Welcome to a new video series.
I'll be talking to you regularly about what many older people and families are telling us about their experience with the recent changes to aged care.
We know the ongoing feedback is essential to getting this right.
This is why the government announced a change to how personal care services are treated under Support at Home.
From 1 October 2026, people won't need to pay for personal care services.
This change supports dignity, personal hygiene and quality of life.
It reflects clearly what older people and their families, carers and providers have told us since the program began.
We understand some people would like this change to take effect sooner than October.
However, it will take some time for providers to work with older people to update their care plans.
Providers may also need to make updates to ICT systems, invoicing and billing arrangements, service agreements and other operational policies to support preparation for the personal care contribution change under Support at Home.
We're also actively working with providers and ICT software vendors on readiness activities.
We've developed a short 10-minute survey to understand where effort is currently being directed and any risks, challenges or system dependencies that may affect provider implementation efforts and readiness.
The survey will cover areas such as participant communications, care planning, workforce capability, ICT readiness, service agreements and operational impacts.
Insights from the survey will help inform guidance, communications and broader implementation support leading up to go live.
Providers will be able to complete the survey online via the link that will be shared through sector channels.
This will include the medical software industry association and Ageing Australia.
Stay well and see you next time.