Reform Changes For Older People
What the reforms mean for you and your loved ones
At Heart 4 Care, we believe every older person deserves respect, dignity and choice — whether you’re receiving in-home care, disability support or coordinating services for a family member. The recent reforms by the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission (ACQSC) and the Australian Government seriously shift aged care so you’re more centre stage than ever.
In Australia, the new Aged Care Act 2024 (which began from 1 November 2025) and the associated Aged Care Rules 2025 apply. agedcarequality.gov.au That means whether you are receiving support at home, living in residential care or coordinating disability care (including under the Support at Home Programme), things are changing for the better.
Why these changes matter for aged care and disability care
These reforms bring some big improvements:
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You’re at the centre of decisions about your care and support — your rights matter.
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Registered providers now must act consistently with your rights.
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You can more easily appoint a supporter to help with decisions (or in some cases make them) if needed.
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Access is simplified: one single entry-point, one needs-assessment process.
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More transparent provider information so you can make informed choices about your care.
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Recognises that some younger people (for example First Nations people aged 50-64, or those homeless or at risk) may need aged care earlier.
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Better protections if things go wrong — for example complaints and compensation if a provider breaches their duty of care.
What it means for in-home care, residential care & disability support
Here’s how the reforms translate into real-life scenarios:
In-home and community care
If you’re accessing services in your home or community, perhaps receiving in-home aged care or disability care (support coordination, etc):
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Providers need to honour your Statement of Rights and act accordingly.
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You should have more say in choosing your services, when and how they are delivered.
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Clearer information so you compare providers and know what to expect.
Residential aged care
If you’re moving into or already in a residential setting:
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A place is now allocated directly to you, rather than via a provider, giving you more control. agedcarequality.gov.au
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The standard of care providers must deliver is set out more clearly and must align with your rights.
For NDIS participants or younger people needing aged-care style support
The reforms recognise situations where younger people may need aged-care type services:
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For example, First Nations persons aged 50-64. agedcarequality.gov.au
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If you’re receiving NDIS support or coordinate disability care alongside aged care, it can mean easier transitions and clarity about what rights you have.
What you can do now
Here are some helpful steps to make the most of the reforms:
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Ask your provider for information about your rights under the new Act and how they apply to your support.
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If you’re organising care (in-home or residential) or coordinating NDIS support, check that there’s a named supporter or decision-maker in place if you want one.
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Make sure you receive clear information about what service you’re getting, the provider’s name, how much it costs, and what choice you have.
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If things aren’t right — don’t wait. You have complaint rights, and you should be treated with respect and dignity.
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Stay informed — trusted sources like the ACQSC website or the Department of Health & Aged Care offer plain-language materials. Example: health.gov.au or agedcarequality.gov.au
How Heart 4 Care supports you
At Heart 4 Care, whether you’re looking for in-home care, aged-care in Queensland, NDIS support or help with support coordination — we’re here with a warm, trustworthy hand. We respect your choices, support your voice and walk alongside your family every step of the way.
If you’d like to learn more about how we integrate these reforms into our services, visit our Our Services page or get in touch via Contact Us.
If you or someone you care for needs support, our friendly Heart 4 Care team can help — contact us today.
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