Read the latest news on how we are transforming aged care across Australia.
Featured story
We are making positive, lasting changes to aged care to put your rights and needs first.
18 November 2024
News and stories
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We are increasing the value of Home Care Packages on 1 January 2025. This is to cover the Fair Work Commission's decision to increase wages for some aged care workers.
20 November 2024
The 2025 Senior Australian of the Year state and territory award recipients have been announced.
20 November 2024
There's lots to consider when choosing an aged care provider. The My Aged Care 'Find a Provider' tool can help you find a provider that meets your needs.
20 November 2024
We are making positive, lasting changes to aged care to put your rights and needs first.
18 November 2024
We want to hear from you on the Rules for the new Aged Care Act. See the timeline showing when you can give feedback on different topics.
18 November 2024
Val Fell is a New South Wales member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. Supporting and advocating for people living with dementia and those that care for them is what drives Val's day to day activities.
15 November 2024
We're changing how we assign residential aged care places to give older people more choice and control.
4 November 2024
The Australian Government's digital ID app, myGovID, is changing its name to myID. It will look different, but you can still use it to access government services online.
22 October 2024
Are you or a loved one considering residential aged care? Star Ratings can help you research and compare aged care homes near you.
17 October 2024
Kate Thwaites is the Federal Member for Jagajaga and the new Assistant Minister for Ageing. Find out why she pursued a career in government, what she sees as the biggest challenges facing older people and what positive ageing means to her.
17 October 2024
Are you thinking about accessing government-funded aged care services? You can find out about the types of care available and how to apply on the My Aged Care website.
17 October 2024
We're introducing 3 new staffing quality indicators for residential aged care. This means we'll measure more areas of care that affect a resident's health and wellbeing.
17 October 2024
We are increasing daily care minutes in aged care homes from 1 October, helping older people get more direct care.
24 September 2024
From 1 October 2024, the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) price will be increased to $280.01. This means an increase of 13% in provider's average daily funding which will help meet the increase to 215 care minutes.
24 September 2024
We asked for feedback on creating an Aged Care Quality Indicator Program for in-home aged care services. Read about what we heard.
23 September 2024
We're supporting further award wage increases for many aged care workers as part of the Fair Work Commission's decision. Increases will begin from 1 January 2025.
23 September 2024
See how much aged care homes are spending on care, food and wages. You can find information about your aged care providers' on the My Aged Care website.
17 September 2024
The Government has introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament. Read about this proposed new law and what will happen next.
12 September 2024
More medicines can now be supplied in a quantity to last you for 60 days. This saves you money and trips to the pharmacy. Speak to your health professional to see if you are eligible.
16 September 2024
This Dementia Action Week (16 - 22 September 2024), we're encouraging everyone to learn more about dementia and how we can create more supportive communities.
16 September 2024
We are aware of scammers pretending to be aged care providers and targeting older people and their families. Learn what to watch out for and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
September 2024
We asked for feedback about expanding the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program to include 3 staffing indicators. Read about what we heard and what happens next.
28 August 2024
We're partnering with libraries across Australia to host an aged care information hub. You can visit these hubs to learn about the changes to aged care.
19 August 2024
The experiences of older people living in aged care homes give important insights into the quality of services received. Find out what we heard in the 2022 and 2023 Residents' Experience Survey.
19 August 2024
Services Australia has made it easier to get your Home Care Package letters. Find out about the changes and how to get your letters online.
12 August 2024
Major telecommunication providers will switch off their 3G networks on 28 October. All 3G enabled devices will be affected, including personal medical or alert alarms. You will need to check if your device is affected ahead of time.
12 August 2024
This Aged Care Employee Day, we say thanks to the more than 500,000 aged care employees who work tirelessly to support over 1.5 million older people receiving care in Australia.
7 August 2024
Monthly Care Statements are an easy-to-read summary of the care and services people living in aged care homes receive. We are encouraging all aged care homes to offer Monthly Care Statements from 1 October 2024.
4 August 2024
Margaret Walsh is a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. Margaret lives in Western Australia and is committed to inclusion and advocating for the rights of older people.
4 August 2024
Jim Carey is a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. He lives in an aged care home in Sydney, New South Wales. Currently in his 90s, Jim remains an active volunteer and aged care advocate.
4 August 2024
Gwenda is a Palawa woman and member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. She lives in New South Wales and is a committed advocate for an aged care system that provides choice and control for older people.
4 August 2024
The National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines have been introduced. The Principles and Guidelines outline the many ways to improve aged care home design and improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
15 July 2024
Professor John McCallum is a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. John now lives in Canberra and is an advocate for ageing and aged care issues. He is passionate about the issues for older people living longer while maintaining quality of life.
15 July 2024
We are making improvements to technology systems to make it easier for people to connect to aged care services. Our new Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy was launched on 4 July 2024.
15 July 2024
Thank you for your response to the first Aged Care Reforms Survey for Older People in 2024. Your feedback will help us better inform you about the changes happening in aged care.
10 July 2024
Residential aged care homes can now have pharmacists working regularly on-site to review residents' medications and ensure these are used in a safe and appropriate way.
10 July 2024
Age continues to be the biggest risk factor for severe cases of COVID-19 and influenza. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death.
10 July 2024
We asked for feedback on the draft National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines for residential aged care. Read about what we heard and what happens next.
