National Seniors Australia
NATIONAL Seniors Australia has welcomed a sweeping $3 billion aged care investment announced by the Federal Government, describing the measures as an important step toward a fairer and more accessible system for older Australians.
The reforms include more residential aged care beds, additional home care places and significant changes to the new Support at Home program.
Among the most notable changes is a $1 billion commitment to remove user charges for personal care services under Support at Home. Essential services such as showering, dressing and continence care will now be fully subsidised.
National Seniors Australia said the change reflects years of advocacy, arguing personal care should be treated as an essential support rather than an optional extra.
“For many older Australians, out-of-pocket costs can be a major barrier to receiving the care they need,” the organisation said.
The Government has also pledged to fast-track the release of additional Support at Home places in an effort to reduce lengthy waiting lists that have left many seniors without adequate support.
National Seniors Australia said long delays have placed increasing pressure on carers, contributed to avoidable hospitalisations and forced some older Australians into residential care earlier than necessary.
The Budget package also responds to recommendations from the Independent Review of Residential Aged Care Accommodation Pricing, with funding allocated to deliver an additional 5000 residential aged care beds each year.
The measures include targeted subsidies for newly built and refurbished aged care homes, increased accommodation supplements for facilities supporting high numbers of assisted residents, and expanded dementia care programs.
While welcoming the reforms, National Seniors Australia said more work remains to improve affordability, reduce wait times and strengthen transparency across the aged care sector.
The organisation also raised concerns about how the reforms will be funded, following reports that higher private health insurance rebates for seniors will be reduced to match those available to Australians under 65.
National Seniors Australia warned the change could increase premiums for older Australians by hundreds of dollars a year, potentially forcing some pensioners and part-pensioners to downgrade or cancel their cover.
The advocacy group said it would continue pushing for stronger pricing protections, faster access to care and improved support pathways.
