Federal Aged Care Reform

The Australian Government has announced major reforms in aged care, committing $5.6 billion to improve the quality and accessibility of services for older Australians. Whether you receive care at home or in a residential setting, these changes aim to provide better support tailored to your needs.

At BlueCare, we’re committed to keeping you informed about what these reforms mean for you as a valued client. Below is a summary of the key changes.

Support at Home: A New Way to Deliver Care

From 1 July 2025, the Government will launch the Support at Home Program, replacing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care in the first phase. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services will follow in Phase 2, no earlier than July 2027.

The new system will streamline funding and services across eight levels of care, offering up to $78,000 per year in support. Services include:

• Clinical care (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy)
• Independence support (e.g., help with showering, dressing, medication)
• Everyday living services (e.g., cleaning, gardening, meal preparation)

Funding Structure:

• The Government will fully fund clinical care services.
• Client contributions for independence and everyday living support will be based on individual financial circumstances.
• If you already receive services, your contributions will remain the same under the "no worse-off" principle.

What This Means for Residential Aged Care Customers

Significant changes are also being introduced to ensure the funding, sustainability, and quality of residential aged care services.

• No Worse-Off Principle: Current BlueCare residents will maintain their existing payment arrangements, ensuring you won’t pay more for your care.
• Family Home Protections: There will be no changes to the way your family home is treated under the new reforms.
• Stronger Legal Protections: New laws will grant the Government enhanced powers to investigate misconduct and enforce civil penalties for providers breaching care standards.

For New Residents

Changes to contributions and accommodation arrangements will only apply to new residents entering residential aged care from 1 July 2025. If you are a resident before that date, your current arrangements will remain in place.

Peace of Mind and Staying Informed

At BlueCare, we’re here to ensure you continue to receive the highest standard of care throughout these changes. If you are already in care, these reforms will not affect your current fees or services.

For more information on the aged care reforms, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care.