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.

My Aged Care website no longer supports Internet Explorer

Last year Microsoft, and as a result, the My Aged Care website, stopped supporting Internet Explorer (IE). This means if you use IE to access the My Aged Care website, you will likely notice some features do not work, or are no longer available.

Disability Gateway now live

The Department of Social Services has launched a new service for Australians with disability, their families and carers, to find and access trusted disability support information and services.

COVID-19: what do I do if I need a vaccine?

If you’re an older person receiving aged care services, or care for someone receiving services, there is information available to you about the COVID-19 vaccine program for aged care. This includes older people who receive residential, in-home and community aged care.

New dementia support pilot launched

A new online tool, My Dementia Companion, is available to support family, friends and carers of people living with dementia. Initially, this is running as a six-week pilot.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Have your say on aged care reform in Australia

We invite everyone to continue to have their say about the aged care reforms. There are plenty of opportunities for you to stay informed and have your say through surveys, webinars, online workshops, consultation papers and face-to-face events.

How you appoint a support person has changed

If you're planning for, or receiving, aged care services it can help to appoint a person to support you. You can now appoint an individual or an advocacy organisation to support you through the aged care process.

Explore the OPAN self-advocacy toolkit

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has released a free self-advocacy toolkit. If you are looking into aged care services, the toolkit can give you the skills, information, and resources you need.

Spotlight: My Aged Care’s Help explorer

If you're unsure about what aged care services are available, it can help to read about people in similar situations and how they received help.