Whether you’re already a recipient of aged care services, entering aged care for the first time, supporting a loved one, or navigating the services, here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing?
The new Act responds to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and years of public consultation. It replaces outdated legislation and introduces a rights-based framework that prioritises:
- Dignity and respect in care
- Choice and control over services
- Safety and accountability from providers
- Cultural safety and inclusivity
- Simplified access to aged care services
Key Improvements Under the New Act
Your Rights at the Centre
You’ll have the right to make decisions about your care and life, and have those decisions respected. A new Statement of Rights outlines protections including the right to feel safe, be heard, and have your identity and culture honoured.
Stronger Safety and Oversight
Providers must meet higher standards and will be held accountable by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. If something doesn’t feel right, you’ll have clearer pathways to raise concerns—with protections in place for complaints and whistleblowers.
At Prestige, we support a culture of openness and accountability, encouraging feedback as a valuable tool for learning and service development. We have a number of avenues for our clients to provide feedback, including a complaints process, an anonymous online Whistleblower portal for serious concerns and a Client Advisory Group to ensure that clients remain at the centre of our business decision making process.
Simplified Access to Services
A new Single Assessment System will replace ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) and RAS (Regional Assessment Service), making it easier to understand what services you’re eligible for and how to access them. Entry into aged care will be more transparent and fairer.
Better Care and Workforce Standards
Residential aged care homes will require 24/7 registered nurses, improved staff-to-resident ratios, and stronger infection control and nutrition standards. Both residential and in-home care workers will follow a Code of Conduct and undergo enhanced screening.
At Prestige, our staff are carefully selected and screened to ensure that clients only receive the most professional, caring, skilled care. We regard our Registered Nurses and Personal Care Attendants as the best in the industry.
We undertake reference checks, police checks and background research before appointing anyone to the Prestige team. Personal Care Attendants are also required to have at least a Certificate III in Aged Care and a NDIS Worker Screen Check. It is essential that our staff demonstrate personal qualities and behaviours that align with our values.
Support to Make Decisions
You can appoint a registered supporter to help you make decisions or act on your behalf in exceptional circumstances. This ensures your voice is heard even when you need help expressing it.
What It Means for Families and Carers
- More transparency: You’ll be able to compare providers based on clear, publicly available information.
- Greater involvement: Families and carers will have access to independent dispute resolution and advocacy support.
- Earlier access: First Nations people and those at risk of homelessness can access aged care from age 50.
Resources to Help You Prepare
To support your understanding of the new Act, the government has released new resources including:
- Infographics and animations
- Fact sheets and guides
- Other helpful resources on Support at Home, provided by the government
Visit My Aged Care or subscribe to EngAged, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s newsletter, to stay informed.
Support at Home
A major outcome of the Aged Care Act reforms is the introduction of Support at Home, which replaces the government-funded in-home care Home Care Packages program.
Support at Home brings updated benefits, services, and funding options aimed at enhancing in-home care for older Australians. At Prestige Inhome Care, we’re committed to helping our existing Home Care Package clients and new applicants stay informed and navigate these upcoming changes with ease.
For more information on Support at Home, see our blog What is the Support at Home Program?
How Prestige Can Help Support You
The New Aged Care Act is about giving older Australians the respect, safety, and autonomy they deserve. Whether you’re planning for the future or currently receiving care, these changes are designed to make aged care more empowering, inclusive, and transparent.
At Prestige, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced team can help you understand your rights, navigate the new system, and tailor care that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
If you have questions or need help navigating the changes, visit the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website or call Prestige Inhome Care on 1300 10 30 10.