Home Care Package Changes 2024-25
As we approach the new financial year 2024-25, the government has rolled out an exciting budget aimed at making Aged Care more accessible for older Australians.
The 2024-25 Budget brings a significant investment of $2.2 billion to boost the quality of aged care services. This means shorter wait times for home care packages, a stronger aged care workforce, delivery an enhanced quality and safety regulator and provision of cutting-edge technologies for the aged care sector.
Curious about the latest updates in the Aged Care system? Let’s dive into the recent changes and see how they can benefit you and your loved ones.
2024–25 Budget: Building a Solid Foundation for Quality Aged Care
Australians can look forward to a better aged care system with faster access to in-home care, a stronger workforce, and smoother transitions between aged care and health services with a significant investment of $2.2 billion to improve the quality of the existing aged care services.
The new Aged Care Act prioritises older Australians needs and incorporates ongoing consultations with families, providers and workers. These reforms aim to build a sustainable future for high-quality aged care.
More Home Care Packages and Shorter Wait Times
The government is investing $531.4 million to release an additional 24,100 Home Care Packages in 2024-25. This will significantly reduce wait times to an average of six months, allowing more Australians to access in-home care and maintain their independence at home and in their communities for longer.
Improving Aged Care Regulation
The Government is committed to improving aged care regulation through substantial funding and technological advancements:
- Strengthening Regulatory Capabilities: An investment of $110.9 million over four years will enhance the regulatory capabilities of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, ensuring higher standards of care and safety for the elderly.
- Investing in Digital Systems: A significant allocation of $1.2 billion is directed towards developing critical digital systems to support the new Aged Care Act, including the modernization of IT infrastructure for more efficient and effective service delivery.
- Improving Customer Support: To enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of aged care information, the My Aged Care Contact Centre will receive $37 million, reducing call waiting times and providing quicker assistance to those seeking aged care services.
Read more about improvements in aged care regulation
Higher Wages for Aged Care Workers
The Government has committed to funding the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the award wage for direct and indirect aged care workers once the final determination is made. This builds on the $11.3 billion already allocated to support the interim 15 percent wage increase for aged care workers. Additionally, $87.2 million is provided for workforce initiatives to attract nurses and other workers into aged care.
Introducing the New Support at Home Program
From 1 July 2025, the new Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition no earlier than 1 July 2027.
The government will work closely with home care and short-term care providers to ensure a smooth transition by 2025. This phased approach will allow CHSP providers to adapt their business systems and payment arrangements, ensuring uninterrupted service for clients.
Read more about the features of the Support at Home program.
Single Assessment System for Aged Care
From 1 July 2024, a Single Assessment System will be introduced to simplify access to aged care services for older Australians. This system will replace:
- Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
- Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) for the Home Care Packages Program, Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, Transition Care Programme, residential respite, and entry to residential aged care
- Independent Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) assessors for residential aged care funding
State and territory governments will continue to play a role in delivering aged care assessments as part of a broader Single Assessment Workforce in the new system.
Read more about the single assessment system
CareAbout – Aged Care, Your Way!
We hope you find this information helpful. We understand navigating aged care can be confusing with constant changes. But you don’t have to worry when CareAbout is here to support and guide you.
Reach out to CareAbout for assistance with your home care packages and get connected with a quality home care provider near you with ease. Our service is free, so why not try us? Claim your free consultation today.
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