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A clear, grounded update for anyone trying to make sense of what’s happening The new Aged Care Act came into effect on 1 November 2025, and while the long-term goal is a better, fairer system, the transition period is causing real stress for a lot of people. If you’ve been hearing about families losing services, facing new co-contributions, or getting confusing updates from providers, you’re not imagining it. It’s happening. And it has people worried. After talking with families about their concerns, we’ve put together a breakdown of some of the key changes happening now, what they’re meant to do, and what they mean in real life when you’re trying to choose or manage care. 1. Rights and responsibilities are clearer The new Act finally spells out what older people can expect from providers, including safe, quality, person-centred care. Why it matters: It gives people more power to speak up and ask for what they’re entitled to. But it also means providers are tightening processes as they adjust to the new rules, sometimes causing delays, confusion, or changes to how services are delivered. 2. Major changes to fees and cost-sharing This is the big one. People are reporting sudden changes to their service mix, reduced hours, or requests for co-contributions they can’t afford.  This is due to fundamental changes in the pricing structure, that removes packages management fees and fixes care management fees at 10% of funding. This has resulted in hourly rates for services increasing across the board. Why it’s happening: Providers must now show clearer, more transparent pricing. And providers have increased their fees across the board due to changes to package management and care management fees. Clients are also now required to make contributions to cover more of the cost of delivering services. How it impacts care choices: Some people are receiving fewer services just to stay within budget. Others are switching providers to get better value. Families are feeling more pressure to bridge the gaps. It’s tough, and you’re not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 3. Stronger protections when you raise concerns If something doesn’t feel right, the new rules give you a safer, clearer way to speak up. You can question a fee, challenge a change, ask why something has been reduced, or request a review of your care plan. And you’re protected when you do. 4. Providers must show their work Everything, from care planning to staff training to service delivery, needs to be documented and evidence-based. What this looks like right now: More assessments. More checking. More reviews of what you’re funded for. It’s meant to lift quality, but during the transition it can feel like extra admin and extra hoops. This included getting signatures for services delivered or using technology, such as geo tracking, to evidence service delivery. 5. Care has to be genuinely person-centred Not as a slogan. As a legal requirement. This means your goals, your preferences, your safety, your lifestyle, and your priorities should drive your care, not provider convenience. But real talk: During transition periods, some providers are struggling to balance this with cost pressures, staff shortages, and the new compliance workload. So, what does all this mean for you? You’re allowed to ask questions, get explanations, request transparent fee breakdowns, challenge changes, seek a second opinion, look at other providers, review your services, and adjust your plan if it no longer meets your needs. And you don’t need to navigate this alone. We help people understand what the changes mean for their situation, not in legal terms, but in real-world decisions: What can you afford? Is your provider giving you value? Do you have better options? The system is shifting, and that can feel scary. But there are choices, and there is a way forward that keeps you safe, supported, and informed.

