Author name: Zabe Sharpcat

Change in the Aged Care Industry is on its way, and not soon enough. Australia is looking down the barrel of a surge in our ageing population, and the care systems required to handle this need to be put in place as soon as possible before it’s too late. Australia’s aged care system is undergoing its most significant overhaul in decades, aimed at improving quality in a sustainable manner, and the ability for older Australians to stay in their homes longer. These changes impact both home care and residential aged care services and respond to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The team at My Care Journey are strong advocates for a better aged care system that provides the best care possible into the future for our ageing Australians for decades to come. With the largest segment of our population, the Baby Boomers, heading into the more senior stages of their lives, making the care system as strong and viable as possible is essential. Managing Director of My Care Journey Joseph Dimarco says “The ageing demographic of Australia will see the population of over 65’s, double by 2050. It is also projected the population aged over 85 will quadruple. The Australian government currently pays 76% of residential aged care and 95% of home care costs. The Aged Care reforms will shift this model to consumers contributing more to the funding of their aged care, consequently, providers will need to diversify their service offering, increase their efficiency, and focus on customer satisfaction models all of which are positive outcomes for consumers and the Aged Care system.” So, with changes being announced and on their way in 2025 we thought it would be useful to provide what we hope is a good starting point on the changes, who they do/don’t affect, and how they might impact those starting out on their Aged Care journey. What are the changes to Aged Care? The Aged Care Reforms introduce significant changes to improve both home care and residential aged care: Support at Home Programme: This program will look to replace the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the current Home Care Package Program. Support covers clinical care e.g. nursing and occupational therapy, independence assistance e.g. helps with showering, dressing, taking medication, and everyday living e.g. cleaning, gardening, shopping, meal prep. Home care will now operate on quarterly budgets rather than budgets run on an annual basis. If funds are not spent within the quarter, they will be lost although it also provides provisions to access funds if budgets are spent in that quarter. Additionally, there will be pricing limits and mandatory contributions to manage costs more effectively. While the government will pay 100% of clinical care costs, what’s not covered are the more everyday living and independence related costs. This means individuals will contribute more than they have previously in other programs to these non-clinical services depending on their financial situation. This will be determined by means-testing based on individual income and assets. Residential Aged Care Contributions: Everyday living costs refer to non-medical services, such as meals, laundry, cleaning, and social activities. New entrants to aged care with sufficient means will contribute toward these expenses through means-tested fees. Additionally, they will help cover the cost of their accommodation and non-clinical care (e.g., mobility assistance and personal care)​. Protections for existing or soon to be Residents: A “no worse off” principle ensures that residents already in aged care prior to 30 June 2025 will not have to pay more under the new arrangements. The government will continue to cover the bulk of care costs, with 73% for residential care and 100% for clinical care​. Supported Decision-Making: A significant aspect of the reforms is the ability for older Australians to appoint a supporter to help them with decision-making, based on the principles of supported decision-making. This ensures that individuals retain autonomy while receiving assistance tailored to their needs—something My Care Journey (MCJ) strongly advocates for and can support. Aged Care Quality and Safety: The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will gain stronger powers to regulate aged care providers. New quality standards will ensure that providers deliver safe, respectful care, and civil penalties will be imposed on those who fail to meet these standards. Changes at a glance IMPORTANT: The protection of the family home in the means test still applies to residential aged care. For residential care, the family home is exempt if a protected person (such as a spouse) still lives there, and even if it’s included for some reason, its value is capped at $206,039​. For Support at Home, the family home is generally not counted in means testing, as home care assessments focus more on income and liquid assets.​ When do the Aged Care reform changes come into effect? The reforms begin on 1 July 2025, with transitional arrangements ensuring that current aged care residents will not be worse off. Those already in care by 30 June 2025 will maintain their existing financial arrangements. Who do the reforms impact? The reforms impact: Older Australians in Home Care: Those currently receiving home care support will transition to the new Support at Home programme, which is expected to benefit around 1.4 million Australians by 2035. New Entrants to Residential Care: From July 2025, new residents will face a revised means-testing system that includes additional contributions towards non-clinical care and everyday living expenses​. Aged Care Providers: Providers will need to meet stricter quality standards and will be required to invest in upgrading residential care facilities​. Am I better or worse off with these changes in Aged Care? These changes by the government are aimed to make the system fairer and more sustainable by ensuring that those with higher financial means to contribute more will do so, while still protecting vulnerable and lower-income individuals. It’s natural in major reforms like this we see some winners and others that are impacted in a not so positive way.   Winners: Fully Supported / Residents:

In this edition we will share some recent aged care news and updates to keep you informed & give you a glimpse into what we have been getting up to as a team and even some new innovations on the Aged Care landscape.

