Improving choice in residential aged care

Overview

The Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety outlines a plan to improve choice in residential aged care. A new residential aged care system is being designed to assign places directly to senior Australians.

This change marks the end of the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), and the start of a transition towards the more competitive and consumer-driven system.

From 1 July 2024, senior Australians will have residential aged care places allocated to them, providing more choice over which approved provider delivers their care.

The new system will strengthen the residential aged care market. Providers will have greater incentives to develop high quality and innovative models of care and accommodation that best meet the preferences of senior Australians.

Providers will continue receiving direct Australian Government funding on behalf of their residents.

How to provide feedback

The Department of Health is seeking to understand how changes to the residential aged care system can be made in a way that best supports senior Australians and aged care providers.

The Improving choice in residential aged care (ACAR discontinuation) discussion paper and summary provides information about reforms to increase choice and competition in residential aged care. The paper includes a range of questions for discussion.

We are inviting feedback and ideas about the issues raised in this paper.

You can share your views by completing an online survey. The survey will close at 6pm, Sunday 21 November 2021.

Who should provide feedback

The discussion paper and online survey is directed towards the aged care sector including providers, peak bodies, assessors and other organisations.

There will be separate opportunities for senior Australians and their carers to provide feedback. However, senior Australians and their carers are also welcome to review this discussion paper and complete the survey.

Learn more

For more information about the changes, you can visit our website.

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What happens next

This consulation is now closed. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. Your views will help shape the future of aged care in Australia.