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Aged care


This campaign aims to build a better aged care system with an emphasis on improving access to home care.

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The issue

The issue

Ongoing staffing, quality, compliance and financial transparency issues undermine confidence in the care sector.

What we're calling for

What we're calling for

We are calling for an exemption from the Aged Pension means test for home care recipients who downsize their home and for an exemption from the income test for pensioners who work in aged care.

The benefits

The benefits

A safer and adequately resourced aged care sector will ensure older Australians have confidence in the care system.

Campaign wins

Extra home care packages

Extra home care packages

In 2020 alone, there were an additional 29,105 Home Care Packages released at a cost of almost $2 billion. In total, there has been an extra 73,105 Home Care Packages released at a cost of $4.6 billion since the 2018-19 Budget thanks to our pressure on the federal government. We will continue to call for more high-level packages to meet the high demand; and for government to act quickly on the recommendations of the aged care royal commission.

National elder abuse plan

National elder abuse plan

In 2016, we made a range of recommendations for action on elder abuse. A new national plan to tackle elder abuse was released in 2019. We continue to promote reforms to improve protections for older people including a national register for Enduring Powers of Attorney.

Our policy recommendations

Keeping people at home

We care calling for an exemption from the aged care assets test for home care recipients when downsizing to more age-appropriate housing.

Let Pensioners Work

We are calling for a trial of changes to pension and government payment rules to give a greater incentive to work in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.

Minister for Older Australians

National Seniors Australia is calling for a dedicated Minister within the federal government to champion the diverse issues facing older Australians, such as discrimination, elder abuse, retirement income, health care and aged care.

Ten key reforms to progress

One

A redesigned Aged Care Act with a rights focus ensuring consumer choice and control.

Two

A simplified system with easy access to care guaranteed in 30 days.

Three

Full transparency: staffing, quality, complaints, compliance, financial outcomes with indicators for consumer choice.

Four

Trained, registered, qualified, and adequate workforce across all care settings.

Five

Proper recognition of unpaid carers at home with support to maintain their wellbeing.

Six

Easy to understand information and local solutions.

Seven

A strongly resourced independent regulator, providing robust action to protect consumers with wide enforcement and penalties.

Eight

Core business which respects all clients and services and is inclusive, culturally safe and sensitive.

Nine

A funding model that grows with the population and provides individuals control over their funds with transparency on provider spending and is affordable for consumers.

Ten

Better integration of health and well-being services into aged care.

Become a National Seniors Member

Join National Seniors Australia today and receive discounts on everyday essentials and more

Join National Seniors Australia today and receive discounts on everyday essentials and more

National Seniors Australia members have access to a range of benefits and services – including discounts on Travel, Health and Life Insurance.

As a member, save with discounts, expand your social circle through our branches, receive a yearly subscription to Our Generation digital magazine, and access our Financial Information Consultant by phone.

For only $49.50, anyone can become a member and it only takes minutes to join.

How you can get involved

Join a campaign

Join a campaign

Support specific campaigns relating to issues that matter most to you. There's strength in numbers.

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Advocacy Supporters Group

Advocacy Supporters Group

Share your views through polls and short surveys or invitations to participate in focus groups.

Find your nearest branch

Find your nearest branch

Let's get social! Discuss community issues, attend local events and connect with like-minded members in your community. Everyone is welcome.

Current submissions

Current submissions

Through our access to policy-makers and the support of our members, we're able to make a difference. Check out our current submissions.

Donate

Donate

National Seniors is the leading not-for-profit organisation fighting for a fair go for older Australians.

We rely on people like you to donate so we can continue to tackle issues such as age discrimination, accessible housing, pension poverty, health costs, aged care, improve retirement income and provide more home care places so that older Australians can live safely and make ends meet.

Join our campaign

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Connect newsletter

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Money Matters newsletter

Money Matters newsletter

Subscribe to our free Money Matters newsletter for news and information you can use to help protect yourself financially.

We've got your back

With National Seniors, your voice is valued. Discover how we campaign for change on your behalf.

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