Retirement certainly is a time to embrace new beginnings, enjoy the freedom from work, and focus on enjoying life to its fullest. One of the best ways to enhance this stage of life is through retirement living. In this blog we will discuss some reasons why this option might be perfect for you or your loved one.  First, let’s just cover off what we mean by Retirement Living…  What is Retirement Living?  Retirement living in Australia refers to a lifestyle option designed and operated for seniors, typically aged 55 and over (although average age is usually higher in villages). It offers a community-oriented, independent living environment. The villages or communities provide a range of housing options, services, and amenities tailored to retirees, such as social activities, maintenance services, and health support. Residents maintain independence while enjoying the security, convenience, and companionship of a like-minded community.  So, let’s start to expand on some of the benefits of this lifestyle option.  Safety and Security  One of the top concerns we all have, but more so as we age, is having a safe and secure home to live in. Retirement communities are designed with this in mind, offering features like secure entrances, emergency call systems, and on-site staff available around the clock. These features help provide a peace of mind, not just for residents but also for their families.   Downsizing and Less Maintenance  One of the practical benefits of retirement living is downsizing from a larger home and just living a simpler and easier life around home. A smaller living space means less to clean, fewer repairs, and more time to enjoy life. In addition, retirement communities often handle maintenance tasks around the home, allowing residents to focus on their hobbies, family, and friends without worrying about household chores. This can be especially useful for those who have spent decades maintaining a larger property. Instead of spending weekends on mowing the lawn or fixing that fence, residents can spend their time doing what they love, whether it’s traveling, learning a new skill, or simply relaxing.  Like-Minded People  Moving to a retirement community means being surrounded by individuals who are at a similar stage in life. This creates an easier environment for forming new friendships and sharing experiences. Whether it’s chatting over a cup of coffee, joining a book club, or participating in community events, the opportunity to connect with like-minded people is a significant benefit. Shared interests and common experiences can lead to meaningful and lasting relationships, making daily life richer and more enjoyable.  Social Connection and Community  Staying socially active has been proven essential for mental and emotional well-being. Retirement communities offer numerous social activities, from group outings to fitness classes and hobby clubs. These opportunities for socialisation can help the surprisingly common issue of loneliness in seniors and keep residents engaged and happy. Regular social interaction has been shown to improve mental health, reduce the risk of depression, and even boost cognitive function. In a retirement community, there’s always something happening, so there’s no reason to feel isolated or bored.  Affordability   While the initial thought of moving into a retirement community might seem costly, it’s often more affordable in the long run. Many communities offer lower entry prices compared to buying a new home. Additionally, residents save on maintenance costs, utility bills, and other expenses that come with owning a house. All-inclusive pricing models can also simplify budgeting, as many services and amenities are covered under a single fee. This can include everything from dining and housekeeping to healthcare and recreational activities, making it easier to manage finances.  Access to Amenities and Services both onsite and locally   Retirement communities often come with a range of amenities and services designed to make life easier and more enjoyable. This can include on-site dining options, fitness centres, swimming pools, beauty salons, and more. Many communities also offer transportation services, making it easy to get around the local community without the hassle of driving. For those who need a little extra help, personal care services and health care facilities are often available on-site, providing convenience and peace of mind.  Important: Retirement villages do have costs to consider   Moving into a village is not the same as simply buying a smaller house and living in it. Default management fees in retirement villages refer to the charges residents pay for the operation and maintenance of the village. These fees typically cover services like property upkeep, common area maintenance, staff wages, and administrative costs.   The amount and structure of these fees can vary between villages, for example paid they could be paid on a monthly basis or in a lump sum at the time of exiting the village. It’s important for potential residents to understand the fee arrangements, as these costs are an essential part of village living and can affect long-term affordability.   By the way, things like fee structures and even negotiations around these are some of the key considerations My Care Journey can assist with.   Enhanced Quality of Life  Ultimately, the goal of retirement living is to enhance the quality of life for residents. By providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment, retirement communities enable seniors to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. The combination of social activities, accessible amenities, and professional support services creates a holistic approach to well-being. Residents can pursue their interests, maintain their independence, and live with dignity and joy.  Choosing retirement living can be a wonderful decision which brings safety, community, social opportunities, and financial benefits.   Want to know more about Retirement Living?   If you’re considering retirement living, our team at My Care Journey can assist you with finding the best suited option based off your unique needs and preferences, or answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today to start the conversation, 1300 20 11 44. 

