Latest news with #AgedCareAct
West Australian
14 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Aged care sector backs delay for major reform to the industry
The Albanese government is delaying its 'once-in-a-generation' aged care reforms to give providers more time to prepare. Bolstering regulation, simplifying in-home care services and increasing how much wealthier retirees pay toward non-clinical services were among the key changes set to kick in on July 1. But after months of warnings from the sector, Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Wednesday Labor was pushing the start date back by four months. 'We have been clear that we want to successfully deliver these reforms in the right way,' Mr Butler said in a joint statement with Aged Care Minister Sam Rae. 'We have received advice from the sector and experts that more time will improve the delivery of these reforms and minimise disruption. 'Following careful consideration, the government will recommend to the Governor-General ... that she proclaim the commencement of the new Aged Care Act to be 1 November 2025. 'This will allow more time for aged care providers to prepare their clients, support their workers and get their systems ready for the changes. 'It will also give us more time to finalise key operational and digital processes, and for parliament to consider supporting legislation that will enable the new act to operate effectively.' Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters the delay would have a 'modest' $900m impact on Commonwealth coffers over the next four years. The sector has welcomed the delay, with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) saying it switched its position in recent weeks due to concerns 'older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices'. 'Until now, OPAN has been steadfast in its call for the Act to be implemented, as promised, on 1 July 2025, because older people can't get the aged care they need without it,' OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said. 'However, over the past weeks it has become increasingly apparent that, while the macro design of the reform is solid, older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices at an individual level, particularly around the new Support at Home program. 'We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition.' The Council on the Ageing (COTA) also welcomed the move. 'We wanted a 1 July start date so people didn't have to wait any longer for their rights than they already have, but ultimately, we concluded it's far more important to get it right and ensure that older people understand what will happen for them,' COTA chief executive Patricia Sparrow said. Ms Sparrow called on the Albanese government to continue releasing 'extra packages of support for people living at home and reduce the home care package wait list even with the delayed start for the new Support at Home program'. Meanwhile, the Coalition has blasted the delay as 'a clear admission of failure'. 'The government was warned,' opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said in a statement. 'We put forward a responsible, measured amendment to ensure that their reforms could be rolled out safely and effectively, and Labor opposed it. 'The aged care sector has been crying out that the 1 July deadline was not deliverable without causing serious negative consequences. 'Why has it taken the government until five minutes to midnight to alleviate the stress and uncertainty they have inflicted?'
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Major delay to Albo's agenda
The Albanese government is delaying its 'once-in-a-generation' aged care reforms to give providers more time to prepare. Bolstering regulation, simplifying in-home care services and increasing how much wealthier retirees pay toward non-clinical services were among the key changes set to kick in on July 1. But after months of warnings from the sector, Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Wednesday Labor was pushing the start date back by four months. 'We have been clear that we want to successfully deliver these reforms in the right way,' Mr Butler said in a joint statement with Aged Care Minister Sam Rae. 'We have received advice from the sector and experts that more time will improve the delivery of these reforms and minimise disruption. 'Following careful consideration, the government will recommend to the Governor-General ... that she proclaim the commencement of the new Aged Care Act to be 1 November 2025. 'This will allow more time for aged care providers to prepare their clients, support their workers and get their systems ready for the changes. 'It will also give us more time to finalise key operational and digital processes, and for parliament to consider supporting legislation that will enable the new act to operate effectively.' The Albanese government is delaying its 'once-in-a-generation' aged care reforms. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters the delay would have a 'modest' $900m impact on Commonwealth coffers over the next four years. The sector has welcomed the delay, with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) saying it switched its position in recent weeks due to concerns 'older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices'. 'Until now, OPAN has been steadfast in its call for the Act to be implemented, as promised, on 1 July 2025, because older people can't get the aged care they need without it,' OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said. 'However, over the past weeks it has become increasingly apparent that, while the macro design of the reform is solid, older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices at an individual level, particularly around the new Support at Home program. 'We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition.' Aged care providers have been warning for months they need more time to prepare their clients for the reforms. Supplied Credit: Supplied The Council on the Ageing (COTA) also welcomed the move. 'We wanted a 1 July start date so people didn't have to wait any longer for their rights than they already have, but ultimately, we concluded it's far more important to get it right and ensure that older people understand what will happen for them,' COTA chief executive Patricia Sparrow said. Ms Sparrow called on the Albanese government to continue releasing 'extra packages of support for people living at home and reduce the home care package wait list even with the delayed start for the new Support at Home program'. Meanwhile, the Coalition has blasted the delay as 'a clear admission of failure'. 'The government was warned,' opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said in a statement. 'We put forward a responsible, measured amendment to ensure that their reforms could be rolled out safely and effectively, and Labor opposed it. 'The aged care sector has been crying out that the 1 July deadline was not deliverable without causing serious negative consequences. 'Why has it taken the government until five minutes to midnight to alleviate the stress and uncertainty they have inflicted?'
