Who does aged care affect? Everyone. Forget the quiet whispers and the stigmatised label. Aged care isn’t a niche issue for someone else’s family; it’s for all of us. Look around. You already know someone over 65, right? It might be you, or maybe you’re caught in the middle, part of the “sandwich generation” — juggling kids, careers, and the crushing responsibility of supporting ageing parents. It’s human nature to duck this conversation until crisis strikes, but when it does, you’re thrust into a system that’s confusing, complex, and notoriously brutal to navigate.
With major reforms looming across Home Care and Residential Aged Care, this onerous system is about to become even more convoluted. From November 1, the current Home Care Packages program transitions into the new “Support at Home Program.” This was originally slated for July 1, but the Federal Government conceded they weren’t ready. The public is largely unaware of what’s coming due to lack of information and communication. With reforms imminent, understanding upcoming changes is key.
Flexible home care packages move to a more rigid program with less flexibility. Significant concerns have been voiced by older people, their families, advocates and providers. Older people, including full pensioners previously exempt, will have to pay, placing additional financial burden on those least able to afford it — self-funded retirees up to 80 per cent.
Assessment waitlists are significant and growing. Support at Home requires more assessments, so waitlists will continue to grow. Then, you join a funding queue with 90,000 others currently waiting for funding – some for over one year. This leads to increased hospital admissions, premature entry into residential aged care, or tragically, people dying whilst waiting for funding.
Changes are many and complex; understanding how they affect you is vital to ensure your choice to age at home is supported. We wait to see if the Government addresses concerns when they release the finer details. We’re watching closely.
This article by Julia McCarthy appeared in the August 2025 edition of Village Voice.