News and updates

Older person receiving assistance at home

New Support at Home factsheets now available

We are improving in-home aged care to help you live independently at home for longer. The new Support at Home program will begin from 1 November 2025.

New Aged Care Act to start from 1 November

The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program start will be briefly deferred to the 1 November 2025.

Preparing for the new Support at Home program

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is sending a letter and a checklist to everyone on a Home Care Package, to help them prepare for the new Support at Home program.

The new Aged Care Act will put older people’s rights first

From 1 November, this year, the new Aged Care Act will ensure the rights of older people are at the centre of aged care. It will make the system safer, fairer and more respectful for older people accessing aged care services.

Support person cooking for an older Australian

Support at Home pricing changes

From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages Program. If you currently receive Home Care Package services, this may mean the cost of some of your services will change.

Older Australian receiving nursing services

Protect yourself from COVID-19 and flu

COVID-19 and flu can lead to serious health complications. Staying up to date with vaccinations and getting support when you feel unwell are important to protect yourself and others.

Image of house to represent Home Care Packages

Increase to the value of your Home Care Package

The Australian Government is supporting further increases to the award wages of many registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care. As a result of this, the government has increased how much it contributes towards your Home Care package to cover this increase.

Older person answering a phone call whilst having a coffee

Protect yourself against scams

There have been recent reports of scammers impersonating aged care providers. These scammers are targeting older people, their families and carers.

Animation of computer screen showing the Eligibility Checker tool on the My Aged Care website

Spotlight: Am I eligible?

My Aged Care’s Eligibility checker can help you quickly find out if you meet the requirements to have an aged care assessment. You will be asked a few short questions to help My Aged Care better understand your situation. This will only take a few minutes to complete.

New Support at Home factsheets now available

We are improving in-home aged care to help you live independently at home for longer. The new Support at Home program will begin from 1 November 2025.

New Aged Care Act to start from 1 November

The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program start will be briefly deferred to the 1 November 2025.

Preparing for the new Support at Home program

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is sending a letter and a checklist to everyone on a Home Care Package, to help them prepare for the new Support at Home program.

What started as volunteering has become friendship

To celebrate International Day of Volunteers we are sharing another story from the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) (formally known as the Community Visitors Scheme).

See how the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme creates lifelong friendships

Hans met Rahman through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. Their 17-year friendship is one of the longest he’s had. The ACVVS links volunteers with older people experiencing social isolation.

Program in focus: ACVVS

If you are feeling lonely, isolated or need help building new social connections, you can access support through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor’s Scheme (ACVVS). The ACVVS is a free program that can help you connect to a volunteer support network in your community.