News and updates

New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

Parliament passed the Aged Care Bill on 21 November which means the new Aged Care Act can start from 1 July 2025. It paves the way for a better, more capable system that puts the rights and needs of older people first.

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Important changes to your Home Care Package

The Australian Government is supporting an increase to aged care worker wages from 1 January 2025. If you receive a Home Care Package, this will mean an increase to your package subsidy.

Have your say on how Star Ratings are calculated

The way we calculate Star Ratings is changing and we want to know what you think. The Department will change the way some of the ratings are calculated, following the introduction of the new Aged Care Act anticipated on 1 July 2025.

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National Redress Scheme payments to be exempt from means testing

From 1 January 2025, payments made under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 (National Redress Scheme) will be excluded as an asset from the aged care means assessment for aged care homes.

Older person receiving advice from carer

Preparing for the new Aged Care Act

The new Aged Care Act will lead to major changes across the aged care system. Learn about what has happened since the Aged Care Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament in September and what is coming up next.

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.

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Spotlight: Am I eligible?

My Aged Care’s Eligibility checker can help you quickly find out if you meet the requirements to have an aged care assessment. You will be asked a few short questions to help My Aged Care better understand your situation. This will only take a few minutes to complete.

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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.

A photo of two older people communicating by sign language

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.

My Aged Care website and associated tools and portals maintenance: Saturday 23 November 2024 2:00pm – Sunday 24 November 2024 6:00pm (AEDT)

Due to scheduled maintenance, the Make a referral and Apply online tools will be unavailable on Saturday 23 November 2024 2:00pm – Sunday 24 November 2024 6:00pm (AEDT). The My Aged Care Online Account and associated portals will also be unavailable during this time.

National Redress Scheme payments to be exempt from means testing

Have your say on how Star Ratings are calculated

Important changes to your Home Care Package

The Australian Government is supporting an increase to aged care worker wages from 1 January 2025. If you receive a Home Care Package, this will mean an increase to your package subsidy.

New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

My Aged Care website and associated tools and portals maintenance: Saturday 9 November 12:45pm – Sunday 10 November 3:00pm (AEDT)

Due to scheduled maintenance, the Make a referral and Apply online tools will be unavailable on Saturday 9 November 12:45pm – Sunday 10 November 3:00pm (AEDT). The My Aged Care Online Account and associated portals will also be unavailable during this time.

Preparing for the new Aged Care Act

Star Ratings for aged care homes helps make your choice easier

Are you or a loved one considering an aged care home? Star Ratings can help you research and compare homes near you.

National Carer's Week

This week (13 – 19 October) is National Carers Week. This year’s theme ‘Millions of reasons to care’ raises awareness of the over 3 million Australians providing care for their partners, family members and friends.

International Day of Older Persons

Tuesday 1 October is International Day of Older Persons. The theme for this year is Ageing with Dignity: The importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.

Big changes to the aged care sector

This month was a milestone for aged care reform in Australia. The Australian Government introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament, announced reforms to funding and provided details of the Support at Home program. So, what do these changes mean for older Australians?

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.

News and updates

New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

Important changes to your Home Care Package

Have your say on how Star Ratings are calculated

National Redress Scheme payments to be exempt from means testing

Preparing for the new Aged Care Act

Protect yourself against scams

Spotlight: Am I eligible?

Spotlight: My Aged Care’s Help explorer

Improving access to free sign language interpreting and captioning services

My Aged Care website and associated tools and portals maintenance: Saturday 23 November 2024 2:00pm – Sunday 24 November 2024 6:00pm (AEDT)

National Redress Scheme payments to be exempt from means testing

Have your say on how Star Ratings are calculated

Important changes to your Home Care Package

New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

My Aged Care website and associated tools and portals maintenance: Saturday 9 November 12:45pm – Sunday 10 November 3:00pm (AEDT)

Preparing for the new Aged Care Act

Star Ratings for aged care homes helps make your choice easier

National Carer's Week

International Day of Older Persons

Big changes to the aged care sector

Dementia Action Week

Protect yourself against scams

2022 and 2023 Residents’ Experience Survey results are out

Provider finance information available on My Aged Care

Improving access to free sign language interpreting and captioning services

Report on the new Aged Care Act consultation now available

2024–25 Budget: Underpinning quality aged care

Reminder: update your financial details to ensure you are paying the right fees

Aged Care Star Ratings promote choice and quality

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