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Government 'listens' to widespread concern, delays start of Aged Care Act
Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare. The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025. "I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated. "You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act." The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training. Read more at The Senior: The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior. Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program. "We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said. OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care. "This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said. "We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed." Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first. "This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said. "We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal." Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition. "Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said. "Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara. "Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks." Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone". Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare. The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025. "I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated. "You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act." The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training. Read more at The Senior: The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior. Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program. "We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said. OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care. "This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said. "We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed." Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first. "This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said. "We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal." Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition. "Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said. "Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara. "Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks." Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone". Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare. The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025. "I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated. "You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act." The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training. Read more at The Senior: The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior. Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program. "We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said. OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care. "This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said. "We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed." Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first. "This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said. "We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal." Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition. "Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said. "Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara. "Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks." Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone". Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare. The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025. "I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated. "You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act." The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training. Read more at The Senior: The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior. Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program. "We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said. OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care. "This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said. "We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed." Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first. "This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said. "We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal." Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition. "Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said. "Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara. "Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks." Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone". Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Sky News AU
26-05-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Self-funded retirees face soaring costs under aged care change from July as Michael Horin lays out 'complex' industry
An expert has laid out the 'complex' aged care industry as a change will come into effect from July where self-funded retirees could see fees increase upwards of $50,000. Labor's Aged Care Act, which was passed in November, received bipartisan support in parliament and will change how different types of retirees in aged care are billed. The major change is the lifetime cap will rise from about $82,000 to about $130,000. Michael Horin, a principal at Clarity Aged Care Advisors, said this will shift towards a means-tested approach for the aged care system. 'The system is designed in a way so that everyone can afford a bed in aged care,' Mr Horin told Sky News' Business Now. 'It's essentially asking those who can afford it to pay more and (for) those that can't afford it - the government's chipping in a bit more.' He said it would be 'predominantly self-funded retirees' who will pay more under the new system; however, some part-pensioners and full pensioners also will. Australia's aged care sector is not currently a profitable industry, but the changes in billing could lead to further investment into the growing sector as the ageing population grows. 'We've got about 200,000 beds across the country at the moment and in the next 25 years - around 2050 - that's going to have to grow to about 800,000,' Mr Horin said. 'Aged care facilities are not very profitable. About 50 per cent of them are run at a loss so they need to become profitable to incentivise more beds and more facilities to be built.' The government continues to fund anywhere from about 70 per cent to 100 per cent of an aged care bed, Mr Horin noted. 'Those that can afford it are being asked to pay more, but the government is also paying more too, to really pump more money into the sector to get those extra beds,' he said. Sky News' Business Editor Ross Greenwood pressed Mr Horin on the complexity of the aged care industry as there are many choices presented for funding a retiree in aged care. 'It's a really complex industry,' the Clarity Aged Care Advisors principal said. 'It's necessary to get advice before entering the industry because there's so many moving parts. 'There (are) so many pros and cons to the different choices that you have ... so there (are) a variety of different choices and with each of those choices and options that you have, there (are) different implications of that.'
