The new Aged Care Act, in force from 1 November 2025, put a Statement of Rights at the centre of government-funded aged care. It sets out what older people can expect — including independence and autonomy, respect for privacy, safe and quality care, and the right to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.
Strengthened Quality Standards
Providers must meet the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, which make it clearer what good care looks like. Homes are overseen by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and performance is reflected in the Star Ratings.
How to raise a concern
Speak with the home first, in writing where you can. If it isn’t resolved, you can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Free, independent advocacy is available through the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) to help you understand rights and options.
How to use this guide in practice
Don’t read this as general information — use it as a worksheet. Write down the details of the person who needs care, the current limits of the situation at home, the monthly budget, the documents you already have, whether they’ve registered with My Aged Care and had an assessment, and who you’ve already spoken with. Then turn every unclear point into a specific question. A family that arrives with a clear picture usually gets more useful answers than one calling under stress with scattered information.
Keep one simple rule: anything about admission, cost, funding, waitlists and whether a home fits must be confirmed directly with the aged care home or the competent authority serving your area. This guide prepares the search — it does not replace official decisions.
Want a clear shortlist before you start calling?
If you don’t know which aged care homes to contact first, Curalune Care Help can prepare an ordered shortlist of 3–5 suitable homes — with Star Ratings, contacts, useful links and a ready-to-send enquiry.
The service helps you organise the search.A$109, one-off. If you don't receive at least 3 homes matching the area and criteria you gave us, we refund you in full. It does not replace the home’s own assessment or the My Aged Care process, and it does not guarantee admission, price or a room.
Important limit
Curalune offers practical help with the search and orientation. Admission, pricing, room availability, eligibility and the final assessment always rest with the aged care homes and the competent authorities (My Aged Care, Services Australia for the means assessment, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission).