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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Webinar: Diversity and inclusion in aged care

The Older Person Advocacy Network (OPAN) invites you to a webinar to discover how diversity education can make aged care services more inclusive.

Jeff was encouraged to get help after talking to his neighbours

Jeff had a passion for gardening. But one day, an injury made him realise some changes were needed. With some support from My Aged Care, he receives gardening support, and now his garden looks better than ever.

Auslan video interpreting services are now available

You can now contact My Aged Care through a free Auslan video interpreting service. The three-way video chat is available if yourself or a loved one is Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing.

Webinar: Everybody's Oma - a family’s dementia journey

The Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a webinar with the creators of the dementia-focused documentary, Everybody’s Oma.

Have your say on how older Australians receive care at home

The Department of Health is changing how home care is delivered. You can help shape the future of in-home aged care by telling us what services are important to you.

Program in Focus: Re-Engaging Volunteers into Residential Aged Care Facilities

If you need extra social support at your aged care home, there is help available. The Re-engaging Volunteers into Residential Aged Care Facilities program can link you to a volunteer support network.

‘Be Connected’ podcast helps you stay safe online

There’s now a new podcast series to help keep you safe online. Be Connected answers common technology questions for older Australians and provides useful tips on how to protect yourself online.

New Home Care Package costs checker now live

The Find a provider tool has been updated to make it easier for people to view and compare costs information.

Webinar: Aged care and your rights – how advocacy supports you

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is inviting you to attend a free webinar and learn how to better navigate the aged care system.

Help us improve aged care home design

The Australian Government is developing new aged care home design standards – and we’d like to know what you think.

It’s going to get easier to manage your Home Care Package Budget

If you, or someone you care for, receives services through a Home Care Package, you may soon notice a change to your monthly statements.

Webinar: Support at Home and regulation update

You’re invited to a free webinar to learn more about the Support at Home Program and a new regulatory framework for aged care.

Webinar: COVID-19 updates for people living in aged care homes

You’re invited to a free webinar, to learn about the latest COVID-19 updates for people living in aged care homes.