Big change is coming to Australia’s aged care system — but not without controversy.
In late 2024, the Australian Senate voted to launch two national inquiries into the government’s aged care reforms, specifically the transition to the new Support at Home (SaH) program expected to replace several existing services, including the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and parts of the Home Care Package system.
These inquiries respond to growing concerns from older Australians, their families, and aged care providers about:
- Possible reduction in care access
- Financial pressure on seniors due to increasing co-payments
- Delays and confusion caused by new assessment processes
- Provider readiness and capacity to deliver services
The Senate inquiries will examine whether this reform truly benefits older people — or whether it shifts risk and financial burden to those seeking support.
What Is Changing in Aged Care?
The Support at Home (SaH) program aims to create a single, simplified system for people needing support to stay at home. It consolidates:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Home Care Packages (HCP)
- Short-term restorative care and other related services
On paper, SaH promises:
- Less confusion
- Streamlined funding
- More flexibility in care planning
However, the Senate wants to determine whether those promises reflect reality.
Why Did the Senate Order an Inquiry?
The motion for inquiry was led by Senator Penny Allman-Payne, who raised major concerns about the reform process and the potential consequences for seniors and providers. She stated that the reforms may:
“financially harm older Australians while prioritising private provider profits.”
Many advocacy groups, including carers, health professionals, and organisations serving seniors, have echoed concerns around:
- Assessment wait times
- Co-payment rules
- Home modification funding limits
- Provider readiness and capacity challenges
The Senate inquiry seeks clarity in these exact areas.
Senate Inquiry #1: Transition to Support at Home
The first inquiry focuses on how the transition from CHSP to SaH will occur.
Key issues on the table include:
⏳ Assessment delays
Families are already waiting months — sometimes more than a year — for assessments under My Aged Care.
Adding a new assessment system increases uncertainty.
🏡 $15,000 funding cap on home modifications
Under SaH, home modifications such as ramps, bathroom changes, or safety installations may be capped.
For many older people, $15,000 is insufficient to make a home safe and accessible — especially in older houses or multi-level properties.
⚙️ Provider readiness
Are community and private providers financially ready?
Many organisations say that without clear information about funding models and operating rules, they cannot plan staffing, resourcing, or service continuity.
Senator Allman-Payne raised the alarm:
Providers are being asked to prepare for a system they do not yet understand.
Senate Inquiry #2: Access and Equity for Older Australians
The second inquiry evaluates how the new system impacts older people, especially regarding:
- Ability to live safely at home
- Financial pressure from new co-payment structures
- Impact on residential aged care if more seniors remain at home longer
🏠 Will seniors be safe living at home?
With more people supported at home instead of entering aged care homes, the question becomes:
Will SaH provide enough support to make living at home safe?
If services are delayed or limited, safety risks increase.
💰 Co-payments and financial pressure
Families fear changes will create hidden costs, shifting more expenses onto seniors.
For low-income seniors, even small contributions can be overwhelming.
📉 Flow-on impact to aged care homes
If seniors stay at home longer without adequate support, residential facilities may see later admissions at higher levels of care complexity — increasing pressure on staff and resources.
💭 The Bigger Question: Who Really Benefits?
Critics argue the reforms may be more advantageous to private providers than to seniors.
Risks include:
- Providers prioritising profitable services
- Cost-cutting measures that reduce care quality
- More administrative burden on families
Senator Allman-Payne accused Minister Sam Rae of misleading communication about how reforms would benefit seniors, stating:
The reforms appear “financially harmful” to older Australians.
Advocates argue that older people should not become collateral damage in structural reform.
What Families Need to Prepare For
With aged care transitioning into a rights-based framework — and at the same time undergoing structural reform — families need to be proactive.
✅ Step 1: Stay informed
Keep updated with changes through government websites and reputable organisations.
✅ Step 2: Prepare early
Do not wait for care needs to escalate.
Apply for assessment early — wait times are already long.
✅ Step 3: Compare providers carefully
Not all providers are equal in:
- Communication
- Pricing transparency
- Responsiveness
- Care quality
✅ Step 4: Document preferences and goals
In the new system, personal choice and preferences matter more than ever.
📊 What This Means For Older Australians
|
Concern |
What It Could Mean Under Support at Home |
|
Longer wait times for assessment |
Delayed access to essential care |
|
$15,000 cap on modifications |
Reduced safety or forced move to residential care |
|
Co-payments |
Increased financial burden |
|
Provider readiness issues |
Inconsistent care or limited service availability |
Understanding these risks helps families make informed decisions.
Why These Inquiries Matter
This is more than a political debate.
It is an acknowledgement that older Australians deserve transparency, accountability, and respect.
The Senate inquiry ensures:
- The government answers tough questions
- Providers are held accountable
- The rights of older people are prioritised
Reform should never compromise care.
Navigating Aged Care Doesn’t Need to Be Overwhelming
Aged care changes can feel confusing — especially with multiple programs being replaced or restructured. Families worry about:
- Choosing the right provider
- Understanding fees
- Knowing who to trust
Having someone guide you through the process makes a difference.
🌱 SSCA — Free Care Finding Support (appears only at the end, as required)
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) in Melbourne, we believe that good care begins with listening.
Our role is simple:
We help older Australians and families choose the right aged care provider — for free.
Our care finding support includes:
- Helping families understand aged care options
- Comparing providers
- Matching individual needs, preferences, and location
No stress.
No confusion.
No cost.