News and updates

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.

Older person receiving assistance at home

New Support at Home resources now available

We are improving in-home aged care to help you live independently at home for longer. The new Support at Home program will begin from 1 November 2025.

New Aged Care Act to start from 1 November

The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program start will be briefly deferred to the 1 November 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.