What the New Aged Care Reforms Mean for Older Australians in 2026
What the New Aged Care Reforms Mean for Older Australians in 2026
Australia’s aged care system has entered a new phase of reform. For older people and their families, these changes can feel confusing, especially when trying to understand what has changed, what remains the same, and how to access support.
At Allegiance Heart & Home Care, we understand how important it is for families to receive clear and practical information. This article explains some of the key aged care reforms now shaping home care in 2026 and what they may mean for older Australians.
A new Aged Care Act is now in place
One of the biggest changes is the commencement of the Aged Care Act 2024, which started on 1 November 2025. The new Act places older people more clearly at the centre of the aged care system and supports a more rights-based approach to care.
For older people, this means greater emphasis on dignity, rights, safety, and quality in the delivery of aged care services. For providers, it means operating under a stronger regulatory framework with clearer obligations.
Support at Home has replaced Home Care Packages
Another major change is the rollout of Support at Home, which replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025. Support at Home is the Australian Government’s in-home aged care program designed to help older people remain at home for longer with services matched to their needs.
This reform is important because many families are still familiar with the older Home Care Package system. While the goal remains helping people stay safe and independent at home, the new system introduces updated structures, pathways, and program rules.
CHSP has not yet moved into Support at Home
Some families assume all in-home aged care has now fully transitioned into one model. That is not yet the case. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) continues separately for now and is expected to transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
This is important because eligibility, service access, and provider arrangements may still differ depending on which program a person is receiving support under.
My Aged Care continues to change
Families should also be aware that My Aged Care systems were updated again on 23 February 2026, with changes delivered across the Service and Support Portal, Client Online Account, Assessor Portal, Hospital Portal, and My Aged Care website.
For older people and families, this means the aged care system is still evolving. It is one reason why choosing a provider who stays informed and communicates clearly is so important.
What this means for older people and families
For many people, these reforms are intended to create a system that is more consistent, more rights-focused, and easier to navigate over time. However, during a transition period, it is normal for families to have questions.
Common concerns include:
- how to access support
- what funding may apply
- what services are available
- how assessments work
- how to choose the right provider
- what rights older people now have under the new framework
These are important questions, and they should be answered clearly and respectfully.
How Allegiance Heart & Home Care can help
At Allegiance Heart & Home Care, we support older people and families to better understand their options and access practical support at home. We understand that aged care reforms can be difficult to follow, especially when families are also managing health concerns, hospital discharges, mobility issues, or changing care needs.
Our role is to provide clear guidance, responsive communication, and tailored support so that clients and families feel informed and supported every step of the way.
The aged care system is changing, and 2026 is an important period of adjustment for older Australians, families, and providers. With the new Aged Care Act in place, Support at Home underway, and ongoing system updates continuing, staying informed is more important than ever.
At Allegiance Heart & Home Care, we remain committed to helping older people receive compassionate, respectful, and reliable support at home while navigating these changes with confidence.
