News and updates

Information for older Australians on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Older people are at greater risk of more serious illness if they get COVID-19. If you – or someone you care for – need help, there is support available. This COVID-19 page lists a range of important resources to assist you.

image caption: An illustration of an older man watering his garden.

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.

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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.

Image Description: an older man sitting at a table while an older woman places her arm around his back.

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.

Have your say on the future of help at home

The Australian Government is redesigning and improving in-home aged care. A new program will launch on 1 July 2024. The Department of Health and Aged Care is seeking feedback.

Spotlight: My Aged Care’s Fee estimator

Our online Fee estimator tool can help you find out what you might pay for Australian Government-funded aged care services. The Fee estimator is a simple online calculator that estimates how much your aged care services might cost.

See how the Community Visitors Scheme creates lifelong friendships

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

Aged care funding is changing but your care will not be affected

On the 1 October 2022, a new residential aged care funding model was introduced. The new model is called the Australian National Aged Care Classification, or AN-ACC for short.

Webinar: Home Care Packages Questions and Answers

The Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a special webinar to answer any questions you might have about Home Care Packages. This includes questions about monthly statements, fees and charges.

Webinar: Launch of the Aged Care Quality Standards review consultation

The Australian Government is reviewing the Aged Care Quality Standards. This is in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Help shape the future of sexual rights in aged care homes

The Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN), in collaboration with Celebrate Ageing and the Older Women’s Network NSW, has developed a Charter of Sexual Rights and responsibilities in Residential Aged Care.

September is Dementia Awareness month

September is Dementia Awareness Month with 20 September being World Alzheimer’s Day.

myGov has changed but My Aged Care Online Account remains the same

myGov is the way people access Australian Government services online. This includes linking to and using the My Aged Care Online Account. myGov was recently upgraded with a fresh look.

10 questions to ask about staffing in aged care homes

If you want to review the quality of an aged care home, it’s a good idea to call or visit and ask some questions about the care it offers. One area you may like to focus on is its staffing arrangements.

Webinar: Reforming in-home aged care and regulation – Update

Find out the latest update on in-home aged care reforms and regulation by joining us for a webinar on Wednesday, 31 August.

Help reduce administration and management charges in your Home Care Package

If you or a loved one has a Home Care Package, the Department of Health and Aged Care needs your feedback on the services and charges included in your package. This is so the department can find ways to reduce the amount of money used for administration and management costs.

Webinar: Understanding home care packages

If you want to learn more about Home Care Packages the Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) is running a free webinar. Home Care Packages are one way that older Australians can access affordable government-funded care services to get help at home.

How will changes to employment conditions for home care workers affect me?

If you receive a Home Care Package, your provider may seek to change your existing home care arrangements to comply with changes to home care worker employment conditions. Providers will need your consent before any changes to your Home Care Agreement can be made.

Christmas in July with Kamahl

The Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) is inviting older Australians and aged care homes to be part of an online Christmas in July celebration. The hour-long event features Kamahl – the man with the golden voice. It will be streamed live from Sydney and be hosted by CEO Craig Gear.

Help at home enabled Helen to continue an active life

House cleaning services gave Helen peace of mind, knowing she can stay at home and be independent. Her health concerns made her worry she would lose her independence but receiving help at home made a real difference.

Service providers to be verified for specialised services

We are implementing a new verification process for service providers that provide specialised care for specific communities. This process will help ensure Australians with diverse aged care needs can find safe and inclusive care that best suits them.

Peter was reluctant to ask for help, but it changed his life

Professional and friendly assistance is transforming his home and keeping his roses blooming.

Webinar: Preventing sexual assault of people with dementia in residential aged care

The Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) will host a webinar on how to prevent sexual assaults of older people with dementia in residential aged care.

My Aged Care launches extra face-to-face support across 29 locations

There are now 29 additional Aged Care Specialist Officers (ACSO) providing face-to-face aged care support at select Services Australia locations.