AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS
Final Strengthened Quality Standards Available
The final strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards are now available, and will begin from 1 November this year in line with the new Aged Care Act and new regulatory model. These standards set the benchmark for the expected quality that aged care services must deliver, including provider responsibilities and client rights.
Aged Care Resources and Training
There are a range of new resources and training opportunities available for aged care providers. This includes Support at Home program resources for in-home aged care providers, covering topics such as service agreements and business guidance on claims and payments. There are also resources available to support older people and their families and carers in understanding and navigating the new program. Free self-paced training modules are also available, on topics including assessment process, payment arrangements, and self-management. Additionally, there are modules regarding understanding and implementing the Aged Care Act 2024, as well as a checklist of training opportunities to keep track of progress.
Information for older people, their families and carers
Questions Answered from August Western Sydney Community Care Forum
A number of providers asked questions at the Western Sydney Community Care Forum in August during the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s aged care reform update presentation. The Department has responded and the answers to these questions are now available.
Volunteering in Aged Care Resources
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has compiled a list of resources for volunteering in aged care. Resources cover topics including upcoming changes under the new Aged Care Act, information about the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), and volunteer engagement and management processes. Contact [email protected] for any further questions or feedback.
Final Draft and Summary of New Aged Care Rules Available
The final draft of the new Aged Care Rules has been released, as well as a summary of key changes to the Rules. This follows public consultation which occurred between September 2024 and May 2025.
New Aged Care Act Communications Resources
In line with the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, several resources have been made available to communications practitioners working in aged care. These resources include toolkits, factsheets, and interpreted materials to help practitioners communicate with their audiences about the new Aged Care Act and Statement of Rights.
Upcoming Changes to Care Minutes Funding
Changes to the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding model will impact the delivery of care minutes for residential aged care. All non-specialised services in metropolitan areas (MM1) that do not meet their care minutes targets from October 2025 may have their funding reduced from April 2026. Full funding will only be given if care minutes targets are met. This Is to ensure that compliance with care minutes targets is maintained, and that residents receive the care time they require. Funding for specialised homelessness services; services in regional, rural and remote areas or allied health and lifestyle/recreational services will not be impacted.
Have Your Say: Aged Care Reform Sector Pulse Survey
The Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing is seeking feedback from people in the aged care sector, including but not limited to providers, assessors, and allied health professionals. This survey aims to collect feedback on how the aged care changes and reforms are going and people’s experience with the recent changes. Feedback will inform the Department’s response in order to improve communication, engagement, training and support as the aged care sector implements these changes. The survey closes on 7 September 2025.
