If you have a parent living in a residential aged care home or receiving support services at home, you may have heard about the upcoming Aged Care Act and the changes happening in the sector. If you're wondering what it all means, we're here to break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand.
Starting 1 July 2025, the new Aged Care Act will introduce key reforms aimed at enhancing quality, accessibility, and personalisation of aged care services.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Rights-based framework
The new Act introduces a rights-based framework for the delivery of aged care, focusing on the rights of individuals accessing these services.
A rights-based framework in aged care means that the legal foundation of the new Aged Care Act is built around protecting and upholding the human rights of older people who receive aged care services. Instead of just focusing on what services are provided, the system will now be centered on what older people are entitled to and how they should be treated.
How is this different from before?
Previously, aged care was largely service-based, meaning that the focus was on what care providers offered, how services were delivered, and how they met regulations. While there were standards in place, the rights of individuals were not always at the core of the system.
With the new rights-based approach, aged care will function more like other areas of law that protect human rights, such as disability care and healthcare. The Statement of Rights in the new Act makes it clear that older people must be treated with respect, dignity, and choice in every aspect of their care.
What does this mean for your mum or dad?
Your loved one will have stronger protection and more control over their care. They will have the legal right to:
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- Make their own decisions about their care and daily life.
- Have those decisions respected, not just accepted
- Receive high-quality care that meets their needs
- Be treated with dignity and respect at all times
- Stay connected to their community, culture, and identity.
- Feel safe and be free from any form of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment
- Get fair access to care services, regardless of background or personal circumstances.
How will this actually change their experience?
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- All aged care providers will need to actively uphold these rights, not just follow a checklist of services.
- If your parent feels disrespected, ignored, or unsafe, they will have clearer pathways to make complaints and have their issues resolved.
- There will be stronger oversight to ensure aged care providers follow these rights, with serious consequences for those who fail to do so.
- It will be easier for families and carers (like you) to advocate for better care, because the law will be on your side.
- In short, the new Aged Care Act shifts the power toward older Australians and their families, ensuring that aged care is about what they need and want, rather than just what providers offer.
2. Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
The reform strengthens the Aged Care Quality Standards, aiming to support older people to live in their homes longer and improve funding arrangements for residential aged care.
Find out more about the updated Aged Care Quality Standards and the changes you will see in aged care.
3. Improved home support services
The new Act includes a Support at Home program, which aims to provide needs-based support to help older Australians remain in their homes longer by providing help with clinical care, independence support, everyday living assistance, assistive technology, home modifications, restorative care pathways, and end-of-life support.
We will keep you updated with the latest information regarding the Support at Home program.
4. Financial contributions and sustainability
The reforms introduce changes to financial contributions, particularly affecting wealthier self-funded retirees and part-pensioners, to ensure the sustainability of the aged care system.
5. Improved access and reduced wait times
The government aims to reduce waitlists for ongoing care support, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary services promptly.
6. Better oversight and accountability
The new Act strengthens oversight and introduces a new regulator with investigative powers to ensure better and safer care for older Australians.
The new Aged Care Act is designed to place your loved one's rights and needs at the forefront, ensuring they receive respectful, individualised, and high-quality care, whether at home or in a residential setting. McLean Care can help navigate the service options available for your parents and provide them with the support they need.
