Introduction
Aged care in Australia is undergoing significant changes, with the new Aged Care Act 2024 set to take effect from 1 July 2025. At Premium Home Care Service (PHCS), we understand how important it is for South Australians to stay informed about these changes, as they will impact the quality of care for older Australians, including those we support in our community. Let’s explore what these changes mean for aged care services and how they can enhance the care provided by PHCS.
The New Aged Care Act: A Rights-Based Approach
One of the most significant aspects of the upcoming changes is the rights-based approach embedded in the new Aged Care Act. The act will replace several older laws, including the Aged Care Act 1997, and introduce a more streamlined and transparent system. This is great news for older Australians, as it puts their rights and needs at the heart of service delivery. Whether individuals are receiving care in their homes, in community settings, or in residential aged care, the focus will be on empowering them to live with dignity, independence, and choice.
At PHCS, this aligns perfectly with our mission of providing person-centred care. Our team is committed to supporting older South Australians to live active, self-determined, and meaningful lives, just as the new legislation intends. We are proud to offer high quality services that reflect these evolving standards.
Why the New Aged Care Act is Important
The new Aged Care Act is crucial because it represents a significant shift towards a more rights-based approach to aged care in Australia. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted the need for better protection of older Australians’ rights, and this act directly addresses those concerns. By replacing outdated legislation, it ensures that older people have greater control over their care. Whilst the previous aged care act was centred around providers and how best to fund them, the new act is more suitably focused on the people receiving services and how to improve their experiences.
A Rights-Based Approach to Aged Care
The new Aged Care Act takes a rights-based approach, ensuring that older Australians’ rights are protected and respected throughout their care experience. This approach emphasises key principles that safeguard the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of individuals receiving care. The act outlines several rights that all older Australians are entitled to, including:
- The right to safe and high-quality care – ensuring that all services meet strict standards to provide effective, compassionate, and reliable care.
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect – all people receiving care must be treated as valued members of the community, free from mistreatment or neglect.
- The right to make informed decisions – care recipients have the right to access accurate, timely information and actively participate in decisions that affect their care and well-being.
- The right to personal privacy – individuals have the right to privacy in all aspects of their care, including personal information and interactions with care providers.
- The right to independence – older Australians have the right to maintain control over their own lives, making choices about their daily activities, care arrangements, and lifestyle.
- The right to participate in their community – whether living at home or in residential care, older Australians should remain connected with their communities, family, and friends.
- The right to culturally safe services – care must respect and support each person’s cultural identity, beliefs, and preferences, ensuring services are inclusive and appropriate.
By establishing and protecting these rights, the new Aged Care Act seeks to create an environment where older Australians are empowered, respected, and supported in living fulfilling lives.
A Single Entry Point for Aged Care
The new act will simplify the aged care system by creating a single entry point with clear eligibility criteria for all aged care services. This will make it easier for older Australians and their families to understand their options and navigate the system. Previously, the aged care system could be confusing, with different pathways for accessing services like home care, respite, and residential aged care. Now, there will be a unified approach that ensures consistent access and support for all who need it.
For Australians, this means less frustration and more transparency. Instead of navigating multiple systems or facing delays, older Australians and their families will have a clear, streamlined path to services they need. This unified approach enhances the experience for caregivers and recipients alike, ensuring timely support, accurate information, and consistent care across all settings.
Cultural Safety and Fairness
Another key improvement under the new act is the emphasis on cultural safety and fairness in the assessment and provision of aged care. Australia is home to a diverse aging population, and it’s vital that aged care services are delivered in a way that is respectful of cultural backgrounds and sensitive to individual preferences.
At PHCS, we pride ourselves on offering culturally sensitive care. Whether through our multilingual team of staff or our commitment to understanding the unique needs of each person, we strive to create an environment where every person feels valued. The new Aged Care Act will enhance this by ensuring that providers across South Australia and Australia as a whole, are held to high standards when it comes to delivering culturally appropriate care.
Greater Accountability for Aged Care Providers
Accountability is a major focus of the new reforms, with stronger oversight of aged care providers through a new regulatory model. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will be empowered to enforce compliance and take action against providers who do not meet the required standards of care. This includes ensuring that funding is used appropriately to support the health and well-being of older Australians, and that care providers are delivering services as promised.
For PHCS, this change reinforces our commitment to transparency and excellence in care. We understand the importance of trust, and our team works diligently to ensure that every dollar spent on your care is focused on delivering the highest quality personalised support. We welcome the new measures and are ready to continue providing services that meet or exceed the standards set out by the Aged Care Commission.
Support at Home Program
One of the most anticipated elements of the new act is the introduction of the Support at Home program. This program will replace current Home Care Packages and provide more flexible, person-centred support for older people who choose to remain in the comfort of their homes. This means that South Australians will have greater access to care that fits their lifestyle and preferences, while maintaining their independence.
Whether it’s assistance with daily tasks, respite care, or specialised care for those with complex needs, PHCS is committed to making home care a more accessible and personalised experience.
What the Changes Mean for You
If you or a loved one is receiving aged care services or will need them in the future, the new act will bring several benefits:
- More Choice: With a rights-based approach, you’ll have greater control over the services you receive.
- Simplified Access: A single entry point means less bureaucracy and quicker access to care.
- Increased Safety: Stronger regulation will ensure that providers meet high standards of care and accountability.
- Culturally Safe Care: Services will be more tailored to your cultural needs, ensuring you feel respected and understood.
Conclusion
The new Aged Care Act 2024 is set to transform the aged care landscape in Australia, putting older people at the centre of the system. At Premium Home Care Service, we are excited about the opportunities this presents to enhance the care we provide. Whether you need home care, respite care, or support for complex needs, PHCS is ready to guide you through these changes and deliver the high-quality, person-centred care that we believe all older South Australians deserve.
If you’d like to learn more about how these changes affect you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can ensure that you or your loved one receives the care and support needed to live a fulfilling life.
By keeping up with the evolving aged care system, PHCS continues to be a trusted partner in providing top-quality care for older Australians.
