Aged Care reform is on its way, here's what you need to know

The new Aged Care Act

On 1 November the new Aged Care Act will come into effect. The Act aims to improve the ways aged care services are delivered to people in their homes, in the community and in Residential Care.

Almost 60 of the Aged Care Royal Commission’s recommendations will be enacted through this new law.

A key feature of the new Act is the Statement of Rights, which is designed to make sure each person is at the centre of their aged care.

It gives all people using aged care services the right to:

• make their own decisions about their own life

• have their decisions respected

• get information and support to help them make decisions

• communicate their wishes, needs and preferences

• feel safe and respected

• have their culture and identity respected

• stay connected with their community.

Previously, the rights of people receiving care were protected by the Charter of Rights, which was not part of the law. Bringing the Statement of Rights into the new Aged Care Act means that the protections of people’s rights are stronger than before.

Support at Home

As the new Act begins, so will the new Australian Government funded home care services program, Support at Home.

Support at Home replaces the Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care programs. In 2027, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme will also transition to Support at Home.

What is not changing is Southern Cross Care’s commitment to high quality care with a healthy ageing approach that supports our Better for life vision for all clients.

To find out more about Support at Home and our Home Care services visit our Support at Home page.