Australian Aged Care Program Facing Challenges, OPAN

Sydney - More than 100 days after Australia's new Aged Care Act took effect, older people in the Support at Home program continue to face significant challenges, including long wait times and unaffordable service prices, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) says.

The group, which supported nearly 18,000 cases through its network members in the last quarter of 2025, called for urgent government action to address unresolved issues and ensure the program allows seniors to live safely and independently at home.

"Greater funding is needed to alleviate the assessment and reassessment wait times, which show no sign of abating," OPAN Chief Executive Officer Craig Gear said in a statement.

He said assessors should be empowered to override algorithmic decisions based on clinical judgment when care needs are under-assessed, noting that the uncertainty and confusion being experienced by older people is unfair and detrimental to their wellbeing.

Among the key problems highlighted by OPAN are price increases leading some older people to reduce essential services, a lack of transparency in pricing, and delays in invoicing that hinder budget management.

"Our network member advocates have told us that older people are reducing their services due to the price increases.

"Nobody should need to jeopardise the care they need, which is why better transparency around prices is required," Gear said.

He welcomed regulatory action by the department and commission against providers not displaying prices fully, but urged compliance with the 30-day timeframe for monthly statements.

Access to transport, particularly in rural areas, was also flagged as an issue, alongside a complex financial hardship application process that Gear described as "overly complex and daunting."

OPAN said it aims to collaborate with the Australian government to simplify it.

A major concern is the exclusion of cottage respite services, previously available under the old Act, which OPAN wants reinstated immediately.

"The unavailability of cottage respite under Support at Home could lead to unnecessary hospitalisations and premature entry to residential care," Gear said.

He emphasized that while the program enshrines principles of dignity and respect through a Statement of Rights, it is failing to meet community expectations," aligning with increased enquiries to OPAN since the changes and evidence from a Senate inquiry into the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

The Albanese government has been approached for comment on the issues raised by OPAN and awaiting response.