Residential care - news and stories
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Read about what we heard in the Aged Care Worker Survey 2024. This feedback will help shape policies and programs to support and strengthen the aged care workforce.
17 December 2024
We have extended emergency leave for permanent aged care residents to 31 December 2025. This means residents can stay with family during a COVID-19 outbreak.
13 December 2024
From 1 January 2025, we are changing the maximum room price aged care providers can charge without approval.
9 December 2024
Parliament passed the Aged Care Bill on 25 November. This means a new Aged Care Act from July 2025 and a range of improvements.
25 November 2024
We're changing how we assign residential aged care places to give older people more choice and control.
4 November 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
More than 1,100 people attended a webinar hosted by the department on 9 May 2023, to learn more about the details of the proposed new model for regulating aged care and receive an update on the new Aged Care Act.
1 June 2023
In late 2022 we consulted widely on the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. Read about the insights and feedback we heard through this consultation.
1 June 2023
We sat down with Emeritus Professor Valerie Braithwaite, Professor of regulatory studies at the Australian National University and member of our Expert Advisory Panel, to find out why strong relationships are the key to regulating aged care.
25 May 2023
The National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program gives aged care providers and government insight into how aged care homes are performing, and where improvement is required. On 1 April 2023 the QI Program expanded its focus to capture 6 new crucial areas of care.
18 May 2023
My Health Record is a safe and secure place to save your health information online. It allows you and your healthcare providers to quickly and easily access information about your health including past test results, medications and treatments.
18 May 2023
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has released fact sheets to help you to know how to make changes to your food and dining experience and resolve any issues.
18 May 2023
The department recently hosted a webinar to share information about the new quality indicators introduced in residential aged care on 1 April 2023.
9 May 2023
We are seeking feedback on the details of the proposed regulatory model for aged care, and how it will be implemented.
April 2023
We’ve been consulting with stakeholders across aged care to develop a regulatory model that will support the sector to deliver high quality care to older people in Australia and introduces a better way of monitoring providers.
April 2023
If you are a family member or carer for an older person, you may be interested in new free online modules that provides practical and relevant information about aged care.
19 April 2023
The department hosted a webinar about Residents’ Experience Surveys to help prepare residential aged care providers for the annual 2023 Residents’ Experience Surveys. A recording of the webinar and Q&As are now available.
19 April 2023
Did you know that aged care providers must offer to set up a Consumer Advisory Body, for older people using their service? 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. Your feedback on the quality of care and services that you receive is important.
19 April 2023
A new booklet on reforming aged care in Australia is now available from the Department of Health and Aged Care website. The booklet is for older people and their carers and families who want to learn more about Australia’s aged care reforms and how they affect them. Read more to view or order a copy.
19 April 2023
The Department of Health and Aged Care is seeking feedback from aged care volunteers, volunteer managers, and providers to shape the future of aged care volunteering.
3 April 2023
Services Australia now provides Aged Care Specialist Officers in 80 service centres nationwide, ensuring older people have the support they need when making important decisions about aged care.
14 March 2023
The Serious Incident Response Scheme is designed to protect your rights to be safe and receive quality care. You can also contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission directly with concerns regarding aged care incidents.
14 March 2023
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is involved in improvements to the Aged Care Quality Standards. Revision of the Quality Standards was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
15 February 2023
A new factsheet on food and dining is now available for people living in residential aged care, their family members and advocates.
15 February 2023
Belinda works as an aged care quality manager. She shares why she applied for a scholarship to study nursing as a mature aged student, and how much she enjoys caring for older people.
6 February 2023
During October and November this year, we consulted with a wide range of people from across the aged care sector on the review of the Aged Care Quality Standards. We received your feedback and will be sharing a consultation summary report in early 2023.
21 December 2022
Star Ratings are now available to help you compare and choose an aged care home that’s right for you.
20 December 2022
The department surveyed people in the aged care sector, to measure the level of awareness of the aged care reforms. Read more about the outcomes of this survey, and how we will use the findings to improve the way we communicate about the reforms.
20 December 2022
My Aged Care in-person service rollout update
14 September 2022
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