Aged Care Reforms

As of 1 November 2025, Australia’s new rights-based Aged Care Act places older people’s rights at the centre of every decision, introduces tougher quality standards and expands options to receive clinical care at home or in residential care. Home Care Packages have transitioned into the Support at Home program, and the way residential fees are calculated has changed to better reflect individual care needs and financial circumstances.

As of 1 November 2025, clinical services (such as nursing and allied health) are fully subsidised, while day-to-day living support is paid through a mix of government subsidy and means-tested client contributions. In residential care, accommodation and “hotel-style” services now use updated caps and contribution rules. The exact amount you pay depends on an independent assessment of your income, assets and care needs. Anglicare can step you through your options.

The reforms reflect broader government changes to the aged care sector which came into effect on 1 November 2025. These changes included an updated Aged Care Act (Aged Care Act 2024), clearer aged care rights, and stronger safeguards for quality and safety. Support at Home funding replaced Home Care Packages, providers are required to be more transparent about fees and services, and workers benefit from wage and training improvements. For Anglicare clients, this means clearer information, greater choice in how support is delivered and a stronger focus on dignity and independence.

For pensioners, reforms mainly affect how much you contribute rather than whether you can access care. Means-testing now looks closely at income and assets when working out co-payments for home support and everyday living costs in residential care. Government policy aims to protect people with low means while keeping the system sustainable. Anglicare can help you understand how the new rules take into account your Age Pension or Carer Payments.