with Susan Templeman MP

When I speak with older people about getting older and needing support , most of them tell me : I just want to stay in my own home . But they recognise they simply can ’ t do it alone .

The Albanese Labor Government has listened to that message , and we ’ re investing $ 4.3 billion in a new system of home care , called Support at Home that will help Australians remain independent , in their home and their community for longer .

Starting from 1 July 2025 , the new supports will allow quicker access to support from the time you ’ re assessed , and provide more tailored support , with eight levels of care . The top level will provide around $ 78,000 a year .

There will also be support for home

modifications , with up to $ 15,000 to make homes safer .

Plus , faster access to assistive technology , like walkers and wheelchairs , including a new equipment loan scheme .

Support at Home participants will also have expanded access to get back on their feet after an illness or injury , with a 12- week program that works with a team of allied health and other professionals .

And there ’ s one other new support – palliative care . According to the Productivity Commission , up to 70 per cent of Australians would prefer to die in the comfort of their own home , but fewer than 10 per cent actually do . Support at Home participants will be eligible for up to $ 25,000 in additional support to spend their final three months at home , so they can be surrounded by loved ones in an environment they cherish , instead of

rushing precious moments into hospital visiting hours .

For people already on a MyAgedCare package there won ’ t be any additional costs , and for new entrants , the government will pay 100 percent of clinical care services , with individuals making some contributions to the help they receive around independence ( e . g . help with showering , getting dressed or taking medications ) and everyday living ( e . g . cleaning , gardening , shopping or meal preparation ).

How much someone contributes will be based on the Age Pension means test and highly dependent on their personal circumstances , from the level of support they are assessed to need , to their combination of income and assets .

If you are eligible for contributions , once you begin to access aged care

support , whether it ’ s at home or in a residential setting , there will be a lifetime cap of $ 130,000 .

In my time in opposition as the Member for Macquarie , I witnessed our aged care system descend into a crisis of neglect . Since coming to government , we have made it a priority to reform the sector so ageing Australians receive the quality of care they deserve .

We ’ ve done this by putting nurses back into nursing homes , giving carers more time to spend with residents , lifting wages in the sector , offering fee-free TAFE so more people work in aged care , and improving transparency and accountability .

This is the next step to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into aged care , and ensure Australians have respect and dignity as they age - and get to stay in their own home for much longer .