A more sustainable aged care system
Reform of Australia's aged care system is delivering more supply, higher quality care, and a system better tailored to the needs of older Australians now and into the future.
A ten year reform plan
The Government has commenced implementation of a comprehensive ten year aged care reform plan.
Through its $3.7 billion Living Longer. Living Better package, announced in April 2012, the Government is delivering immediate improvements to services and laying the foundations for broader reform. Older Australians will have a larger range of aged care services from which to choose.
More services
The Government is expanding and improving the range of available services, with an emphasis on care in the home.
The first 5,835 new Home Care packages have been made available through the 2012‑13 Aged Care Approvals Round and the number of Home Care packages will more than double over the next ten years.
The Government is also investing $660 million over five years to improve incentives for aged care providers to invest in residential care facilities, including those in rural, regional and remote areas.
Addressing workforce pressures
A better paid, better skilled workforce is essential to ensuring the availability of quality aged care services.
From 1 July 2013, the Government will provide a new workforce supplement for employers who agree to minimum
annual wage increases for aged care workers.
Better information for consumers
Older Australians and their families need access to reliable information to help them make fundamental decisions about their future care.
A My Aged Care website will be established this year to provide clear and reliable information about the services available.
The My Aged Care website and a new call centre will be the main entry point into the system, enabling people easier access to all the information they need.
Projected increase in aged care packages