Making sense of the details before you make decisions. If you’ve ever tried to wrap your head around residential aged care fees, you’ll know it can feel like trying to read another language. There are basic daily fees, means-tested care fees, accommodation payments, supplements, and more, and on 1 November, there are even more changes coming. It’s a lot. And if you’re helping a parent or loved one make the move into residential aged care, it can be really difficult to figure out what you’re actually going to pay and what decisions have to be made, like whether or not you need to sell the family home. That’s the short version. But in reality, there are layers upon layers of assessments, forms, and formulas that all influence what ends up on your statement. Why it feels so confusing A big part of the confusion comes from the number of agencies and assessments involved. You might start with a My Aged Care assessment to determine eligibility, then a Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs income and assets assessment, followed by fee advice from an aged care provider, each using slightly different terms and timeframes. So while one letter tells you one thing, another might seem to contradict it. And in between, you’re trying to figure out what’s due when, what’s refundable, and what might change over time. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in paperwork or second-guessing what you’ve been told, you’re definitely not alone. “I just want to know what it’s going to cost.” That’s the line we hear most often. Families want clarity, not complicated explainations or government jargon, just a clear understanding of what they actually need to budget for. But getting to that answer isn’t always simple. For example, two people with the same care needs might pay completely different fees depending on their income, assets, or whether they keep or sell the family home. The result? A lot of uncertainty, and sometimes, unnecessary stress at an already emotional time. Taking the guesswork out of aged care Understanding how aged care fees work isn’t just about numbers, it’s about making confident decisions for yourself or someone you love. When you’re clear on what’s involved, you can plan properly, compare options fairly, and avoid surprises later on. That’s exactly what our Financial Information Service is designed to help with. We take the time to understand your personal situation and explain what each type of fee means for you, in plain English. We’ll walk you through what to expect upfront, what might change down the track, and how the new November fee updates could affect you or your family. Whether you’re looking at residential aged care, home care, or just starting to plan ahead, we can help you feel more confident and in control of the financial side. No jargon. No pressure. Just clarity. We know money conversations can be uncomfortable. But we also know that with the right information, people feel empowered to make better, more confident decisions. Our approach is simple: we provide clear information, you decide. You’ll come away with a clear picture of your options and what they’ll mean for your situation – no sales pitch, not a push to sign up for anything – just understanding. Because when you understand the financial side of aged care, everything else starts to make more sense too. Want more clarity about aged care costs? If you’re feeling unsure about aged care fees or just want someone to walk you through it all, our team can help. Chat with our team for clear, independent advice that helps you make confident care decisions.

Back in August, we made a formal submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, highlight the ongoing delays in the release of Home Care Packages and the impact this is having on older Australians and their families. These delays can create real challenges for people waiting for care, from increased stress to gaps in support at home. We’ve shared our insights, evidence, and recommendations in the submission to help inform better policy and faster action. Since the submission, the Federal Government has released 20,000 home care packages, prior to the 1 November timeframe originally indicated. While these packages will help 20,000 people access the care they need, it pales in comparison to the true need in community and does little to address the increasing timeframes for older Australian to both be assessed for aged care support and access a home care package. We’ll continue monitoring the situation and sharing updates as they come, because everyone deserves timely access to the care they need.

Your practical checklist for finding care that truly fits. Choosing the right home care provider, whether it’s for yourself, your parents, or someone you love, can be a daunting task. It’s not just about ticking boxes or comparing prices. It’s about finding an organisation that aligns with your values, listens to what matters most, and delivers care in a way that feels right for you. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to tell who’s genuinely great and who just looks polished on paper, especially when there are so many options out there! Here are five things worth looking for when deciding who to trust with your care or the care of your loved ones. Their values align with yours A great provider should feel like a natural fit, not just in what they offer, but in how they operate. Think about what matters most to you. Do you want to work with a not-for-profit organisation or a small, family-owned business? Is cultural or faith alignment important to you or your family? The right provider should share or respect those values and be transparent about their own. Ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with their approach and the way they talk about care? Do their values seem to match mine? You feel heard and valued Good providers don’t make you fit into their system. They take the time to understand your story, your routines, preferences, and what helps you feel safe and supported. You should feel like an individual, not a number. If a provider listens carefully, takes notes, and tailors their support around your needs rather than asking you to adjust to their processes, that’s a strong sign you’re in good hands. Their care is consistent, even when faces change In home care, it’s common, and perfectly reasonable, to want the same worker every visit. But life happens, staff take leave, get sick, or move on. The best providers make sure that even when people change, the quality doesn’t. Ask about how they train and support their staff, how they communicate changes, and how they make sure everyone works to the same standards. You should be able to see the organisation’s culture and values shining through, no matter who shows up. Consistency in standards, not just faces, is what builds trust. They take responsibility and make things right No provider is perfect, but a great one works with you to fix any issues that arise. They’ll check in regularly, make it easy to raise feedback, and treat any concerns with respect, not defensiveness. You should have a clear point of contact, know who to go to if something’s not right, and feel confident that they’ll follow through. If a provider brushes off your feedback or shifts the blame, that’s a red flag. They genuinely care, and it shows in their culture You can tell when people love what they do, and you can tell when they love where they work. When staff feel supported and valued, that warmth flows through every interaction, from the way they greet you to how they talk about the people they support. Look for providers with teams that are proud of their workplace, kind, and genuinely invested in helping people live well at home. That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident . Final tip: Look for care that puts you at the centre With the new Aged Care Act taking effect from 1 November, there’s now a stronger emphasis on truly person-centred care, and a greater responsibility on providers to demonstrate it. That means your needs, choices, and preferences should sit at the heart of every care plan and conversation. The best providers will not only understand that but embrace it. Not sure where to start looking for a great provider? Whether you’re looking for a home care provider for the first time, or if you’re not happy with your current provider, My Care Journey makes the process of choosing a provider empowering and stress free. Our Care Choices Partners can help you understand your options, answer your questions, and connect you with providers who genuinely fit your needs. Give us a call or click here for more information to see how we can help.

