A bipartisan agreement has been reached for a $5.6 billion package of aged care reforms, including more support for people living independently in their home.
Older Australians will be given more support to stay in their own home for longer under sweeping reforms to aged care.
The Federal Government has reached a deal with the Coalition as part of a $5.6 billion package.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the changes would be a largest improvement in aged care in 30 years.
“This is about caring for the generation that cared for us,” he told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.
A home care package called Support at Home will come into effect from July 2025 and will help Australians live independently in their home with support before going into aged care.
It’s estimated 1.4 million people will benefit from the program in a decade’s time.
Support at Home will provide support for clinical care such as nursing and help with everyday tasks like cleaning.
A new lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 will apply for non-clinical care costs.
The aged care agreement will provide a no-worse-off principle for people already in aged care facilities.
New laws will also be introduced to protect the rights of Australians living in aged care, along with a regulator with investigative powers.
