News and updates

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 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.

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.

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.

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 Home Care Package costs checker now live

The Find a provider tool has been updated to make it easier for people to view and compare costs information.

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.

Grief and trauma support for older Australians impacted by COVID-19

If you receive, work or care for someone in aged care and need grief or trauma support due to COVID-19, there is government help available. Support includes counselling, information on self-care, resources, and advocacy services. There are also specific services for carers and people living with dementia.

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.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

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.