Your Aged Care Update # 45/24
In this issue
News about the reforms
Webinar: In-home aged care update
We are hosting a webinar to support providers to understand upcoming changes to in-home aged care.
When: Thursday 5 December, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (AEDT).
We will discuss:
the Support at Home program’s Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, including the AT-Loans Scheme
how to get ready for the Support at Home program.
You will be able to submit questions before and during the webinar.
Register now.
New timeline for Aged Care Rules consultation
We are inviting feedback in stages on the Rules for the new Aged Care Act.
The topics and timelines for this are now on our website showing which Rules:
are entirely new
are partially or mostly new
already exist.
Timings are indicative and may change.
The Rules give further detail on how the Act will operate. This will ensure everyone knows what they need to do from 1 July 2025.
The current consultation – Stage 2a – is focused on funding for the Support at Home program. You can get involved in Stage 2a up until 6 December.
See the timeline and read about the consultation.
Updated aged care reforms booklet and roadmap
We’ve updated the aged care provider booklet with the latest information on the reforms. This includes changes starting from 1 July 2025, such as the new Aged Care Act, the new aged care regulatory model and the new Support at Home program.
We have also updated the Aged Care Reforms Roadmap with the latest timeline. The dates on the roadmap are subject to change. We will update the roadmap regularly to keep you informed.
This provides you with an overarching look at the reforms and keeps you up to date on changes for the sector.
Download the booklet and the roadmap.
Sector news
Quarterly Financial Snapshot
The Quarterly Financial Snapshot for Quarter 4 2023–24 (1 April to 30 June) is now available.
The snapshot uses data submitted through the Quarterly Financial Report on:
financial indicators
care minutes
labour costs, wages and hours
occupancy
food and nutrition.
It is updated quarterly and improves transparency about the sector. This makes it easier for people to make informed decisions about their care.
Thank you to all providers who completed the reporting and contributed to developing this snapshot.
Access the Quarterly Financial Snapshot and the data extract.
Be aware of antimicrobial resistance
This week is World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. The theme is ‘Educate. Advocate. Act now’.
A recent report found high levels of antimicrobials are being prescribed for people in residential aged care. This can lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes infections harder to treat.
Using antibiotics carefully and only when neccessary, and infection prevention and control can reduce this.
We encourage you to:
read the new Infection Prevention and Control Guide
watch a webinar on how to use the Guide
participate in the Aged Care National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey
read more about prevention.
Prepare for the high-risk weather season
The National Emergency Management Agency recently held its higher-risk weather season brief. It discussed the weather expected throughout the season and how to prepare.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts:
south-eastern Australia is more likely to be drier than other parts of the country until January
average cyclone numbers are expected, but cyclones are likely to be more intense
a high risk of heatwaves this season, particularly moving into summer.
It is best to plan for all types of severe weather events.
Find out more about service continuity and emergency events in aged care.
Residential care
Consultation: How Star Ratings are calculated
Star Ratings for residential aged care is getting a refresh. We are changing how some of the ratings are calculated.
We want your feedback on:
how the Compliance rating is calculated. This includes changes due to the new regulatory model and graded assessments against the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
how the Staffing rating is calculated. This will include changes to mandated care minutes from 1 October 2025 and potential inclusion of the 24/7 registered nurse responsibility
additional changes based on early feedback from our evaluation.
Consultation closes 13 December.
Find out more.
Submit your claim to Services Australia
Residential aged care providers should submit their November payment claims to Services Australia by 13 December.
January 2025 advance payments will then be calculated early and paid from 18 December.
If you send your November payment claim after 13 December, your January 2025 advance payment will be paid after the November claim is finalised.
Submit your claim on the Services Australia Aged Care Provider Portal.
You must also use the portal for:
entry events and updates
supplement applications
registering or renewing user details.
You can send claims and requests by email if they are over 2 years old.
For help using the portal, visit Services Australia’s website or call 1800 195 206.
Webinar: Family carer support
Swinburne University’s Wellbeing Clinic is holding a webinar on how to support family members of people living in residential aged care homes.
When: Friday 29 November, 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm (AEDT).
It will discuss the types of support that can assist family members as they navigate the complexities of caring for relatives living in aged care homes. This includes the benefits of joining carer support groups.
This webinar is for people working in aged care, as well as psychologists, social workers, counsellors and volunteers who work with older people.
Register now.
For more information, see Swinburne University’s webinar schedule.
In-home care
Home Care Package subsidy increase
We are increasing the Home Care Package subsidy by 0.93% on 1 January 2025. This will help providers meet the Fair Work Commission’s Stage 3 decision.
The subsidy increase will be sufficient to cover the new award wages and ensure care recipients continue to receive the same services.
From 1 October 2025, the subsidy will increase again by 0.44%.
If you need to adjust your pricing models to reasonably increase charges, you must seek agreement from your care recipients.
You should:
provide a copy of the department’s letter to care recipients
explain how much prices are increasing for relevant care and services
gain consent and update Home Care Agreements.
Updated Home Care Package pricing report
The National summary of Home Care Package prices – 30 September 2024 report is now available.
The report outlines Home Care Packages Program pricing data for:
common home care services
care management
package management
staff travel.
At 30 September, the median nursing price was $127 per standard hour. Median prices for light gardening, in-home respite, personal care and cleaning/household tasks ranged from $75 to $79 per standard hour.
Also available is the Home Care Package – Published pricing schedule – 30 September 2024, which shows the full pricing data entered into My Aged Care by providers.
Webinar: Vision loss tips for CHSP providers
Vision Australia is holding a webinar on supporting people with vision loss. It is for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers.
When: Wednesday 27 November, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (AEDT).
It will cover:
how to help people with vision-impairment feel safe and comfortable when receiving services in their home
practical ways to help people with low vision in social and community settings
strategies to ensure programs are inclusive.
Workforce
Resources for Volunteer Managers
If you are a Volunteer Manager in aged care, consider refreshing your knowledge to ensure you feel confident in the role.
We have resources on topics like:
recruiting volunteers
why volunteers are important
training and support for providers and Volunteer Managers.