Aged care in Australia has undergone its biggest reform in decades, with a new Aged Care Act reshaping how care is delivered, funded and regulated. The detail is significant and continues to bed in, so this guide covers the broad themes rather than fine print - always confirm current specifics through official sources.
A rights-based approach
A central theme of the reform is putting older people and their rights at the centre of the system, with a stronger statement of the rights every person receiving aged care can expect - around safety, dignity, choice and being heard. Our guide on your rights in aged care covers this in more detail.
Changes to in-home care
Support delivered in people's own homes has been reorganised into a new in-home care program, aimed at making it simpler to understand and better matched to individual needs. If you are weighing home support against a move, our guide on residential aged care vs home care may help.
Changes to fees and contributions
The reform also updated how some aged care fees and contributions work, particularly for people entering care under the new arrangements. Importantly, transition protections were built in so that many people already in care are not left worse off. Because fee rules are detailed and depend on individual circumstances and timing, this is an area to confirm carefully.
Stronger regulation
The changes strengthen quality standards and oversight, reinforcing the role of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in holding providers to account.
Please note: aged care rules are regularly updated and depend on your situation. For current, authoritative detail, use My Aged Care or speak with a qualified aged care adviser. To understand costs generally, see our guide to aged care costs.