Support at Home & Aged Care Reforms

New Implementation Date

The Australian Government has delayed the rollout of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program.

• Original start date: 1 July 2025

• New start date: 1 November 2025

This delay allows more time to finalise systems and ensure a smoother transition, following sector feedback.

Why These Changes Are Happening

The Royal Commission into Aged Care (2018–2021) revealed major issues with the current aged care system.

In response, the government is adopting 126 of the 148 recommendations, focusing on:

• Quality of care

• Safety

• Respect and dignity for older Australians

Most reforms will roll out between 2025 and 2027. Read the full announcement on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Free information session to discuss the upcoming aged care reforms with Burnie Brae's Head of Care Services, Aynsley Johnson. Book here.

New Aged Care Act

A new Aged Care Act will replace the existing legislation, putting older Australians at the centre of care from 1 November 2025. Ensuring your rights, dignity and voice are protected.

Key rights:

• To be treated with respect and independence

• To have your privacy protected

• To receive safe, high-quality care

• To speak up without fear of punishment

Strengthened Quality Standards

Quality Standards are the rules that aged care providers must follow from 1 November 2025. These are being updated to make them:

• Easier to understand

• More focused on your needs

• Aligned with the new Aged Care Act

The goal is to ensure you feel safe, supported and heard - no matter who is providing your care.

Whistleblower Protections

If someone witnesses unsafe or poor-quality care and reports it, they’ll be protected. New laws (effective from 1 Nov 2025) aim to reduce the fear of retaliation, improve confidentiality and offer multiple ways to report concerns

Supported Decision-Making

You can now formally nominate one or more people to support you in making decisions about your care and services from 1 November 2025. These supporters:

• Help you understand your options

• Respect your choices

• Promote your wellbeing

Note: This is different from a Power of Attorney.

A Better Complaints Process

A new independent Complaints Commissioner will oversee how complaints are managed across the aged care system - making the process clearer, more transparent and fairer for everyone.

Support at Home Funding Model

The Support at Home program will simplify and improve how in-home aged care is delivered and funded. This will replace the current Home Care Package program from 1 November 2025, and eventually the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

What’s changing?

• New care levels: from 1 to 8 (instead of 4)

• Up to $77,000 annually available depending on your needs

• A "no worse off" guarantee for clients receiving care before 12 September 2024
• Quarterly budget reviews, with savings capped at $1,000 or 10% each quarter

Income Testing

From 1 November 2025, all new clients will undergo income testing.

• Pensioners will pay less

• Self-funded retirees may contribute more (from 5% to 80%)

Privately Funded Home Care

You can also opt for privately funded care if preferred, which offers:

• Greater choice and flexibility

• More control over services

• Faster access (no waitlists)

• No income testing required

What’s Covered Under Support at Home?

Government funding can go towards:

• In-home care services

• Assistive technology (e.g. mobility aids)

• Home modifications

• End-of-life and restorative care

• Package management fees now included in provider pricing

• Care management fees capped at 10% of your budget

• Clearer guidelines on what’s included and excluded

If you have questions or concerns, you can contact:

• Older Persons Advocacy Network: 1800 700 600

• My Aged Care: 1800 200 422

• Contact Burnie Brae or speak with your aged care provider.