The below update was provided as part of the Quarterly Newsletter.

We are writing to inform you about some important upcoming changes to the way home care services are provided, as part of the Australian Government’s ongoing reforms to the aged care sector. These changes will be rolled out in 2025 and are designed to improve the quality, flexibility, and accessibility of the care and services you receive in your home.

Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short Term Restorative Care will come under the new banner of Support at Home Program, the importance of STRC has been acknowledged and is extended to 12 weeks in duration, and renamed Restorative Care. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will have minimal changes until July 2027.

Along with this change in terminology, the government has introduced seven standards that will guide the way care and services are delivered. These standards are focused on ensuring that you continue to receive the highest quality care in your home and that services are responsive to your unique preferences and needs.

The seven new standards are:
Standards 1-5 Support at Home
1.The Person: Care will continue to be person-centred, ensuring your rights, preferences, and choices are respected.

2.The Organisation: Service providers will be required to demonstrate strong governance and a commitment to ongoing improvement in service delivery.

3.The Care and Services: Services will be better aligned to your individual care needs, focusing on all aspects of your well-being.

4.The Environment: The physical and social environment of your home will be considered to ensure it supports your independence and comfort.

5.Clinical Care: Qualified professionals will continue to provide high-quality clinical care, ensuring your health needs are met safely and effectively.

6.Food and Nutrition: This standard applies to residential care.

7.The Residential Community: This standard applies to residential care.

What This Means for You

In the coming months, you will receive updates that explain how these changes will affect the care you or your loved one receives. We are committed to ensuring that everyone remains well-informed and prepared as we work towards full compliance with these new standards.

At BallyCara, significant behind-the scenes work is already underway to ensure that we are fully aligned with the updated standards. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available and encourage you to visit our website at www.ballycara.com for additional details. We understand that change can bring questions, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to ensure that all our clients receive the highest quality of care.

At BallyCara we believe that all older people should have voice, choice and control, be able to see support when required, and be treated with dignity and respect. This includes people receiving aged care services - in their home or in a residential aged care setting.

The Australian Government's Aged Care Bill passed Parliament on 25 November 2024. The new Aged Care Act which will come into effect on 1 July 2025, puts older people rights at the centre of their aged care experience.

The information below can be found on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) and the Department of Health and Aged Care websites.

Support at Home Program

In-home aged care is being reformed to help older people live independently at home for longer.

From 1 July 2025, Support at Home will replace the existing Home Care Package Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

To learn more about what the Support at Home Program will mean for older people and in-home aged care providers, see Fact sheet: Support at Home (health.gov.au)

This fact sheet provides a summary of the Support at Home Program that will commence 1 July 2025 and the contributions participants in the program will pay.

The fact sheet provides details regarding:

• Access to services
• A new classification system
• A defined service list
• Quartely budgets
• Capped prices
• A focus on independence at home
• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme
• Restorative care pathway
• End of life care
• Support for thin markets
• Flexible care management
• Participant contributions framework
• No worse off principle for existing Home Care participants

The below update was provided as part of the Quarterly Newsletter.

BallyCara would like to inform you about the recent introduction of the Aged Care Bill 2024 by the Australian Government, which is set to replace the existing Aged Care Act 1997 and other related legislations. Once passed, the new Aged Care Act will come into effect from 1 July 2025. This new legislation is designed to improve how aged care services are delivered, whether at home, in the community, or within approved residential care facilities.

Key changes include:

• Clearer rights for older people accessing care
• A single entry point with transparent eligibility requirements
• A culturally safe and fair assessment process
• Increased provider accountability and system oversight

BallyCara is closely monitoring these developments to ensure we continue providing the highest level of care and support. The new Act aims to empower oldr people, giving them greater control and autonomy in their aged care journey, which aligns with BallyCara's values of inspiring healthy and happy living.

BallyCara will continue to provide updates on these and any other changes that may affect you as more information becomes availble. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to your BallyCara Contact.