across 49 aged care homes and 32 retirement villages.

The new organisation's board chair, Tim Farren, said the merger has fortified BaptistCare's capacity to adapt and grow amidst significant government reform.

“This is such an important day in the combined 270-year legacy of three wonderful organisations. We have a shared mission to strengthen communities by valuing people and supporting them to have hope, dignity and a fullness of life. As we move forward, our focus is on continuing to improve outcomes for those we serve,” he said.

“The sectors we operate in are under increasing pressure and scrutiny but coming together gives us the opportunity to enhance services to customers as well as provide greater choice, flexibility and diversity of services, and increase advocacy for vulnerable people and communities.”

Data shows that as of September last year, the average Australian residential aged care facility is operating at a loss of $8.45 per bed per day, or $2,895 per bed per annum.

Already under pressure from staffing and care minute changes and with the major pricing overhaul brought on by the new Aged Care Act, there are also new liquidity rules being brought in by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).

The recently released ACQSC Financial and Prudential Standards will introduce strict liquidity rules, so that all residential care providers must have the funds available to repay refundable deposits due in the next 12 months  – meaning providers will need to have potentially millions of dollars in cash reserves from July 1.

Appointed BaptistCare CEO Charles Moore said a major objective of the merger was to protect the financial viability and sustainability of the organisation.

“This merger is about much more than pooling resources; it's a bold but necessary step to amplify our advocacy and impact at a time when Australians need it most,” Mr Moore said.

“With increasing demand for services and mounting regulatory pressures, BaptistCare is uniquely positioned to champion sustainable solutions, from aged care to affordable housing and homelessness, to retirement living.

“We're committed to using our voice and our expertise, to driving change, securing essential funding, and pushing boundaries to ensure no individual or community is left behind.”