Feedback from previous participants and stakeholders has alerted us to the fact that reports and spreadsheets on their own aren't always enough. Each aged care service has their own unique circumstances and questions. To address this, in addition to providing downloadable benchmarking reports and averages analysis, we will be delivering results in interactive forums – such as webinars and workshops. These forums will assist you with the interpretation of the data. We will also work with participants to provide customised reports and analysis based on their unique requirements.

An example 'menu' of the delivery of results:

FOR PARTICPANTS

1. Balance Sheet Health Check – FREE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO PROVIDE THEIR GENERAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION BY FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER

A 'Balance Sheet Health Check' will be conducted and provided to your service/s using 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 General Purpose Financial Report information. This data will provide analysis on a range of financial indicators, including:

• Liquidity and Solvency;
• Gearing;
• Accommodation Bonds;
• Financial Performance; and
• Capital Investment.

The ratio analysis provided through this information builds upon the 2006 CAP Ratio Analysis (conducted by Bentleys in conjunction with the Department of Health and Ageing) and will provide a top-line assessment of your financial 'health' compared to others. It will also provide a snapshot of performance across the industry and give you a financial 'barometer' for your service/s

Timing for the delivery of the Balance Sheet Health Check is anticipated to be December 2009**.

2. Electronic Benchmarking and Averages Reports - FREE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO PROVIDE THEIR FINANCIAL, OPERATIONAL AND STAFFING DATA BY FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER.

These reports display the data for your individual service/s compared to other survey participants. (all information is de-identified). These reports are categorised by service type (high care or ageing-in-place – private sector or not-for-profit). Performance drivers such as occupancy, income levels, accommodation bond information and staffing hours are amongst the categories analysed. All profit and loss benchmarks are provided by cost centre and alphabetically.

Timing for the delivery of the Electronic Benchmarking and Averages Reports is anticipated to be February 2009.**

3. Webinars and Seminars– Results of the 2009 National Aged Care Financial Survey – PRICE AND DATES TO BE ADVISED.

Webinars and seminars provide a cost effective and convenient forum for services to participate in interactive discussions with Bentleys Aged Care specialists and other providers. A series of webinars and seminars will be developed to cater to the particular needs of services – based on type of care, location, size and management structure.

The interactive environment means that you can have your questions answered, and gain insight from the questions and comments of others.

Timing for the webinars is anticipated to be in the first quarter of 2010.**

4. Tailored workshops and reports – PRICE ON APPLICATION

One of the most powerful applications of the survey results is the integration of the data into projects that address your service’s strategic needs. We have worked with numerous aged care clients to formulate solutions and reports based on the data and insight provided through the survey. Our scope of services cover everything from strategy and planning to audit, tax and regulatory compliance.

Timing and content for workshops and reports will be negotiated with interested participants.

** Delivery of results is dependent on the timely receipt of data from participants. Updates will be provided at the close of data collection regarding delivery of results.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS

If you’re not a participant in this years Aged Care Benchmarking Survey, you can still get access to the benchmarking data and information to give you a better understanding of your aged care clients and the industry at large.

The 2009 Bentleys National Aged Care Financial Survey provides the tools that your aged care organisation needs to measure performance and identify opportunities for profit growth.

Find out more about subscribing to the Bentleys 2009 National Aged Care Financial Survey.

Participating in this year’s survey will assist you to optimise performance in the changing landscape of aged care.