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.

Dementia Action Week

This week is Dementia Action Week (16–22 September 2024) and the theme is ‘act now for a dementia friendly future’. Dementia Action Week is an annual initiative run by Dementia Australia. It aims to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

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.

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 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.

Important changes to your Home Care Package budget

If you receive a Home Care Package, you will notice some changes to your package budget from 1 July 2023. This article explains what the changes are how they may impact you.

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

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.

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.