News and updates

An Aged Care Home resident and their visitor patting a dog

Program in focus: Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

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.

Image Description: an illustration of three health professionals next to a pot plant.

My Aged Care no longer supports fax

The My Aged Care fax number (1800 728 174) is no longer available as of 31 July 2023. You can still contact My Aged Care by phone, in person, or by post.

Star Ratings for aged care homes

All government-funded aged care homes in Australia now have a Star Rating. Star Ratings make it easier to compare quality and make choices about your care. Aged care homes receive a rating of 1 to 5 stars.

Image Description: aged care worker in kitchen with while older woman chops carrots

Important changes to your Home Care Package budget

If you receive a Home Care Package, you will notice some changes to your package budget from 1 July 2023. This article explains what the changes are how they may impact you.

Image Description: An overhead shot of an electronic tablet device and a mug, filled with what appears to be coffee or hot chocolate.

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.

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).

Help guide the future of dementia care in Australia

If you live with dementia, or care for someone who does, you’re invited to help develop a National Dementia Action Plan - that will guide the future of dementia care in Australia. Public consultation closes on 31 January 2023.

How we’re improving Home Care Package charges

Important changes are coming to Home Care Package charges on 1 January 2023. The changes will bring more transparency to how providers charge and set limits on care and package management prices.

Home and aged care support keeps Carolyn active

Carolyn, 80, was actively involved in her local community, until advanced arthritis made it harder to do the things she used to. Accessing help at home services through My Aged Care helped improve her health, independence and wellbeing.

Webinar: Reforming in-home aged care update

The Department of Health and Aged Care will hold a webinar to provide an update on the progress of the in-home aged care reforms. If you receive in-home aged care, we encourage you to attend.

Important update: Quarterly review of aged care home fees

If you live in an aged care home, you may soon receive a letter from Services Australia about your fees. This includes whether there are changes to your fees or if you are due a refund.

Webinar: What you need to know for better aged care

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a free webinar to give you the skills to speak up for yourself or a loved one in aged care. The webinar will also see OPAN launch the self-advocacy toolkit.

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 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.

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.