Question 1

Why is there a new Aged Care Act and what are the changes?

Accepted Answer

In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, as well as feedback from older Australians, their families, and the broader community, the new Aged Care Act will bring meaningful reform to the way aged care is delivered in Australia.  From 1 November 2025, the Aged Care Act 2024 replaced the Aged Care Act 1997. The new Act is designed to improve aged care services by placing the rights of older Australians at the centre of the aged care system.   Key changes include:  - The introduction of a Statement of Rights, which outlines the rights that older Australians will have when accessing government-funded aged care services. Providers, like Anglicare, must provide care in line with the Statement of Rights and Statement of Principles. - Simplified access to government-funded aged care services with the introduction of a Single Assessment System, replacing Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) and Regional Assessment Service (RAS).  - Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards to ensure that the care and services a provider delivers are safe, high quality, and meet the needs and preferences of the people receiving care. Providers must show they meet the Quality Standards. - Enhanced incident management and complaints handling, including protections for whistleblowers and clearer incident reporting requirements.  - Greater transparency in fees and charges, with clearer communication and support for informed financial decisions.

Question 2

What has changed under the new strengthened Quality Standards for aged care?

Accepted Answer

The Quality Standards for aged care – including residential aged care – have been updated to make them clearer and easier to measure. They now focus more strongly on the things that matter most to older people, like safety, dignity, choice and food. Here are the main changes, and how Anglicare is meeting these requirements. Fewer, clearer standards: The Standards have been reduced from eight to seven, with clearer expectations. Anglicare provides ongoing training and support to staff, as well as regularly reviewing processes and policies to ensure a consistent high quality of standard is experienced across all  our homes. Residents at the centre: The new Standards put older people’s rights and preferences first. Anglicare introduced the Rhythm of Life® program in 2012 which is our model of person-centred care and we have since launched other initiatives like WElders, our consumer advisory body which commenced in 2021. Diversity and dementia care: At Anglicare, our principle “Everybody has a unique story” has underpinned our approach to person-centred care since 2012. Staff take the time to understand what is important to every new person moving into care, what gives them purpose and joy and identifying how we can honour them. In 2012 we integrated some of the Montessori principles into our aged care homes to support memory retention and independence. Anglicare is intentional in its design and layout of homes to create dementia-friendly environments, including secure outdoor spaces, way-finding signage, memory boxes, innovative technology like the Tovertafel and familiar home-like furniture. Clinical care: Clinical care now has its own Standard, covering medication, safety, and palliative care. Anglicare has strong clinical governance processes and oversight of care which include:    - Registered Nurses ensure clinical safety is maintained, including management of fall prevention strategies, wound management, pain management and safe use of medicines. - Infection prevention and control (IPC) is supported in all homes by a clinical IPC Lead, and a Senior IPC professional that provides oversight and guidance. - Palliative and end-of-life care that supports dignity and comfort is provided with the support of a Palliative Nurse Consultant. - Specialist support to residents living with cognitive impairment. Governance and accountability:  This Standard outlines clear expectations for leadership, accountability, and transparency in the way care is delivered. Anglicare has a governing body that actively oversees the safety, quality and outcomes of care provided to residents.  - We listen to residents and their families, and use their feedback to shape how we do things at Anglicare. - Anglicare’s leaders, managers and staff are provided with the education and support they need to ensure they have the right skills and support to deliver safe, high-quality care and services to residents. - We have transparent and detailed reporting and monitoring of performance and risks for continuous improvement. Food and nutrition: Meals now have their own Standard, recognising the importance of good food and mealtimes. Each month Anglicare runs food and dining focus groups where residents can provide feedback and assist with menu planning. Our chefs consult with dietitians to ensure meals meet nutritional needs of residents, and there are a variety of options available for people with special dietary needs, or who require textured modified meals. Each home has a 24/7 snack bar with a range of healthy and tasty snacks for residents to eat whenever they choose. Clearer assessments: Providers will now be graded in more detail, with results shown publicly via the government’s Find a provider tool. Anglicare welcomes this, as we already aim for openness and high-quality care across all our homes.

Question 3

How can I access residential aged care under the new Act?

Accepted Answer

The process to access government-funded aged care services in Australia changed under the new Aged Care Act which came into effect on 1 November 2025. The change is designed to make it more streamlined and easier to understand. Assessments have been redesigned to be fair and culturally safe, ensuring respectful and appropriate care for people from all backgrounds.   The new process also introduces new terminology to better align with this streamlined approach. Here’s what you need to know.  - Single Assessment System replaces ACAT (aged care assessment team) and RAS (regional assessment service).   - Trained Assessors are professionals who conduct the assessments. These may be registered nurses, allied health professionals, or other qualified personnel trained in aged care needs assessment.  - Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) is a standardised national tool used to evaluate your care needs across all service types: support at home, residential care and transition care. It is designed to reduce duplication, improve continuity of care and ensure culturally safe, trauma-aware assessments.  Here’s a brief overview of the new streamlined process:  1. The first step to access funded aged care services is to confirm your eligibility and apply. To get started, visit MyAgedCare  or call 1800 200 422.  2. If your application is successful, you will be notified and referred for an assessment. Assessments are conducted by professionals from the Single Assessment System workforce called Trained Assessors.  3. The Assessment process uses the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). Your assessment will be conducted in a location that works best for you, which may be in your own home, over the phone, a video call or in a community setting.   To learn more about the process and how to access residential aged care download this free ebook.

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