10 July 2024
Read about what we heard in the third Aged Care Sector Pulse Survey.
9 July 2024
We are establishing a Single Assessment System to make it easier for people to access aged care and adapt services as their needs change.
1 July 2024
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme payment recently increased. This means eligible people can access more money to help with the costs of buying continence products.
1 July 2024
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released its latest complaints report about aged care home services.
17 June 2024
The 32 recommendations of the Capability Review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have been accepted by Government.
17 June 2024
If you are 65 years or older, you can get a free influenza vaccine. Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against the flu.
17 June 2024
Nominate an inspiring older person or someone making a difference to the lives of older people for a 2025 Australian of the Year Award.
17 June 2024
Gillian Groom is the Tasmanian member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. Gillian is passionate about people being supported and empowered to lead meaningful lives as they age.
7 June 2024
We are making it easier for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people to access free sign language interpreting and captioning services. From 1 July 2024, the National Sign Language Program will include support for health and medical appointments.
7 June 2024
The Department of Health and Aged Care has created a model pack to help providers prepare for their care time reporting assessment.
30 May 2024
Older people, their families and carers will benefit from the 2024-25 Budget. There is more funding for the aged care system. This will mean faster access to in-home care, a stronger workforce and better links between aged care and health systems.
29 May 2024
National Palliative Care Week is a reminder that it’s never too soon to start the conversation about matters of life and death.
20 May 2024
We are excited to announce the winners of the ‘Reimagining Where We Live’ design ideas competition. The competition called on architects and designers to envision aged care accommodation of the future.
17 May 2024
2024 State and Territory Senior Australian of the Year recipients share their favourite things about ageing and what advice they would give to their younger selves.
15 May 2024
In February 2024, in-home aged care providers participated in a series of online workshops to help refine the new Support at Home program. Read what we heard and find out our next steps.
26 April 2024
Are your personal and financial details up to date with Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs? Services Australia reviews aged care fees about once a month to check you are paying the right amount for your current circumstances.
15 April 2024
Are you over 65 years old or severely immunocompromised? You can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine every six months.
15 April 2024
We have updated our booklet on the changes to aged care in Australia, which you can order or download from our website.
15 April 2024
Caring for someone who is dying can be difficult. Families and friends often play an important role in providing day-to-day care. CarerHelp has free online resources to help you care for someone nearing the end of their life.
12 April 2024
The department is conducting assessments to check on the accuracy of care minutes and 24/7 Registered Nurse information reported by residential aged care homes. This ensures transparency and trust in the reports that inform Star Ratings.
4 April 2024
The report by the Aged Care Taskforce has now been published and includes 23 recommendations.
15 March 2024
Have you thought about the care you would like to receive if you become seriously ill? Advance care planning helps to ensure your health care preferences are known and respected if you can’t speak for yourself.
15 March 2024
The Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner wants to hear from you on improving care for older First Nations people across the aged care system.
15 March 2024
The My Aged Care website ‘Find a Provider’ tool now shows information about how much aged care providers are spending on care, food, wages and more.
7 March 2024
10 Questions to Ask is a series of leaflets written by nurses, doctors and experts with experience in aged care. Use these leaflets to make sure you ask the right questions about residential aged care.
21 February 2024
Do you live in a residential aged care home? What do you think about the care you’re getting? You can tell us what you think in our Residents’ Experience Survey.
21 February 2024
Public consultation on the draft new Aged Care Act has been extended to 8 March 2024. Have your say and help shape Australia’s aged care system.
14 February 2024
Thank you for your response in the latest 2023 Aged Care Reforms Survey for older people. Your feedback will help us better inform you about aged care reforms.
31 January 2024
We have released a draft of the new Aged Care Act for feedback. You can get involved in our consultation by attending an in-person workshop, completing a survey online or over the phone, or sending us an email or letter.
18 January 2024
Emergency leave for COVID-19 has been extended to 31 December 2024. This means that aged care residents can stay with family during a COVID-19 outbreak without paying extra fees.
18 January 2024
A refreshed membership has been announced for the National Aged Care Advisory Council.
18 January 2024
You’re invited to participate in a study which aims to improve the wellbeing of older people who receive residential care or Home Care Packages.
15 January 2024
All the information you need about volunteering in aged care is now in one place. If you’re an older person or volunteer, check out the new webpage today.
15 January 2024
Andrea Kelly has been appointed as the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. This role will encourage culturally safe, tailored and flexible aged care services for First Nations people.
11 January 2024
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Advisory Council provides expert advice on the functions of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner. Andrea Coote has been reappointed to the Advisory Council, and Professor Valerie Braithwaite has been newly appointed.
9 January 2024
The Medical Costs Finder is a website which helps you find the typical costs of private specialist medical services.
9 January 2024
We’re pleased to announce a new term and appointment of members for the Aged Care Council of Elders.
20 December 2023
We’ve released the feedback from public consultations on the new model for regulating aged care.
5 January 2024
We held a webinar for aged care providers to hear practical advice to support quality improvement activities and achieve better outcomes for residents. Find out what we heard.
15 December 2023
We have been consulting with residential, home care and retirement living providers on the future of the aged care market Read about the consultation and what we heard.
15 December 2023
If you need support to make decisions about aged care, Aged Care Specialist Officers can help you. You can now make an appointment in person or via video chat.
14 December 2023
