Countdown to Aged Care Reforms: What you need to know before November

Support at Home reforms are coming – here’s what you need to know.

The new Support at Home program and aged care reforms will officially commence on 1 November 2025, marking a major shift in how aged care is delivered across Australia.

While the revised start date was announced in June, the focus now is simply on helping everyone feel ready. It is a good opportunity to make sure older Australians, carers and providers are informed, prepared and supported.

Why this matters now?

We are focused on what comes next and helping ensure a steady and supported transition. The Government’s decision to push the start date back from mid-2025 was made to allow more time for sector-wide preparation, including:

• Finalising operational details for new funding arrangements.
• Supporting providers with training, registration and compliance.
• Ensuring older people and carers have access to clear and timely information.

Now, with the reforms just around the corner, the emphasis is on action.

Key changes under the Aged Care Act 2024

The new legislation introduces a rights-based framework that puts older people at the centre of care decisions. Key changes include:

• Stronger protections against neglect and poor-quality care.
• Greater choice and control in planning services.
• Simplified access pathways to aged care.
• New provider registration standards for transparency and accountability.

These reforms respond to over 60 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and reflect extensive sector consultation.

What you need to know before November

If you or someone you care for receives a Home Care Package:

• Services will continue as usual in the lead-up to the new program's introduction and we will endeavour to make any transition to Support at Home packages as seamless as possible.
• From November 1, funding and service arrangements may change for some people — but support will be available.
• You can access tools like fee estimators, case studies and guidance materials. For more information, visit the Support at Home resources page on the Australian Government Department of Health website.

For carers and families, now is the time to ask questions, explore options and prepare for the transition. You can call our team on 1300 782 896 for more information.

What's coming next?

In the lead-up to November, you can:

• Expect more communication from providers and government agencies.
• Access webinars and education resources to understand the new system.
• Look out for updated fact sheets, service agreements and rights statements.

We’ll continue sharing updates with a focus on clarity, reassurance and practical guidance.

Change can be challenging – especially in aged care, where trust and stability are paramount. But with the right information and support, this transition can be empowering. We are committed to ensuring older Australians and their carers are ready to step into a system built on dignity, choice and respect.