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Introduction to the New Aged Care Act and What that Means for Older Australians

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One elderly individual is resting their head on the shoulder of another elderly man.

The New Aged Care Act will empower and improve the lives of older Australians who use aged care services in their home, in the community or aged residential care. 

The Act will create an aged care system that will put the rights of older Australians first and help them plan for the future. This will help older people access aged care services to ensure that they can stay active, make their own life choices, and keep their independence. 

 The act will give older people flexibility in funding aged care services that will help them to continue to participate in society. 

 To see who will be affected by the Act, read The New Aged Care Act: What that means for aged care providers.

How will the Aged Care Act Impact Older People? 

Starting from November 1: 

  • Older people will be able to choose a supporter to help them make life decisions or for the supporter to make them on their behalf. The supporter may be a trusted family member, friend or carer. 
  • It will be easier for older people to access aged care services. 
  • Age care provider information will be available to help guide choices. 
  • The Act will allocate residential care instead of directing you to a provider.
  • If you become seriously ill or injured because of a provider breaching their duty of care, you will be compensated. 
  • Added protection will be made if you make a complaint or report. The Act will also ensure there is a meaningful outcome of the complaint. 
  • Protection will be provided across all aged care programs, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATISFAC) program and the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CSHP). 

The Act will also now recognise that people under 65 years need access to aged care services due to their life experiences. 

These people include: 

  • First Nations people aged 50 to 64. 
  • People who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless are aged 50 to 64.  

Resources for Aged Care Participants 

Available Resources

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