Finding the right aged care solution is a top priority for a growing number of older Australians and their families, and there’s a lot of important information that requires careful consideration. At My Care Journey, we know through our client consultations that everyone’s definition of the “right” care solution varies based on their unique needs and preferences. This is why we think it’s not just important, but essential to offer personalised, client-centered care placement consulting. In this blog, we discuss why not all care placement consultants are the same, what we think is important in a service like this, what you should look for, the hidden pitfalls of things like “free” services offered by placement agencies, and our commitment to independence and advocacy setting us apart from others.  Why choosing the right Care Partner matters. Choosing the right care provider goes beyond the services they provide, their fees, or the location they offer their service. Other important things to consider include:  The care team: do they align with your values and treat you or your loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve?  The team structure: is it the same person delivering the care each week?  Reliability: do they have trained backup team members to ensure care is delivered when planned?  Communication: what is the responsiveness if you need to speak to someone, or if plans change for some reason?   Years of operation and experience: this can feed into all the above factors.  There’s a lot to consider and it’s important to feel like more than just a number. That’s why we believe the right care partners are a team that will offer support, guidance, care, and expertise to help you towards your best care solution.   Transparency and quality of service are key. When it comes to selecting an aged care placement service like My Care Journey, transparency and quality of service are key. We believe the focus should be on identifying the most suitable care solution tailored to the client’s needs and preferences. By focusing on this at the forefront, it ensures that every recommendation we make is guided solely by what we truly believe will bring you peace of mind, satisfaction, and the highest standard of care.  Beware of “Free” placement services when it comes to Residential Aged Care: what they don’t tell you.  First of all, it’s important we clarify that My Care Journey itself has free placement services on offer to our clients, but to be clear our services are subsidised by the service providers and quite often restrict the choices you’re presented (in particular in Residential Care). While it may seem appealing or even necessary to choose “free” services offered by certain care placement consultants, it’s crucial to understand the fine prints.  Organisations only offering free services means they will receive payments from the care providers they recommend, which could limit the range and suitability of options they offer to you, making it less personalised. This is why at My Care Journey we offer a range of service options (from Free through to our Concierge) that are carefully tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you receive unbiased information and don’t feel limited in your decision-making process.  Continued support beyond placement.  Choosing the right aged care partner goes beyond finding a suitable care solution, it’s about establishing a trusted relationship that provides ongoing support and advocacy. At My Care Journey, we’re committed to being your partner every step of the way, we don’t just tick you off and add you to a completed list. Beyond placement, we offer continued support to ensure your transition is smooth and your needs are consistently met. Whether it’s coordinating care services, addressing concerns, or adapting to changing circumstances, our team is dedicated to providing guidance and reassurance on an ongoing basis. Partnering with you on your Aged Care Journey  Choosing the right aged care solution for our clients isn’t just about a transaction, or looking at names and numbers in order to recommend a number of providers and leave all the work up to you. We understand these choices can greatly impact your quality of life and well-being. At My Care Journey, we’re committed to taking a client centric approach, guiding you through this significant decision with empathy, expertise, and unwavering integrity. Our independence guarantees that your best interests are always our priority.   And remember we’re just a phone call or email away. You can always contact us for a quick, no obligation conversation to discover how we can assist you in finding the ideal aged care solution. Your peace of mind means everything to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

We have so many exciting updates here at My Care Journey as we continue to make our positive mark in the aged care sector. Stay update to date with us every step of the way.

