PEOPLE living with motor neurone disease (MND) will receive faster access to aged care support under a new Federal Government initiative.
The move has been welcomed by palliative care advocates as a significant step forward for those facing one of Australia’s most devastating neurological conditions.
The Australian Government has announced changes to Aged Care Rules that will recognise MND as a specific condition requiring urgent priority access to Support at Home services.
The reform means older Australians diagnosed with MND will be able to access vital in-home care and support more quickly, helping them remain independent and connected to their families for as long as possible.
The changes will also apply retrospectively to people already assessed and waiting for funding, ensuring current patients benefit from the new arrangements.
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) Interim Chief Executive Officer Simon Waring said the decision was both compassionate and practical.
“The late Neale Daniher described MND as ‘The Beast’,” Mr Waring said.
“It is a devastating condition marked by rapid decline, and people living with it need support that can keep pace as their needs change.”
“This announcement matters because it recognises the urgency faced by people with MND and their families.
“Timely access to care and support can make a real difference to a person’s quality of life, dignity and ability to remain connected with the people who matter most.”
The new approach mirrors an existing priority pathway available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for people under 65 living with MND, providing faster access to assessments, funding and reassessments as their condition progresses.
National Policy Director Josh Fear said the announcement highlighted the need for aged care and disability systems to respond more effectively to people with rapidly changing health needs.
“This is a sensible and welcome policy response to a condition where support needs can change dramatically in a short period of time,” Mr Fear said. “It is also a reminder that our care systems must be able to respond quickly to anyone living with a rapidly progressing condition, where delays can have a significant impact on quality of life and wellbeing.”
Mr Fear said the improvements made through the NDIS Priority Access Pathway since 2024 had demonstrated the value of fast-tracked support for people with conditions such as MND, brain cancer and childhood dementia.
Palliative Care Australia said it would continue working with MND Australia, governments and the health, disability, aged care and palliative care sectors to improve outcomes for people living with MND, as well as their families and carers.
