News and updates

Changes to Staffing rating for Star Ratings

From 1 October 2025, the Staffing rating will better reflect the amount of care time residents receive from staff.

A trusted aged care workforce

From 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act introduces stronger laws to make sure workers deliver safe, high-quality and rights-based care.

2024 Residents’ Experience Survey results are out

The Residents’ Experience Survey is an opportunity for aged care residents to provide feedback and tell us about their experiences. This information provides important insights into the quality of services older people receive in aged care homes.

New video on the new rights-based Aged Care Act

Aged care in Australia is changing for the better. The new Aged Care Act starts from 1 November 2025. It includes a Statement of Rights to help make sure you are at the centre of your aged care. A new video is available to help explain what rights you have when accessing aged care services.

Now open: Improving Aged Care in Australia Survey

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is seeking feedback from older people, their families and carers about the changes being made to aged care.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What to do in an emergency situation

We are aware that Tropical Cyclone Alfred may impact older people living in QLD and NSW. If you are in an emergency situation and require assistance, call 000 or the local emergency services as soon as you can. Aged care services must maintain quality care in an emergency situation.

Webinar: Support at Home program update

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is hosting a free webinar to give older people, families and carers an update on the Support at Home program.

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.

Updated information to help you find a provider

The latest provider finance data was added to the Find a provider tool on 20 February 2025. This information can help you compare and choose aged care providers.

Webinar: What the new Aged Care Act will mean for you

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a free webinar to take you through a summary of the new Aged Care Act roll out.

2025 Senior Australian of the Year

Congratulations to the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM!

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.

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.

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.

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.