Recent parliamentary developments have highlighted growing concern about the impact of Australia’s new aged care reforms on older people living at home.
Following the commencement of the new Aged Care Act on 1 November, the Senate has voted to establish two further inquiries to examine unintended consequences of the reforms — particularly rising costs and access challenges for older Australians receiving care in the community.
These inquiries build on earlier investigations into aged care service delivery, which revealed that national home care waitlists were significantly larger than previously reported. More than 200,000 older Australians were found to be waiting for care, prompting the early release of additional home care packages.
With the new Act now in force, one of the Senate inquiries will focus on the planned transition away from the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). CHSP currently provides block-funded, entry-level support services to more than 800,000 older Australians. While the government has secured CHSP funding until June 2027, concerns have been raised that transitioning these services into the new Support at Home program may disrupt existing providers, reduce service availability, and increase waiting times.
The second inquiry will examine the financial impact of the reforms on older Australians, including proposed co-payments, new pricing mechanisms, and a lifetime cap on home modifications. Stakeholders have expressed concern that some individuals may face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for basic care, potentially leading to people delaying or forgoing essential supports altogether.
The inquiries will also assess workforce readiness, provider sustainability — particularly in regional and thin markets — and the impact on vulnerable groups, including First Nations communities and culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Together, these reviews reflect broader concern that system complexity, increased costs, and service transitions may place additional strain on older Australians at a time when access to timely, practical support is critical.
At Well At Home, we recognise that policy changes and funding uncertainty can add stress for clients, families, and providers alike. Regardless of broader system reform, early, practical supports that promote safety, independence, and confidence at home remain essential — particularly during periods of transition or delayed service access.
As the aged care landscape continues to evolve, clear communication, realistic planning, and practical reablement-focused resources will be increasingly important in supporting older Australians to live well at home
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The information provided on this website, including news articles, updates, and commentary, is intended for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.
While Well At Home aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information relevant to ageing, home care, and reablement, policies, legislation, and funding arrangements may change over time. Readers should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional advice specific to their individual circumstances.
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