Read the latest news on how we are transforming aged care across Australia.
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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
News and stories
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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
Christmas, summer and the festive season is a time many of us spend with our family and friends. Make sure you know the basics and protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19.
14 December 2023
We are committed to delivering in-home aged care that will help older people, their families and carers. The new Support at Home program will be delivered in two stages to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of care.
14 December 2023
If you have concerns or questions about the food and dining experience in aged care homes, you can now call a dedicated hotline.
16 November 2023
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) covers some of the cost of products that help you manage incontinence. Find out about eligibility, how to apply and what you can claim.
8 November 2023
People aged 65 years and over can now access free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from serious illness caused by shingles.
8 November 2023
In August 2023, we ran a public submission process for the Aged Care Taskforce on the draft aged care funding principles. Read what we heard and find out our next steps.
6 November 2023
The draft National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines aim to make aged care homes a better place to live.
19 October 2023
In August and September 2023, we ran consultations on the proposed foundations of the new Aged Care Act. Read about what we heard from you, and our next steps.
17 October 2023
The department has partnered with the Australian Library and Information Association to share information about changes to aged care.
16 October 2023
If you’re an older person receiving Government-funded aged care services, you may be interested in regular visits from a volunteer who will provide friendship and companionship.
16 October 2023
Respite care is when someone else takes care of your loved one, so you can have a break. It’s available to support older people and their carers when they need it.
16 October 2023
On 1 October 2023, ‘care minutes’ became mandatory in aged care homes across Australia. Older people will now receive the dedicated care time they need for everything from essential medical treatment to help with daily activities.
16 October 2023
Did you know age continues to be the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease? Find out the latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
22 September 2023
Over 4,000 people attended our fourth webinar on the reforms to in-home aged care on 18 May 2023. Read what we heard and find out our next steps.
22 September 2023
This week (18 – 24 September 2023) is Dementia Action Week, a national awareness-raising campaign to challenge common misconceptions about dementia. Find out how you can get involved.
20 September 2023
If you are a family member, volunteer or carer for an older person, you may be interested in free online modules that provide practical and relevant information about aged care.
20 September 2023
All aged care homes must have a registered nurse available to care for residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can now see how each aged care home in Australia is meeting their 24/7 registered nursing responsibility by visiting our website.
20 September 2023
Results from our Volunteers in Aged Care survey suggests there are opportunities to better meet the needs of aged care volunteers and volunteer managers.
15 September 2023
Scholarships for nurses, personal care workers and allied health professionals working in aged care.
15 September 2023
We’re improving the quality of life for people in aged care homes through food and nutrition initiatives.
17 August 2023
The latest update to Star Ratings shows quality in aged care homes is improving.
17 August 2023
The Council on the Ageing (COTA) and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) are hosting in-person consultation forums across Australia. The forums will give you the opportunity to give feedback in a safe and inclusive setting.
17 August 2023
Dr Kay Patterson AO has always had a strong interest in issues affecting older people. Kay recently spoke at the National Press Club of Australia about what needs to be done to protect the rights and wellbeing of all Older people, and some of the challenges that still lie ahead. “We can build a better cultural inheritance for an ageing Australian and, in fact, we must.”
17 August 2023
StepUp for Dementia Research connects people to researchers studying dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
25 July 2023
Aged care homes must now have at least one registered nurse available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so residents have access to the care they need, when they need it.
25 July 2023
More support soon available for carers and people living with dementia through dementia-specific respite services.
25 July 2023
An inspiring intergenerational art exhibition is breaking down age barriers and creating images that capture the spirit of a generation.
25 July 2023
A Consumer Advisory Body gives you another avenue to have a say in the quality of the care and services you receive, by providing feedback to those running your aged care service. Hear from Maggie, Jo and Jan as they talk about their experience on their advisory body.
25 July 2023
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released a new fact sheet to help you understand your right to make choices about food and drink.
25 July 2023
The latest results to the second Aged Care Sector Pulse Survey are in. The survey provides valuable insights into the sector’s adoption, preparedness and awareness of aged care reforms, their confidence in the reforms and their communication needs.
14 July 2023
For more than 40 years, Danijela Hlis has supported people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through her work as an interpreter and translator. As a Member of the Council of Elders, she continues to support CALD communities and is passionate about making sure people’s needs are understood and met as changes are made to the aged care system.
9 June 2023
The Australian Government has released the aged care reform roadmap to provide an indicative timeline for key reform elements. Our aim is to help the sector understand what’s coming, be involved in reforms and prepare for the changes ahead to improve aged care.
9 June 2023