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Minster downplays costing concerns, spruiks benefits of home care changes
Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler has insisted the new Aged Care Act will be fairer for everyone amid concerns over rising home care costs and the sector's ability to adapt to the changes by the specified deadline. The new act is set to come into effect on July 1. Mr Butler said it will offer a number of benefits for home care recipients, including lowering wait times for new applicants, increasing the number of support homes available, and offering additional funding for home modifications. Read more from The Senior But some providers have expressed concerns about changes to the costing for home care services under the new model as well as lack of vital information from the government leading up to the start date. Under the current system, recipients make contributions to their government-subsidised care, with the amount they have to contribute determined by income and the level of their home care package. Under the new Support at Home program, which will come into effect with the new Aged Care Act, recipients will only contribute towards the services they require, but providers say many will end up paying more. Under the new model, all clinical care costs will be covered by the government, but recipients will be expected to contribute to costs for other care services, including showering, other forms of personal care, gardening and cleaning. In early May, seven home care providers issued a joint statement expressing concerns that the changes could lead to some recipients on a full pension paying up to $131 per week for home care services, amounting to more than 20 per cent of their income. Mr Butler insisted the changes were the best way forward for the future of home care and downplayed suggestions the most vulnerable would be hit with unmanageable costs. "The Australian Government will continue to fund the majority of aged care services, and 100 per cent of clinical care services, but those that can afford to will be asked to contribute more to the cost of their care," he said. The Senior understands that under the new system, recipients on a full age pension will be asked to pay five per cent of the costs for independent living services, including showering and personal care and 17 per cent for everyday living services like shopping, cleaning and garden maintenance. Those who were receiving home care, on the waiting list, or had their applications approved on or before September 12 will not have to pay more under a "no worse off" principle. Mr Butler said Support At Home will bring down average wait times and increase the number of available support places to "a record" 300,000. Home care recipients will also be able to apply for up to $15,000 in funding for products, equipment, or home modifications that will help them stay at home for longer through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, he said. "The Aged Care Act marks a new era for aged care where everyone can have faith and trust in a system that will look after them and give them the services they need, when they need them." In early May, Ageing Australia's Tom Symondson said providers had not been given enough time to prepare for changes outlined in the act by July 1. While Mr Butler did not address this concern directly, The Senior understands that as of May 22 a number of resources had been made available. These include dedicated websites to help providers prepare, a priority action list outlining changes that have to be made by July 1, grants programs for providers, and other transition support tools. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) and COTA have also called for a benefit scheme to lower the cost of dental care for older Australians. Mr Butler said the government does not have plans to address the dental affordability issue in the short term, as it is currently focused on "strengthening Medicare and rebuilding general practice." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler has insisted the new Aged Care Act will be fairer for everyone amid concerns over rising home care costs and the sector's ability to adapt to the changes by the specified deadline. The new act is set to come into effect on July 1. Mr Butler said it will offer a number of benefits for home care recipients, including lowering wait times for new applicants, increasing the number of support homes available, and offering additional funding for home modifications. Read more from The Senior But some providers have expressed concerns about changes to the costing for home care services under the new model as well as lack of vital information from the government leading up to the start date. Under the current system, recipients make contributions to their government-subsidised care, with the amount they have to contribute determined by income and the level of their home care package. Under the new Support at Home program, which will come into effect with the new Aged Care Act, recipients will only contribute towards the services they require, but providers say many will end up paying more. Under the new model, all clinical care costs will be covered by the government, but recipients will be expected to contribute to costs for other care services, including showering, other forms of personal care, gardening and cleaning. In early May, seven home care providers issued a joint statement expressing concerns that the changes could lead to some recipients on a full pension paying up to $131 per week for home care services, amounting to more than 20 per cent of their income. Mr Butler insisted the changes were the best way forward for the future of home care and downplayed suggestions the most vulnerable would be hit with unmanageable costs. "The Australian Government will continue to fund the majority of aged care services, and 100 per cent of clinical care services, but those that can afford to will be asked to contribute more to the cost of their care," he said. The Senior understands that under the new system, recipients on a full age pension will be asked to pay five per cent of the costs for independent living services, including showering and personal care and 17 per cent for everyday living services like shopping, cleaning and garden maintenance. Those who were receiving home care, on the waiting list, or had their applications approved on or before September 12 will not have to pay more under a "no worse off" principle. Mr Butler said Support At Home will bring down average wait times and increase the number of available support places to "a record" 300,000. Home care recipients will also be able to apply for up to $15,000 in funding for products, equipment, or home modifications that will help them stay at home for longer through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, he said. "The Aged Care Act marks a new era for aged care where everyone can have faith and trust in a system that will look after them and give them the services they need, when they need them." In early May, Ageing Australia's Tom Symondson said providers had not been given enough time to prepare for changes outlined in the act by July 1. While Mr Butler did not address this concern directly, The Senior understands that as of May 22 a number of resources had been made available. These include dedicated websites to help providers prepare, a priority action list outlining changes that have to be made by July 1, grants programs for providers, and other transition support tools. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) and COTA have also called for a benefit scheme to lower the cost of dental care for older Australians. Mr Butler said the government does not have plans to address the dental affordability issue in the short term, as it is currently focused on "strengthening Medicare and rebuilding general practice." