News and updates

Older person receiving assistance at home

New Support at Home factsheets 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.

Preparing for the new Support at Home program

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is sending a letter and a checklist to everyone on a Home Care Package, to help them prepare for the new Support at Home program.

The new Aged Care Act will put older people’s rights first

From 1 November, this year, the new Aged Care Act will ensure the rights of older people are at the centre of aged care. It will make the system safer, fairer and more respectful for older people accessing aged care services.

Support person cooking for an older Australian

Support at Home pricing changes

From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages Program. If you currently receive Home Care Package services, this may mean the cost of some of your services will change.

Older Australian receiving nursing services

Protect yourself from COVID-19 and flu

COVID-19 and flu can lead to serious health complications. Staying up to date with vaccinations and getting support when you feel unwell are important to protect yourself and others.

Image of house to represent Home Care Packages

Increase to the value of your Home Care Package

The Australian Government is supporting further increases to the award wages of many registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care. As a result of this, the government has increased how much it contributes towards your Home Care package to cover this increase.

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.

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.

‘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 grief and bereavement website

The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement has developed a new website for people living and working in aged care who have been impacted by COVID-19.

OPAN: Stay Connected and Supported

A new initiative from the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is linking older Australians to a range of services which can help them stay connected and supported in their communities.

New resource: 10 questions to ask about residential aged care

The New South Wales Nursing and Midwifery Association, along with other aged care experts, has developed new resources to empower older Australians to ask questions when searching for an aged care home.

My Aged Care website no longer supports Internet Explorer

Last year Microsoft, and as a result, the My Aged Care website, stopped supporting Internet Explorer (IE). This means if you use IE to access the My Aged Care website, you will likely notice some features do not work, or are no longer available.

Disability Gateway now live

The Department of Social Services has launched a new service for Australians with disability, their families and carers, to find and access trusted disability support information and services.

COVID-19: what do I do if I need a vaccine?

If you’re an older person receiving aged care services, or care for someone receiving services, there is information available to you about the COVID-19 vaccine program for aged care. This includes older people who receive residential, in-home and community aged care.

New dementia support pilot launched

A new online tool, My Dementia Companion, is available to support family, friends and carers of people living with dementia. Initially, this is running as a six-week pilot.