Aged care in Australia is undergoing significant reform, with some exciting new changes on the horizon. The Aged Care Bill 2024 passed Parliament on 25 November 2024 and will become the new Aged Care Act 2024 from 1 July 2025.
The new Act offers a more person-centred, accessible and transparent model of service than ever before, which means improved services and support for all older Australians.
We’ve gathered the key information you need to understand the new Aged Care Act – what it’s all about, what it means for home care services and how it could benefit you or your family.
Why do we need a new Aged Care Act?
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that the current Aged Care Act is no longer fit for purpose. It was seen as being structured around the needs of providers and funding bodies, rather than the needs of the people accessing services. The new rights-based Act will place older people who need aged care services at the centre of the aged care system.
Focusing on Your Rights
The new Aged Care Act places a stronger focus on dignity, respect, and safety, holding aged care providers accountable for their actions and offering clear pathways for raising concerns if something goes wrong.
The clearer complaints and disputes process means you’ll know you’re being supported in a system that is committed to upholding your rights, which means peace of mind as you journey through the aged care system.
Statement of Rights: The new Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Rights, which outlines the rights of older people when accessing aged care services, and ensures their needs are always at the centre of decision-making.
Putting people first
The new system will put you – your choices, your needs, and your preferences – right at the centre of your care, giving you more say over the services you use and how your funding is spent. Whether you need support at home or are in residential care, the goal is for you to always feel valued and respected.
Recognising cultural diversity
The new Aged Care Act recognises the importance of ensuring sensitive and culturally appropriate services. Aged care providers will be encouraged to improve their cultural competency to ensure that care is delivered in a way that is appropriate to your needs and customs.
This means that whether you’re from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, a migrant community, or belong to another diverse group, the system will ensure your cultural needs are respected and met.
A New Support at Home Program
From 1 July 2025, the new Support at Home program will make it easier for older Australians to get the support they need to age well, and live safely and independently in their own homes for longer.
Fairer and Transparent Costs
The Government is making sure the cost of aged care is fair for everyone with new rules requiring providers to share clear pricing information, and a ban on hidden fees. Older Australians who need home care services will only pay for services after they’ve been delivered, and the Government will contribute to the cost, making it affordable for everyone.
Better Access to Information and Support
One of the key improvements of the new Aged Care Act is the emphasis on transparency and easy access to information. This means you’ll have clearer, more detailed information about your aged care options, providers, and funding, ensuring you can make well-informed decisions when choosing your aged care services.
Improved Quality of Care
The new Aged Care Act aims to raise the overall quality of care across the sector. A greater focus on quality standards, regular audits, and improved training for aged care workers will mean more consistent and higher quality services.
Your provider will be required to meet strict standards that not only improve your experience but also safeguard your health and well-being.
Additionally, the Act encourages regular feedback from consumers, so if something isn’t working for you, your voice can be heard, and necessary changes can be made. This ensures a continuous loop of improvement, which means you’ll have greater confidence in the care you receive.
Improved Protection for Consumers
The Inspector General of Aged Care will oversee the aged care system, ensuring it runs smoothly, and new regulations will include protections for whistleblowers, which means people can report bad practices without fear of retaliation.
Change is coming your way
The aged care reforms are a significant step forward in the provision of aged care in Australia and will ensure older Australians have the peace of mind that comes with knowing their needs will be met as they age.
As these changes begin to take effect, take the time to explore your options, ask questions, and connect with aged care professionals who can help you understand how these new laws can benefit you. And remember, you deserve care that not only meets your unique needs, but does so with respect, dignity, and compassion.
At LiveBetter, our caring and experienced team can help you navigate the changes that are coming to aged care.
To learn how we can help, call us on 1800 580 580 or visit our website at www.livebetter.org.au
