2025 Aged Care Reforms

What Are the 2025 Aged Care Reforms?

From 1st November the new Aged Care Act replaces the old 1997 laws. It is designed to make aged care fairer, safer, and more respectful for older Australians and was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

Key changes for residents and providers of aged care include:

A Statement of Rights for all people receiving aged care (replacing the Charter of Rights)
A greater emphasis on understanding and delivering individual resident needs, preferences and culture
The appointment of an Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and improved and transparent complaints processes
Greater whistleblower protections to make it easier for people to come forward about misconduct or harm.
Introduction of the Strengthened Aged Care Standards

What These Changes Mean for You

Residents will have more choice in their care planning and daily life.
Families and carers will be recognised as part of the care team and have better access to information.
From 1st November 2025 there is a change to the fee structure for new residents entering into aged care. For existing residents there are no automatic updates to their current fee structure
From 1^st November 2026 permanent residents occupying an extra service place will no longer pay extra service fees or additional service fees and instead will be offered services under a package of products and services called Higher Everyday Living Fees, these are designed to enhance lifestyle and create greater choice. We will discuss package options with residents and their representatives closer to the time.

Our Commitment

We have been working hard behind the scenes for many months to ensure that we are well prepared and that our care and service delivery is in line with the strengthened standards.

This includes:

Updating care plans and documentation
Specialist staff training on the reforms
Embedding the new Statement of Rights in daily care
Strengthening our quality and safety checks

Respect, dignity and inclusion are already central to how we provide care.

Key Updates in the New Act

Statement of Rights

All residents will have legally protected rights – including dignity, safety, choice, privacy, and culturally appropriate care. You also have the right to clear information and to speak up without fear.

Aged Care Workforce and Oversight

There is a greater focus on competency for aged care workers, particularly in the areas of palliative care and dementia care.

Fees and Contribution Caps

No automatic changes to current fees.
New lifetime caps limit how much residents can be asked to pay.
Extra Service Fees and Additional Service Fees will be replaced by Higher Everyday Living Fee in consultation with Residents and their Representatives from 1^st November 2026

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about

Links to government resources and information.

For information or support regarding aged care, please call the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au

If you have any questions or comments please email info@morangroup.com.au