News and updates

New eLearning to help you get ready for the new Aged Care Act

From 1 November this year, aged care in Australia is changing. To help you, your family or carers understand the changes, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is developing a series of free online learning modules.

Aged care information hubs at participating libraries

Learn more about the latest improvements to aged care by visiting one of the 30 aged care hubs at participating libraries across Australia.

Older person receiving assistance at home

New Support at Home resources 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.

New single pathway for aged care assessments

As of 9 December, the new Single Assessment System will make it easier for you to enter aged care and access different services as your needs change.

My Aged Care support plans now available in My Health Record

Your My Aged Care support plan can now be shared to your My Health Record within your myGov account.

New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

Parliament passed the Aged Care Bill on 21 November which means the new Aged Care Act can start from 1 November 2025. It paves the way for a better, more capable system that puts the rights and needs of older people first.

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.

National Redress Scheme payments to be exempt from means testing

From 1 January 2025, payments made under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 (National Redress Scheme) will be excluded as an asset from the aged care means assessment for aged care homes.

Have your say on how Star Ratings are calculated

The way we calculate Star Ratings is changing and we want to know what you think. The Department will change the way some of the ratings are calculated, following the introduction of the new Aged Care Act anticipated on 1 November 2025.

Important changes to your Home Care Package

The Australian Government is supporting an increase to aged care worker wages from 1 January 2025. If you receive a Home Care Package, this will mean an increase to your package subsidy.

Preparing for the new Aged Care Act

The new Aged Care Act will lead to major changes across the aged care system. Learn about what has happened since the Aged Care Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament in September and what is coming up next.

National Carer's Week

This week (13 – 19 October) is National Carers Week. This year’s theme ‘Millions of reasons to care’ raises awareness of the over 3 million Australians providing care for their partners, family members and friends.

Star Ratings for aged care homes helps make your choice easier

Are you or a loved one considering an aged care home? Star Ratings can help you research and compare homes near you.

International Day of Older Persons

Tuesday 1 October is International Day of Older Persons. The theme for this year is Ageing with Dignity: The importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.

Big changes to the aged care sector

This month was a milestone for aged care reform in Australia. The Australian Government introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament, announced reforms to funding and provided details of the Support at Home program. So, what do these changes mean for older Australians?

Dementia Action Week

This week is Dementia Action Week (16–22 September 2024) and the theme is ‘act now for a dementia friendly future’. Dementia Action Week is an annual initiative run by Dementia Australia. It aims to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

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.

2022 and 2023 Residents’ Experience Survey results are out

The findings, from 75,000 people across the country, will help aged care providers understand what people like about their home and what could be improved.

Provider finance information available on My Aged Care

You can see information about the finances and operations of aged care homes and Home Care Package providers on My Aged Care.

Improving access to free sign language interpreting and captioning services

The National Sign Language Program is expanding to include sign language interpreting and captioning services for health and medical appointments for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing older people.

Report on the new Aged Care Act consultation now available

The report on the consultation feedback is now available. The report presents the key issues and insights identified from stakeholders during the consultation.

2024–25 Budget: Underpinning quality aged care

The 2024–25 Budget includes $2.2 billion to improve safe, quality aged care. It will promote stronger links between aged care and health systems to ensure older people get the medical support they need in a safe, comfortable environment.

Reminder: update your financial details to ensure you are paying the right fees

Are your personal and financial details up to date with Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs?