If you’re receiving care at home or supporting someone who is — it's important to know that from November 1st 2025, changes to Australia’s aged care system came into effect.
Change can feel overwhelming, but here’s the good news: this isn’t about confusion or chaos. It’s about creating a system that offers better support, more choice, and care that fits your lifestyle.
So, What’s Actually Happened?
A brand‑new law for aged care
From November 1st 2025, The New Aged Care Act was introduced — putting the rights of older people front and centre. The goal is to create a system that’s fairer, simpler, and gives seniors the freedom to make choices that suit them best.[1] Some changes include:
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A Statement of Rights — so older Australians know exactly what they’re entitled to, and providers know what’s expected.
- Tighter regulations around quality and safety, especially in home and community care.
- A new system for home‑based care (and other services) called the Support at Home program, designed to make accessing everyday services much easier.
What is the "Support at Home" Program?
Replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care schemes, the Support at Home program is a way to access services like:
- Personal care (such as bathing and dressing)
- Domestic help (such as cleaning, shopping and meal prep)
- Transport, mobility, and social networking
- Home modifications and assistive technology
The aim is to make home care simpler, more flexible, and tailored to what you need.
For older Australians who were approved for a HCP before 12 September 2024, they’ll transition without losing their current funding level.[2] It's important to note that with these new reforms, prices to select services may change — you can visit My Aged Care or use their fee estimator to find out more.
Why This Matters for You (and Your Routine)
Navigating health, home, family, and support all at once can be challenging. These changes aren’t meant to add more stress — they’re meant to make life a little easier.
These updates are designed to:
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Give you more say: The reforms focus is on you — not just what’s “on offer”. You decide who provides your care and how it's delivered.
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Have one system: Instead of lots of different programs with overlapping rules, you have one that's in charge of it all.
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Tailor to home support: If you want to stay at home, you can. From personal care to transport, to everyday tasks — there's added flexibility. It's more than just medical help.
For Carers and Families
If you’re a carer, this might feel like another layer of admin on top of everything else. But here’s the truth: this change is for you too.
With clearer funding and better service standards, you’ll spend less time chasing answers — and more time actually supporting your loved one.
Plus, providers will now need to be more transparent, responsive, and person-centred in how they operate.
Common Questions Answered
Has my care stopped after the change?
No. Existing care continues. If you had a HCP, you’d have transitioned under your current conditions, as long as it was approved before 12 September 2024.
Do I now have to pay more?
Possibly — but not always. It depends on when you were approved, as well as your income and assets. Make sure to speak with your provider to see how the changes may have affected you financially.
How do I know which provider to use?
Under the new model, providers must meet clearer standards. Seek one that understands your goals, listens to your needs and puts you first.
Your Care, Your Voice
Reforms shouldn’t feel like something that tells you what to do. They should empower you: your choices, your life, your daily comfort.
It’s okay to feel cautious. It’s okay to ask questions. You’ve got a right to understand what’s happened — and to feel heard.
Because when aged care works with you, not against you — you feel supported and looked after. And that's what you deserve.