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler has insisted the new Aged Care Act will be fairer for everyone amid concerns over rising home care costs and the sector's ability to adapt to the changes by the specified deadline. The new act is set to come into effect on July 1. Mr Butler said it will offer a number of benefits for home care recipients, including lowering wait times for new applicants, increasing the number of support homes available, and offering additional funding for home modifications. Read more from The Senior But some providers have expressed concerns about changes to the costing for home care services under the new model as well as lack of vital information from the government leading up to the start date. Under the current system, recipients make contributions to their government-subsidised care, with the amount they have to contribute determined by income and the level of their home care package. Under the new Support at Home program, which will come into effect with the new Aged Care Act, recipients will only contribute towards the services they require, but providers say many will end up paying more. Under the new model, all clinical care costs will be covered by the government, but recipients will be expected to contribute to costs for other care services, including showering, other forms of personal care, gardening and cleaning. In early May, seven home care providers issued a joint statement expressing concerns that the changes could lead to some recipients on a full pension paying up to $131 per week for home care services, amounting to more than 20 per cent of their income. Mr Butler insisted the changes were the best way forward for the future of home care and downplayed suggestions the most vulnerable would be hit with unmanageable costs. "The Australian Government will continue to fund the majority of aged care services, and 100 per cent of clinical care services, but those that can afford to will be asked to contribute more to the cost of their care," he said. The Senior understands that under the new system, recipients on a full age pension will be asked to pay five per cent of the costs for independent living services, including showering and personal care and 17 per cent for everyday living services like shopping, cleaning and garden maintenance. Those who were receiving home care, on the waiting list, or had their applications approved on or before September 12 will not have to pay more under a "no worse off" principle. Mr Butler said Support At Home will bring down average wait times and increase the number of available support places to "a record" 300,000. Home care recipients will also be able to apply for up to $15,000 in funding for products, equipment, or home modifications that will help them stay at home for longer through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, he said. "The Aged Care Act marks a new era for aged care where everyone can have faith and trust in a system that will look after them and give them the services they need, when they need them." In early May, Ageing Australia's Tom Symondson said providers had not been given enough time to prepare for changes outlined in the act by July 1. While Mr Butler did not address this concern directly, The Senior understands that as of May 22 a number of resources had been made available. These include dedicated websites to help providers prepare, a priority action list outlining changes that have to be made by July 1, grants programs for providers, and other transition support tools. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) and COTA have also called for a benefit scheme to lower the cost of dental care for older Australians. Mr Butler said the government does not have plans to address the dental affordability issue in the short term, as it is currently focused on "strengthening Medicare and rebuilding general practice." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler has insisted the new Aged Care Act will be fairer for everyone amid concerns over rising home care costs and the sector's ability to adapt to the changes by the specified deadline. The new act is set to come into effect on July 1. Mr Butler said it will offer a number of benefits for home care recipients, including lowering wait times for new applicants, increasing the number of support homes available, and offering additional funding for home modifications. Read more from The Senior But some providers have expressed concerns about changes to the costing for home care services under the new model as well as lack of vital information from the government leading up to the start date. Under the current system, recipients make contributions to their government-subsidised care, with the amount they have to contribute determined by income and the level of their home care package. Under the new Support at Home program, which will come into effect with the new Aged Care Act, recipients will only contribute towards the services they require, but providers say many will end up paying more. Under the new model, all clinical care costs will be covered by the government, but recipients will be expected to contribute to costs for other care services, including showering, other forms of personal care, gardening and cleaning. In early May, seven home care providers issued a joint statement expressing concerns that the changes could lead to some recipients on a full pension paying up to $131 per week for home care services, amounting to more than 20 per cent of their income. Mr Butler insisted the changes were the best way forward for the future of home care and downplayed suggestions the most vulnerable would be hit with unmanageable costs. "The Australian Government will continue to fund the majority of aged care services, and 100 per cent of clinical care services, but those that can afford to will be asked to contribute more to the cost of their care," he said. The Senior understands that under the new system, recipients on a full age pension will be asked to pay five per cent of the costs for independent living services, including showering and personal care and 17 per cent for everyday living services like shopping, cleaning and garden maintenance. Those who were receiving home care, on the waiting list, or had their applications approved on or before September 12 will not have to pay more under a "no worse off" principle. Mr Butler said Support At Home will bring down average wait times and increase the number of available support places to "a record" 300,000. Home care recipients will also be able to apply for up to $15,000 in funding for products, equipment, or home modifications that will help them stay at home for longer through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, he said. "The Aged Care Act marks a new era for aged care where everyone can have faith and trust in a system that will look after them and give them the services they need, when they need them." In early May, Ageing Australia's Tom Symondson said providers had not been given enough time to prepare for changes outlined in the act by July 1. While Mr Butler did not address this concern directly, The Senior understands that as of May 22 a number of resources had been made available. These include dedicated websites to help providers prepare, a priority action list outlining changes that have to be made by July 1, grants programs for providers, and other transition support tools. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) and COTA have also called for a benefit scheme to lower the cost of dental care for older Australians. Mr Butler said the government does not have plans to address the dental affordability issue in the short term, as it is currently focused on "strengthening Medicare and rebuilding general practice." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