Many people who receive home care are not happy with their provider. Services might not match what you need, carers may be inconsistent, or communication can be poor. It’s stressful, and it can leave you feeling uncertain about the support you’re relying on. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission shows just how common these frustrations are: Over 1,000 complaints were lodged last month alone Almost 2,000 complaints are currently open 3 in 10 complaints take longer than 60 days to resolve 1 in 3 people don’t give a high satisfaction rating for the complaints process These numbers only capture people who get to the point of making a formal complaint with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Many more quietly struggle with services that don’t fit their needs. And we know that people receiving care often don’t speak up or raise concerns for fear of backlash. Not All Providers Are the Same Every aged care provider is different. So many things impact the quality of care you receive, from workplace culture and staff training to leadership decisions and organisational values, all impact the quality of care. And different providers cater to different needs. Some providers are linked to religious organisations, others cater to multicultural communities, others might have a greater clinical focus. There are small boutique providers, national operations, not-for-profits, and family run businesses. Finding a provider that aligns with what matters to you can make all the difference. How Age Care Navigation Helps If you’re not happy with the service you’re receiving, an aged care navigation provider can smooth out the process and reduce stress. They can: Understand your needs, priorities, and lifestyle Present you with options that fit your preferences Speak to your current provider on your behalf Help you switch providers without you having to make any phone calls Aged Care Navigation can take the stress out of the whole process.  Finding the Right FitThat’s where My Care Journey comes in. We listen first. You tell us what matters most, privacy, lifestyle, independence, pets, social interaction. We find better matches. Using our knowledge of providers, we find providers who align with your preferences. Some providers can’t accommodate pets, for example, others can. Some people prefer a friendly, chatty carer; others want professional, structured support. We manage the conversations. We contact providers, make referrals, and organise changes for you, so you can relax with peace of mind. Feeling Supported and ConfidentWith the right support, switching providers doesn’t have to be stressful. You can feel secure knowing your care aligns with your needs and lifestyle, and that someone is there to support you, every step of the way. Take the First StepBook a free conversation with one of our Care Choices Partners and explore how you can feel confident, supported, and cared for.

