09 Sep 2025

The Art of Care: Understanding the 2025 Aged Care Reforms

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Our CEO, Benjamin Jardine, recently appeared in the Hobart Observer to share insights on the upcoming 2025 aged care reforms and what they mean for older Tasmanians, their families and care workers.

In the article, Benjamin reflects on the importance of supporting people to live well at home, and how The District Nurses will continue to walk alongside our community through these changes.

Read the news as it appeared in the Hobart Observer below:

ONE of the most important changes in some time is coming to aged care and it will increase the support available to older Australians so they can stay in their home longer.

We all deserve the right to stay in our homes and stay connected to our communities for as long as possible. These changes are a big step forward in making that a reality.

At The District Nurses, we’ve always believed in helping Tasmanians live well at home, with dignity, independence and the support they need to thrive.

From 1 November 2025, Australia’s aged care system will undergo important reforms designed to make care safer, fairer and more flexible for older people and their families.

The new Act introduces a Statement of Rights, a legally binding promise that every provider must uphold.

This means stronger protections for people receiving care, including respect for independence and choice, privacy and confidentiality, safe, high-quality care and a clear and fair complaints process.

It also brings better conditions for care workers, with clearer roles, stronger training and screening and a wage increase from October 2025.

Another welcome change is clearer pricing. Service fees will be published online in plain language and entry and exit fees will be removed.

Families will know exactly what they’re paying for and have more say in how their funding is used.

The new program, called Support at Home, will replace current home care packages.

Unlike the old system, you will only pay for the services you actually use.

Clinical care (like nursing) will be free, while personal care (like showering or dressing) will have a small cost. Everyday support (like cleaning or gardening) will cost a little more.

How much you pay depends on your financial situation: full pensioners will pay the least, part pensioners a bit more, and self-funded retirees the most.

If you’re already receiving care before September 2024, the government has promised you won’t be worse off.

These reforms are overdue, and while change can feel uncertain, we’re here to make it clear and manageable.

For more than 130 years, The District Nurses have stood beside Tasmanians, helping people live life on their own terms, in the homes and communities they love.

If you are already receiving a Home Care Package, here’s what to expect:

• You won’t need to reapply, your move to the new system will be automatic
• The government will send you a letter and checklist before the changes begin
• We will contact you to update your service agreement
• Your funding level will stay the same, and your care will continue
• You will have more flexibility, with a quarterly budget to spend on the supports that matter most

If you or someone you care about is thinking about getting support at home, now is a good time to explore your options.

To get services underway you will need to arrange a free assessment of your needs with My Aged Care.

You can do this by calling 1800 200 422 or applying online.

And of course, you can always speak to our team to answer your questions. Feel free to give our Intake Team a call on 03 6208 0500.

Because caring for others isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are.