The Australian Government’s wide-ranging aged care reforms have taken another major step forward with the passage of new legislation through Parliament, a move set to fast-track tens of thousands of at-home support packages for older Australians.
The development comes as the government’s annual survey of aged care residents reveals a significant increase in satisfaction and trust within residential homes over the past year.
The new legislation will bring forward 20,000 Home Care Packages to be delivered in the next eight weeks and paves the way for a new, rights-based Aged Care Act set to begin on 1 November. Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, called the bill’s passage a “fantastic outcome for older Australians.”
“This legislation is the final piece of the puzzle that paves the way for the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, and our new Support at Home program,” Rae said.
The announcement on home care packages was welcomed by sector advocates, who noted the funds are urgently needed to reduce a national waitlist of approximately 87,000 people, many of whom wait up to 11 months for support.
Groups like the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) have long warned of the consequences of these delays. “Inadequate in-home care support can push older people into hospital and prematurely into residential aged care, which is unfair and avoidable,” said OPAN Director of Policy, Samantha Edmonds.
Provider groups, including Catholic Health Australia (CHA), reinforced the practical benefits of the funding boost. “Funding Support at Home to meet demand will help prevent people waiting for their care and ultimately save money because delaying care leads to higher needs,” said CHA Director of Aged and Community Care, Alex Lynch.
Alongside the push for more at-home care, the 2024 Residents’ Experience Survey, which captured responses from over 36,000 residents, indicates that recent reforms are having a positive impact within residential facilities.
Key findings show 95% of residents feel safe in their aged care homes, while 91% said they have a say in their daily activities—a 10% increase since 2022. Furthermore, 88% of residents would recommend their aged care home, a 3% rise from 2023.
“Labor’s once-in-a-generation aged care reforms are continuing to improve the lives of older Australians, we’re working hard to raise the standard of care in every aged care home in every corner of Australia,” Rae stated.
One area of focus, food quality, saw satisfaction remain consistent at 70%. The government noted this will be addressed directly when the new Aged Care Act introduces a dedicated Food and Nutrition Standard.
“Eating well is ageing well and every older person in residential aged care deserves the joy of a good meal wherever they live,” Rae added. “We’re putting older Australians at the centre of their care, building a world-class system that is delivering better care for them every single day.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
