News and updates

Support person cooking for an older Australian

Support at Home pricing changes

On the 1 July 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.

Webinar: Support at Home program update

The Department of Health and Aged Care 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.

Illustration of a service provider assessing an older Australian's aged care needs

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.

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.

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.

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.

The new Support at Home program planned to start 1 July 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.

How we’re improving Home Care Package charges

Important changes are coming to Home Care Package charges on 1 January 2023. The changes will bring more transparency to how providers charge and set limits on care and package management prices.

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.

Help reduce administration and management charges in your Home Care Package

If you or a loved one has a Home Care Package, the Department of Health and Aged Care needs your feedback on the services and charges included in your package. This is so the department can find ways to reduce the amount of money used for administration and management costs.

Service providers to be verified for specialised services

We are implementing a new verification process for service providers that provide specialised care for specific communities. This process will help ensure Australians with diverse aged care needs can find safe and inclusive care that best suits them.

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.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Have your say on aged care reform in Australia

We invite everyone to continue to have their say about the aged care reforms. There are plenty of opportunities for you to stay informed and have your say through surveys, webinars, online workshops, consultation papers and face-to-face events.