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.

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.

International Day of Older Persons

Tuesday 1 October is International Day of Older Persons. The theme for this year is Ageing with Dignity: The importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.

Dementia Action Week

This week is Dementia Action Week (16–22 September 2024) and the theme is ‘act now for a dementia friendly future’. Dementia Action Week is an annual initiative run by Dementia Australia. It aims to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

Big changes to the aged care sector

This month was a milestone for aged care reform in Australia. The Australian Government introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament, announced reforms to funding and provided details of the Support at Home program. So, what do these changes mean for older Australians?

Protect yourself against scams

There have been recent reports of scammers impersonating aged care providers. These scammers are targeting older people, their families and carers.

2022 and 2023 Residents’ Experience Survey results are out

The findings, from 75,000 people across the country, will help aged care providers understand what people like about their home and what could be improved.

Provider finance information available on My Aged Care

You can see information about the finances and operations of aged care homes and Home Care Package providers on My Aged Care.

Improving access to free sign language interpreting and captioning services

The National Sign Language Program is expanding to include sign language interpreting and captioning services for health and medical appointments for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing older people.

Report on the new Aged Care Act consultation now available

The report on the consultation feedback is now available. The report presents the key issues and insights identified from stakeholders during the consultation.

2024–25 Budget: Underpinning quality aged care

The 2024–25 Budget includes $2.2 billion to improve safe, quality aged care. It will promote stronger links between aged care and health systems to ensure older people get the medical support they need in a safe, comfortable environment.

Reminder: update your financial details to ensure you are paying the right fees

Are your personal and financial details up to date with Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs?

Aged Care Star Ratings promote choice and quality

All government-funded aged care homes in Australia 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.

Important update: More regular reviews of aged care fees

The Quarterly Review process for home care and residential care is changing. From October 2023, aged care reviews will occur more regularly so that changes to your aged care fees can be applied sooner.

How respite care can help carers

Respite care can give carers time to catch up on everyday activities and look after themselves. It is available to support older people and their carers.

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.

The new Support at Home program planned to start 1 November 2025

The Australian Government is committed to delivering reforms to in-home aged care that support older people to live safely and independently at home.

Updates to provider specialisations

From 27 February 2023, claims from aged care providers to deliver specialised care will be published on provider profiles only if they have been verified against the My Aged Care Provider Specialisation Verification Framework.

What is the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission?

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission protects the rights and interests of people who use Commonwealth-funded aged care services by ensuring that aged care service providers give the best care possible

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.

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.