The aged care landscape in Australia is on the cusp of transformative change. With the introduction of the Support at Home program and the new Aged Care Act, providers must act now to ensure they’re ready for the reforms that will take effect from 1 July 2025. These changes, spurred by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, aim to put the rights and needs of older Australians at the forefront. Here’s what you need to know to prepare.
Understand the Support at Home program
The Support at Home program will replace existing in-home aged care programs, such as the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme, starting from 1 July 2025. This program aims to:
- Simplify access to services through a Single Assessment System.
- Provide tailored support with 8 levels of funding.
- Ensure quick access to assistive technologies and home modifications.
Aged care providers should review their service offerings and adapt their business models to align with these funding levels and the upcoming integrated assessment system.
Familiarise yourself with the new Aged Care Act
The Aged Care Act 2024, passed in November 2024, will take effect from 1 July 2025. This rights-based legislation is designed to put the needs of older Australians at the centre of the aged care system. It focuses on:
- Centering the rights and needs of older people in care delivery.
- Establishing a fair and culturally safe single assessment framework.
- Increasing provider accountability with a strengthened regulatory model.
This Act aligns with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and will underpin reforms such as the Support at Home program and strengthened quality standards.
Transitional arrangements for care recipients
To ensure a smooth transition, the government has established transitional arrangements for those already receiving care:
- Home Care Packages recipients will be transitioned to equivalent Support at Home budgets, retaining any unspent funds.
- Residential aged care residents – Transitional arrangements will apply under a “no worse off” principle to protect existing residents from higher costs.
Utilise advanced care management solutions like MYP
MYP, a leading care management software, offers robust tools to help aged care providers adapt to these changes. By integrating MYP into your operations, you can:
- Streamline workflows and improve service delivery.
- Ensure compliance with new regulations through automated tracking and reporting.
- Enhance communication with clients and families.
Leveraging MYP’s technology can position your organisation to confidently meet the challenges of 2025.
Preparing your organisation for 2025
As an aged care provider, preparation is key to navigating these reforms successfully. Consider the following steps:
- Understand the changes – Familiarise yourself with the new programs and legislative requirements.
- Upgrade systems – Invest in technology and processes to align with new funding and reporting frameworks.
- Train your staff – Ensure your team understands the new standards, rights-based approach, and assessment tools.
- Engage with stakeholders – Communicate with clients, families, and workers about the changes and how they will benefit from the reforms.
The path forward
The upcoming reforms represent a transformative moment for aged care in Australia. The changes aim to create a fairer, more sustainable, and higher-quality aged care sector by putting older Australians at the heart of the system. Providers who proactively adapt to these changes will be well-positioned to deliver exceptional care in this new era.
Start preparing for 2025 today. Explore how MYP’s care management software solutions can streamline your operations and ensure compliance with the new Aged Care Act. For further details and resources, visit the Australian Government’s aged care reform page.
