Published on: 15th April 2025
The Federal Government has announced several changes coming to Aged Care in Australia, which also includes changes to in-home support. There will be some major changes for older people living in the community receiving Government-subsidised services. This includes the services Deaf Connect provides.
Deaf Connect will provide resources about these changes over the coming weeks, and Ageing Well participants can also talk to their Support Planners.
Here is some more information:
- Home Care Packages are changing to a new system called Support at Home.
- If you had a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, your funding will stay the same.
- If you started receiving in-home support from us after 12 September 2024, your funding and how much you pay for services is decided under the Support at Home program rules.
The Federal Government will be releasing more information on funding and services costs before 1 July, and Deaf Connect will also provide resources to help you and your family understand how these changes may impact your support.
The new Support at Home program is designed to improve support services, so you can stay independent in your home for longer. If you have questions about your support and how these changes might affect you, please get in touch with our Ageing Well team at [email protected].
Is anything else changing in Aged Care?
Yes. The government will be introducing a new Aged Care Act, stronger Aged Care Quality Standards, and a new Statement of Rights. To find out more about these, see below.
- A New Aged Care Act: this sets out how the Aged Care system operates. It changes how some services are delivered, and makes sure Aged Care is delivered safely and respectfully.
- Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards: to protect seniors and hold services to a high standard.
- A Statement of Rights: this is part of the new Aged Care Act. It outlines the rights older people have in the Aged Care system.
The changes to Aged Care are designed to ensure that older people receive the support they need, while being safe, respected, and having their needs fully understood. Deaf Connect will continue delivering in-home support to Deaf seniors and making sure these services are accessible in Auslan.
