AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS
Transition Deadlines for Support at Home Providers
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published information for providers including deadlines for the requirements needed to make the transition into Support at Home. Providers need to finalise all Home Care Package claims by 30 November. Support at Home claims begin on 1 December. Common prices for each service must be updated between 1 and 30 January 2026, with changes lodged within 30 days. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme data collection must be undertaken by February 2026.
The Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2025 provide a period in which providers will not be in breach of their conditions of registration if finalising service agreements or variations after 1 November 2025. As part of the Rules, participants will need to finalise their service agreement or variation within 90 days of their individual contribution rate determination being made. This means providers will need to engage with participants to begin finalising or varying their service agreement within 30 days of their individual contribution rate determination being made.
Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2025
Toolkit: Explaining Changes to Aged Care Residents
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has developed this collection of resources to assist providers in communicating the Aged Care Act changes to aged care residents. This toolkit covers topics such as choice and control, contributions, the Statement of Rights, and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Aged Care Act 2024 Training and Education Catalogue
This catalogue details the learning modules, webinars, and other resources available to upskill aged care providers and workers in matters relating to the Aged Care Act 2024. Each section is categorised by key learning areas under the Act, and is a useful starting point for providers to build on their knowledge and skills. Training is not mandatory but highly recommended. For guidance on how to use this catalogue, refer to the Guide to Creating a Workforce Training Plan – Building Workforce Capability for the Aged Care Act 2024.
Questions Answered: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing hosted a webinar on 21 October regarding the aged care changes beginning from 1 November. The consolidated questions have now been published and are available for viewing.
The Department also presented information on the aged care changes at the Western Sydney Community Care Leaders Forum as well as the Blacktown-Hills Community Care Forum. The questions taken on notice at these forums have also now been answered and are available for reading.
New My Aged Care Website
A new My Aged Care website was launched on 1 November to coincide with the commencement of the new Aged Care Act. This website makes it easier for older people, their families and carers to navigate the aged care system, find providers, estimate fees, and more.
Aged Care Regulatory Model
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has introduced a new aged care regulatory model as part of the new Aged Care Act. The Department has developed a website outlining what the regulatory model is, how it works, and videos and other guidance to support the sector as well as older people.
CHSP Overview & Reforms: Ageing Australia Resources
Ageing Australia has compiled a collection of resources to assist CHSP providers to be reform ready. These resources include a Q&A document with information on transitional arrangements for CHSP providers, and guidance on DEX reporting process and data requirements.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Reform Resources
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has a collection of resources available to help improve access to culturally safe aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The videos, fact sheets, case studies, and other information outline the services and supports that are available, as well as what the impact of the aged care reforms will be for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families and communities.
Two New Senate Inquiries on Aged Care Reforms
Two new inquiries will be established and will look into the impact of the aged care reforms. The first will focus on the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and the second will focus on the Support at Home Program’s co-payment funding model. These inquiries are in response to concerns about the new aged care reforms failing to sufficiently and appropriately support older Australians.
Support at Home: Key Messaging for Older People on Service Agreements
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has developed a resource to outline key messages regarding service agreements that may improve understanding for older people transitioning from Home Care Package care to Support at Home. This service agreement discusses the establishment of service agreements, participant contributions and prices, as well as further information and support.
Support at Home: Key messaging for older people on service agreements
Support at Home Workshop: Developing Growth Strategies
When: 27 November, 2.30pm-4.00pm
Where: Online
How much: Free
EY will be hosting a Support at Home online workshop as part of the Aged Care Business and Workforce Advisory program, to aid providers in the transition to Support at Home which began on 1 November. This workshop, part of a series of workshops, aims to identify opportunity for organisational growth, including sharing tips, information, and guidance to providers regarding key areas of concern identified through the Aged Care Business and Workforce Advisory Service.
