Australia is entering a new era of aged care reform. With the Aged Care Act 2025 and the Support at Home Program set in motion, these landmark changes redefine how older Australians access, choose, and experience care.
The reforms aim to ensure that aged care is not just about services — but about rights, dignity, and personal choice. At the heart of these changes is a commitment to empowering older people to live the way they choose, supported by systems that respect their individuality and safeguard their wellbeing.
This article breaks down what these changes mean for older Australians, families, and caregivers — and how you can navigate them confidently.
Why a New Aged Care Act Was Needed
For years, the aged care system has faced significant challenges — from workforce shortages to inconsistent care quality and limited consumer choice.
In 2018, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety exposed systemic weaknesses and called for urgent reform. Its findings made one thing clear: older Australians deserve a system that treats them with respect, ensures transparency, and upholds their human rights.
The new Aged Care Act 2025 responds directly to these recommendations, focusing on quality, accountability, and empowerment. Instead of viewing older people as passive recipients, the system now recognises them as active participants in their care journey.
A Rights-Based Approach: Dignity at the Core
The cornerstone of the new Act is a Statement of Rights — a set of legally enforceable principles that ensure every older Australian can live with dignity, safety, and independence.
These rights include:
- The right to make choices about your care and daily life
- The right to feel safe and respected
- The right to access culturally appropriate and inclusive services
- The right to express your needs, preferences, and identity without discrimination
This shift from a “provider-focused” to a person-centred model means older Australians now have a stronger voice and greater protection if their care falls short of expectations.
The Support at Home Program: Simplifying Care Access
From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home Program will replace the existing Home Care Packages, Commonwealth Home Support Programme, and other in-home aged care services.
This new model aims to create one streamlined, easy-to-understand system for people who wish to remain independent at home.
Key benefits of Support at Home:
- Simplified funding: Instead of multiple overlapping programs, there will be one unified funding model that reduces administrative confusion.
- Tailored support: Care plans will be more flexible and aligned with personal needs, whether that’s meal delivery, mobility assistance, or clinical care.
- Stronger accountability: Providers must meet stricter reporting and quality standards under the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission oversight.
- Empowerment through choice: Consumers can choose who provides their care, how it’s delivered, and where — giving them real control over their daily life.
How the New Funding System Works
Under the new framework, government subsidies will be directly linked to each person’s assessed needs and care plan. Instead of navigating multiple application processes, consumers will undergo one standardised assessment pathway via My Aged Care.
The funding will cover three primary categories:
- Daily Living Supports – such as cleaning, transport, and shopping assistance.
- Health and Clinical Care – including nursing, physiotherapy, or medication management.
- Home Modifications and Technology – such as ramps, grab rails, or digital monitoring tools to enhance safety.
This flexible approach ensures older Australians can adapt their support as their circumstances change — without losing control of their budget or care choices.
Ensuring Accountability: Stronger Regulation and Oversight
The new Aged Care Act introduces stronger compliance requirements for all providers. Every organisation delivering services under the Support at Home program must now be:
- Formally registered with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and
- Compliant with the updated Aged Care Quality Standards (2025).
The updated Quality Standards include:
- Consumer dignity and choice
- Ongoing assessment and planning
- Personal and clinical care
- Services and supports for daily living
- Organisation’s service environment
- Feedback and complaints handling
- Human resources
- Governance, accountability, and continuous improvement
Providers that fail to meet these expectations will face increased scrutiny and possible penalties, ensuring consistency and safety across the sector.
A Safer, More Transparent Complaints System
A major concern identified by the Royal Commission was the lack of accessible complaint mechanisms for older Australians and their families.
The new Act addresses this through a restructured independent complaints process, empowering individuals to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will oversee investigations, enforce corrective actions, and ensure that all complaints are handled fairly and promptly.
Transparency will also increase through public reporting — allowing consumers to compare provider performance, star ratings, and compliance records on the My Aged Care platform.
Building an Inclusive and Culturally Safe System
Australia’s aged care landscape serves a diverse population — including multicultural communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, and LGBTQ+ seniors.
The new reforms recognise that cultural identity and language matter when it comes to care. Providers will now be required to:
- Deliver culturally appropriate and language-inclusive services.
- Train staff in cultural competence and inclusive communication.
- Engage with communities to ensure care plans reflect individuals’ beliefs, traditions, and values.
This ensures that every older person, regardless of background, feels respected and understood.
Empowering Families and Carers
The new system acknowledges that families and unpaid carers play a vital role in aged care. Under the reforms, they will receive more support through:
- Access to clearer information about their loved one’s rights and care plan.
- Involvement in decision-making processes, ensuring care choices reflect the person’s wishes.
- Improved respite and training opportunities, helping family members maintain their own wellbeing while providing care.
How Older Australians Can Prepare for the Change
As the transition to Support at Home approaches, there are several practical steps individuals and families can take:
✅ 1. Review your current care plan
Talk to your existing provider to ensure your care plan and funding align with your current needs.
✅ 2. Stay informed
Regularly check updates from My Aged Care and the Department of Health and Aged Care to understand how your services will transition.
✅ 3. Compare providers early
Research and shortlist potential home care providers ahead of the November 2025 transition.
✅ 4. Seek expert guidance
Understanding your funding, rights, and provider obligations can be complex. Free, professional advice — such as care finding support — can make the process much easier.
Looking Ahead: What These Reforms Mean for the Future
The Aged Care Act 2025 and Support at Home Program represent more than just policy updates — they mark a cultural shift in how we view ageing in Australia.
This transformation moves aged care towards a rights-based, inclusive, and person-led model, where older Australians are empowered to make decisions, maintain independence, and live with dignity.
With improved transparency, stronger safeguards, and greater flexibility, this new system lays the foundation for a future where ageing is celebrated — not feared.
How SSCA Can Help You Navigate the Change
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we know that understanding these reforms and choosing the right home care provider can be overwhelming.
With over 25 years of experience in the aged care sector, our team specialises in helping older Australians and their families find trusted, government-approved providers that match their individual needs — free of charge.
Our Care Finding Service simplifies your journey by:
- Matching your preferences, location, and budget with reliable providers.
- Helping you understand your funding and eligibility.
- Supporting you through every step — from initial research to onboarding.
We believe that every senior deserves choice, respect, and clarity when navigating Australia’s aged care system.
To learn more or request free guidance, visit our website or contact our team today.
Final Thoughts
The new Aged Care Act isn’t just about legislation — it’s about restoring voice, dignity, and trust to the people who built this nation.
Change can feel daunting, but with the right information and support, older Australians and their families can approach this new era with confidence and hope.
Aged Care is Changing in 2025: Your Rights, Your Choice, Your Control