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.

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.

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).

Explore the OPAN self-advocacy toolkit

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has released a free self-advocacy toolkit. If you are looking into aged care services, the toolkit can give you the skills, information, and resources you need.

Spotlight: My Aged Care’s Help explorer

If you're unsure about what aged care services are available, it can help to read about people in similar situations and how they received help.

How you appoint a support person has changed

If you're planning for, or receiving, aged care services it can help to appoint a person to support you. You can now appoint an individual or an advocacy organisation to support you through the aged care process.

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.