The new Aged Care Act aims to ensure a higher quality of aged care in Australia by focussing on older people’s rights and making the responsibilities of providers of aged care more specific and detailed.
The new Act will help ensure that people accessing funded aged care:
- are safe
- are treated with respect
- have the quality of life they deserve.
What are the key changes?
How aged care services are accessed
In addition to the existing needs assessment, if there is a high demand for services, there will be a new process to decide who gets priority.
How aged care services are delivered
Registered providers must meet set requirements (or ‘obligations’) which will be outlined in the Act and the Rules. There are separate obligations for workers and key staff members.
Payments and subsidies
The new Act will include 2 new subsidies based on the type of costs needed to deliver aged care services:
- person-centred – for funding directly linked to the costs of delivering services to a specific person.
- provider-based – to fund the fixed cost of delivering aged care services. These relate to specific provider considerations, such as their location, capacity or specialisation.
Regulating the residential aged care system for consumer safety
There will be new powers for the Commission to enter a residential care home without consent or a warrant, and stronger penalties for providers who do not meet their obligations.
How you can get involved
If you would like to submit your thoughts on any of the above areas, you have until 7pm AEDT, 16 February 2024 to do so.
First, you should read the summary of proposed changes to the Act.
You can then:
- Complete the online survey; or
- Call The Department of Health and Aged Care on 1800 318 209; or
- Email AgedCareLegislativeReform@health.gov.au to provide your input.
Need aged care assistance now?
Contact your local Pearl Home Care office to discuss your needs and how we can assist you to live with dignity at home for longer.
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