At My Care Journey, we understand how tough it can be for seniors and their families to embrace aged care. It’s completely normal to have reservations, confusion, and concerns about this big change (don’t worry our team come across this each day talking to clients). In hopes of easing a few of these concerns, we thought we would share a few perspectives on aged care and the positive outcomes it can bring. Our goal is to help you and your loved ones feel more confident about the journey ahead and everything it involves.  What is aged care really about?  Many seniors worry that receiving aged care in any form means losing control over their daily lives. Completely understandable – they’ve spent decades building their independence, routines, and taking care of themselves and others. The thought of giving that up can be really daunting. But, what a lot of our clients come to realise is that aged care is actually designed to support their quality of life, not take it away.  We often talk to people who don’t even know they can get aged care services at home!  So, to clear up these misconceptions, we always take the approach of how aged care can help with providing the right support where it’s needed. With all the options available, seniors will still have the freedom to make choices about their daily activities, but with the added bonus of some help and support doing them. This can include assistance with tasks that have become challenging, allowing them to spend more time enjoying their day.  The quality of aged care can be a concern.  We often talk to individuals and families worried about getting the same quality of care they’re used to from partners or their loved ones. This fear can come from negative stories or uncertainty about aged care. But, for every not so good story, there are plenty of positive ones we get the pleasure of hearing and even being part of.   Personalised care plans offer real support. Aged care services, both in-home and residential, tailor these plans to each resident’s needs, covering some of the simplest tasks from cleaning and personal care to meals, medication, and social activities. At My Care Journey, we ensure these personalised care plans are a key part of our service, working closely with care providers to maintain the quality and individual attention that are important to our clients.  Aged Care can be a positive change.  Sure, change can be uncomfortable, especially for someone who has lived in the same home for years (even decades). For many, home is a place of routine and memories, so the idea of change can create a lot of anxiety. But, many of these concerns can be overcome with the right approach. This change can lead to a better quality of life, better care, and even stronger social connections in a new community. Taking small steps can help, such as having a home care provider visit or touring a few facilities to meet the people, taste the food and see the environment. This can help make the change feel less daunting and more reassuring.   Remember, it’s worth exploring whether home care or residential care is the best fit. Many seniors for instance think aged care means moving into a facility, but there are options to stay at home longer with the right support.  At My Care Journey, we’re here to help you assess care needs, preferences, and budgets to find the best options for you or your loved one.  Listening, empathy and communication are our best tools.  Uncertainty about the future often lies at the heart of many emotions and feelings that arise during the aged care transition, no matter the size of the change.  At My Care Journey, we believe that understanding these feelings and where they come from, along with finding information to relieve uncertainty are crucial steps for navigating these times. Keeping lines of communication open is essential – talking it through is what we do best! Discussing daily routines, activities, challenges, care needs and matching them up with the support available can greatly help in managing the care journey. Additionally, hearing positive stories and testimonials from others who have successfully made the transition tend to be very comforting.    We have many wonderful stories to share at My Care Journey, showing how this can be a positive change in the quality of life. It’s important to always remember that. So, whether you’re just starting the journey, or are looking to change providers, we’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.  For a quick no obligation and confidential chat with one of our team, we’re just a phone call away on 1300 20 11 44