Ensuring the future of quality aged care
18 Sep 2024
The Australian Government has: - introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament
- released its response to the Aged Care Taskforce
- announced details of the Support at Home program.
The Aged Care Bill 2024 is for a new Aged Care Act – the main law that sets out how the aged care system operates. This new law will:
- improve the lives of older people accessing aged care services in their homes, community settings and residential aged care homes
- encourage aged care providers to deliver high-quality care.
The $5.6 billion investment and reform package in response to the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce will:
- ensure the viability and quality of aged care
- support older people to remain independent at home as they age.
1.4 million older people in Australia will benefit from the new Support at Home program by 2035. The program will provide:
- more tailored support, with 8 ongoing classifications up to $78,000 per year
- support for home modifications
- fast access to assistive technology, including a new equipment loan scheme
- a no worse off principle for people already in the aged care system.
The new Aged Care Act is expected to commence from 1 July 2025 with the Support at Home program.
Webinar and Q&A sessions: Support at Home program update
Are you looking to learn more about the new Support at Home program?
Join the upcoming webinars and Q&A sessions to hear about the final program details and have your questions answered:
- Support at Home program update webinar, Thursday 19 September, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (AEST), Register now
- Support at Home Q&A session for in-home aged care providers, Tuesday 24 September 2024, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm (AEST), Register now
- Support at Home Q&A session for older people, families and carers, Thursday 26 September 2024, 10:00 am to 11:00 am (AEST), Register now
You can send a question in advance when you register, or ask one during the event. If you are unable to attend, a recording will be made available following the webinar.
Source: Department of Health and Aged Care e-News 17 September 2024