A Navigation Service, sometimes called a Placement Service, helps you find the right aged care provider without the stress of juggling phone calls, websites, or long waitlists. Think of it as having a guide who knows the aged care system inside out, listens to what matters most to you, and helps you make choices that actually fit your life.  Why not just go directly to providers? Going straight to providers might seem like the obvious choice, but it can quickly become overwhelming. You need to research all the options in your area, understand the different services and costs, compare quality and suitability, and coordinate multiple calls and appointments. It’s a lot to manage on your own, especially when you’re trying to make the best decision for yourself or a loved one. A Navigation Service simplifies this process by: Listening to your needs and lifestyle preferences: from daily routines to hobbies, values, social priorities, or pets. Finding providers who match your priorities: we know the strengths of different providers and can highlight the best fits for you. Presenting options with clear guidance: so you can feel empowered making informed decisions. Supporting you through the transition: we stay in touch for months after you engage your new provider to make sure everything goes smoothly. Benefits for Home Care and Residential Aged Care Whether you’re looking for home care or residential aged care, a Navigation Service can make life easier. While everyone’s journey is different, for home care, it’s about finding a provider to match your lifestyle: friendly, structured, flexible, or even pet-friendly. For residential aged care, it’s about avoiding long waitlists and weighing up how the differences in things like catering, diversional therapies, and even organisational policies will impact your quality of life. Real-Life Stories John and CosmoJohn, 78, receives home care and shares his life with his little Jack Russell, Cosmo – his shadow, his companion, and his constant friend. John’s home care service provided help with cooking and a bit of cleaning, but even though the workers liked dogs, Cosmo wasn’t allowed inside because of a company policy. When John reached out to My Care Journey to see if switching providers was even worth it, we had a chat to understand what mattered most. Using our Navigation Service, we found a couple of providers that welcomed pets. One was even affiliated with a religious organisation John belonged to, which felt like an extra perfect fit. We managed the switch entirely on John’s behalf, so he didn’t have to make a single phone call. Now, John enjoys his cooking and cleaning support while Cosmo happily supervises, sniffing around for any tasty scraps. Mary and DavidMary was feeling overwhelmed trying to find residential care for her husband, David, who has dementia. He had already been approved for care, but when she called providers, the staff were quite abrupt, which didn’t give Mary the best first impression. When she reached out to us, we met with both Mary and David over a cuppa to talk about what really mattered. It was important that Mary could visit easily, that there was space for their kids and grandkids to come for birthdays and other special occasions, and that David had access to green outdoor spaces. We researched local options and came back with a few facilities that matched her priorities, including one with excellent indoor-outdoor flow and lounge rooms that could be booked in advance for family visits. With our support, David moved seamlessly into his new home, close enough for Mary to visit regularly. Mario and LillianMario’s Mum had previously received home care through a large provider but had a frustrating experience. Different carers came each time, shifts changed at the last minute, and it felt like they were living on the provider’s schedule rather than the other way around. It felt like Lillian was constantly changing her schedule to what suited the provider. When Mario reached out to us, we took the time to understand their priorities and matched them with a small, family-owned provider. With fewer staff and clients, the new provider could offer consistent carers, with more consistency for time and day. The result? A much smoother, reliable home care experience that put Mario and his Mum back in control. Your Care Journey, Made PersonalA Navigation Service isn’t just about making the right choice, it’s about ongoing support. We stay in touch for three months after placement to check in, resolve any issues, and make sure your care fits your life, not the other way around. Take the First StepSpeak with one of our Care Choices Partners and see how a Navigation Service can save you time, reduce stress, and help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Big changes are coming to aged care fees from 1 November 2025. If you’re planning to move into residential care or are already receiving home care, it’s more important than ever to understand how these changes could affect your finances. What You Need to KnowThe new Aged Care Act changes how much you and the government contribute to aged care costs. This includes accommodation fees, care fees, and daily basic fees. For most people with assets, costs could increase if you enter the system on or after 1 November. The changes are designed to make the system more balanced, sustainable, and fair. How they affect you depends on your current situation, whether you are receiving a Home Care Package or living in a residential aged care home. How This Could Impact Your Costs Home Care: Fees and contributions may be recalculated, meaning some people could pay more for packages than before. Residential Care: Accommodation costs and care fees may increase for people entering care after 1 November. Understanding Your Options: Every person’s situation is different, so knowing what applies to you is key. Even small differences in calculation methods or eligibility for government support can change your costs significantly. That’s why reviewing your situation now is a smart move. How a Financial Information Service Can HelpMy Care Journey’s Financial Information Service provides free, independent information and education to help you make informed choices. We can: Explain the different types of aged care costs in simple terms Show how government support works and what you may be eligible for Compare costs and options between providers We don’t give financial advice, recommend products, or make decisions for you, but we do help you understand your options and the changes coming to aged care costs. Now Is the Time to ReviewWith the changes coming into effect on 1 November, it’s the perfect moment to look at your current situation and consider your options. A few minutes spent reviewing your finances now could save stress and surprises later. Take the First StepHave a chat with out team and learn how clear, independent information can make a big difference.