News and updates

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 at Home pricing changes
On the 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.

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.

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.

My Aged Care support plans now available in My Health Record
Your My Aged Care support plan can now be shared to your My Health Record within your myGov account.

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.

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.
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.
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).
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.
Program in focus: ACVVS
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 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 at Home pricing changes
On the 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.
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.
What to do in an emergency situation
We are aware that Tropical Cyclone Alfred may impact older people living in QLD and NSW. If you are in an emergency situation and require assistance, call 000 or the local emergency services as soon as you can. Aged care services must maintain quality care in an emergency situation.
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.
Webinar: Support at Home program update
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is hosting a free webinar to give older people, families and carers an update on the Support at Home program.
Updated information to help you find a provider
The latest provider finance data was added to the Find a provider tool on 20 February 2025. This information can help you compare and choose aged care providers.
Webinar: What the new Aged Care Act will mean for you
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a free webinar to take you through a summary of the new Aged Care Act roll out.
2025 Senior Australian of the Year
Congratulations to the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year, Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM!
My Aged Care support plans now available in My Health Record
Your My Aged Care support plan can now be shared to your My Health Record within your myGov account.
New single pathway for aged care assessments
As of 9 December, the new Single Assessment System will make it easier for you to enter aged care and access different services as your needs change.
New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament
Parliament passed the Aged Care Bill on 21 November which means the new Aged Care Act can start from 1 November 2025. It paves the way for a better, more capable system that puts the rights and needs of older people first.
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.
National Redress Scheme payments to be exempt from means testing
From 1 January 2025, payments made under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 (National Redress Scheme) will be excluded as an asset from the aged care means assessment for aged care homes.
Have your say on how Star Ratings are calculated
The way we calculate Star Ratings is changing and we want to know what you think. The Department will change the way some of the ratings are calculated, following the introduction of the new Aged Care Act anticipated on 1 July 2025.