News and updates

From 1 October 2026, Stolen Generations redress payments will not count as an asset for the residential aged care means test.

The Australian Government is reviewing the aged care assessment process and Support at Home program to make sure they are meeting the needs of older people in Australia.

Essential care and services support your daily living needs. Aged care homes are required by law to deliver these services to you.

From 1 October 2026, there will be changes to personal care contributions and Support at Home budgets.

Dementia Action Week (21 to 27 September) encourages open conversations about dementia to help improve health outcomes for older Australians and build inclusive communities.

A series of real-life stories show how recent changes are making a big difference for older people.

Let’s talk about complaints is a new regular newsletter for older people, their families and supporters to raise awareness of their rights and the complaints process in aged care.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will be extended for another 2 years to 30 June 2029. Older people will continue to access CHSP entry-level support to live independently and safely at home.

People living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) now have priority access to the Support at Home program.

The Australian Government will be testing the new AusAlert warning system on Monday 27 July at 2:00 pm (AEST).

From July 2026, new rules require that organisations be registered to have their branded name shown on text messages.

Stay at home for longer with the short-term pathways.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is hosting a free webinar to give older people, families and carers more information about required and optional services provided in residential aged care.

Learn about the changes to personal care contributions from 1 October 2026.

The Australian Government has announced it is introducing new consumer protections for Support at Home participants. These are in addition to protections already in place to ensure reasonable prices and service quality for participants.

In late 2025, The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing asked for your thoughts on the changes to aged care. We received over 2,000 responses from older people, families and carers.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is welcoming 9 new members to the Aged Care Council of Elders.

There have been recent reports of scammers targeting older people, their families and carers.

The survey gives residents an opportunity to share feedback on the care and services they receive. 

Informing older people, their families and carers about their rights when sharing feedback or making a complaint with their provider.