Older Australians are expressing concerns about the new Aged Care Act, which takes effect today. The reforms aim to create a more robust aged care system, but many feel they may lead to reduced services and increased costs. The changes come after a royal commission revealed significant failures in the aged care system in 2021.

The new legislation introduces an enhanced statement of rights for older Australians, a new code of conduct, and updated quality standards. However, it also alters how older individuals pay for residential and at-home care. A task force was established to advise on new funding arrangements following the royal commission's final report.

Interviews with 11 older Australians receiving at-home care revealed widespread anxiety about the new system. Linda Bradbury, 74, expressed her distress, stating, "We are feeling stress and anxiety. We have lost hours of sleep worrying, and just hours going through the new documentation."

Under the new Support at Home program, individuals already receiving Home Care Packages will be transitioned into the new system. The government has promised that those in the system before September 2024 will not be worse off. However, Ms. Bradbury disagrees, saying, "No worse off? It's nothing but worse off. It's completely worse off." She fears that new pricing structures will limit her access to essential services.

New entrants to the home care system will face an assets and income test and may need to make co-payments for non-clinical services. Co-payments for personal care and mobility assistance will range from 5% to 50%, while everyday living services like cleaning and gardening will require co-payments between 17.5% and 80%. Suzanne Entwistle, 74, shared her shock at the new charges, stating, "These are the services that allow us to stay at home and live with dignity."

Entwistle, who applied for an at-home support package in May 2024, was informed she would need to pay an 80% co-payment for cleaning and gardening services. She is now considering suspending her package due to the high costs. "I thought this scheme was trying to keep people in their own homes without needing to go into aged care services or going to nursing homes, going into hospitals," she said.

A spokesperson for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae defended the reforms, stating, "Under the new model, people who can contribute to their care will, while people who are less well-off will receive extra support." However, the Inspector-General of Aged Care, Natalie Siegel-Brown, criticized the co-payment scheme, calling it contrary to the royal commission's intent.

The new contract for home care providers includes a maximum 10% management fee, but many clients are experiencing significant increases in hourly service rates. Ms. Bradbury noted that she might lose six to seven hours of service per month due to rising costs, which could impact her ability to maintain her independence.

Despite the concerns, some providers believe the reforms will ultimately benefit older Australians. Prue Bowden, Group Executive of Home Health at Australian Unity, stated, "I think the settings at large are net positive for older Australians and for a sustainable aged care system in this country."

National Seniors Australia has called for the government to reconsider the co-payments for personal care services, emphasizing the need for affordable access to essential hygiene services. The organization warns that poor access to such services could lead to increased hospital admissions.

As the new Aged Care Act is implemented, older Australians are encouraged to reach out to their providers for clarity on how the changes will affect their care. The government has committed to monitoring the impact of the reforms to ensure a fair and effective aged care system for all.