Understanding the 2025 Aged Care Reforms – A Guide for Residents and Families
Australia’s aged care system is changing. From 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act will take effect — introducing stronger protections for older people, improved support for carers and families, and clearer standards for aged care providers.
This is a practical guide created by Arcare to help residents and families within our communities understand what the 2025 aged care reforms mean. It covers key changes to aged care laws, what to expect in residential care settings, and how to access trusted resources.
This resource was designed to help you navigate the 2025 reforms with confidence.
What Are the 2025 Aged Care Reforms?
The Aged Care Act 2025 is replacing the previous 1997 legislation and introduces significant updates across the aged care sector. These changes are based on feedback from older Australians and aim to create a fairer, safer and more respectful aged care system.
Key changes in the new Aged Care Act include:
- A new Statement of Rights for all aged care recipients
- A stronger focus on individual needs, preferences and cultural identity
- A national Support at Home program for people receiving care in the community
- A Single Assessment System to access aged care services more easily
- Increased transparency in aged care funding and operations
- Clearer complaints management processes
- Introduction of whistleblower protections
- Stronger government oversight and regulation of aged care providers
These reforms apply to all government-funded aged care services, including residential aged care and in-home aged care services.
