* 3 June 2025 *
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has had far-reaching and ongoing consequences. The New Aged Care Act responds to around 60 of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission.
The Act will:
> Introduce a Statement of Rights for older people
> Launch the ‘Support at Home Program’ to replace the Home Care Package Program
> Give stronger powers to the regulator, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC)
> Introduce a new regulatory model (see below)
> Introduce strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
> Give older people and their supporters a greater say and a more independent voice about the care and services they receive
> Provide protections to those who speak up when they are not satisfied
> Better equip providers to handle complaints effectively
Newly Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
There will be seven strengthened Standards, with Food and Nutrition being added as Standard 6, and an increased focus on person-centred care and meeting the needs of older people with specific needs.
The strengthened Standards will ensure that care is culturally safe, trauma-aware and healing-informed. There will be a focus on supporting and cultivating relationships and social connections.
New Regulatory Model
The changes also include a new Regulatory Model which will change the way the aged care sector operates and will improve outcomes for older people.
This means that providers like Vasey RSL Care will be deemed to be a registered provider by the commission on 1 July 2025 and the 3-year accreditation cycle will be across all services at the same time.
We strongly advise you to visit the government website to find out more about the new Act and Strengthened Standards and what it means to you or your loved one.
‘My Health Record’ – what is it?
All Australians can opt in or out of the government’s online summary of your personal health information kept in your ‘My Health Record’.
This allows you to access and share your health information safely and securely with authorised health practitioners such as doctors, hospital staff and clinical staff in aged care.
My Health Record helps aged care residents/clients and their families by ensuring your health information is available to the people treating you and is especially important in case of emergency medical assistance.
We recommend that aged care residents and home care clients check they are registered for this valuable service and ensure they have a ‘MyGov’ account which is linked to their My Health Record.