A step in right direction for older Australians
The Federal Government has agreed to release new packages ahead of 1 November to start the process of reducing the home care wait list.
Making a difference
Being able to share these stories with the media and with politicians is a privilege that can only come from having a strong NSA community.
It happens as a direct result of the ongoing support of our 270,000 plus NSA members, campaign supporters, subscribers, and customers, so thank you.
NSA chief executive officer Chris Grice said older Australians waiting for care, and their families, will welcome Wednesday’s news which sees the delivery of 40,000 packages up to the end of 2025 and another 43,000 within the first six months of 2026.
Importantly, this will include the release of 20,000 packages before 1 November 2025, when the new Aged Care Act goes live.
“NSA has been advocating for the immediate release of new packages to help begin the process of reducing the home care waiting list – we are glad to see compassion, care, and commonsense prevail,” Mr Grice said.
“The release of new packages is recognition that we can’t delay reducing the wait list. It’s a down payment on providing care and support more quickly to older people who need it.
“One of the key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, more than four years ago, was that government should clear the home care wait list so that older people wait only one month for services. The release of new packages inches us closer to that goal.
“There is a question about what level these packages will be. We hope these are not only Level 1 packages, but include packages for people with higher care needs, particularly those stranded in the hospital system.
“The government will still have its work cut out for it to address the tens of thousands of older people waiting for care and waiting to be assessed for care, but the release of 20,000 packages is certainly a start.
“We must remember that it’s not only older people impacted by delays. It’s also loved ones, who provide the support when home care services are not available.
“We hope and expect those most in need, including those stuck in hospital, will gain access to these new packages, allowing them to age at home, which is understandably their preference.”
The fight to reduce the home care wait list has been an ongoing advocacy priority at NSA.
We have called for additional Home Care Packages over many years, as a feature of our federal budget submission and other advocacy efforts. Such efforts reflect what you have told us through our research and other engagement activities.
The announcement of new packages is, in large part, a recognition of the experiences of older people, their families, and carers.
Stories highlighting the impact of wait times have been a key feature of the conversation and have been shared publicly to help personalise the human cost of home care delays.
Older people and their families generously shared their stories with NSA, despite some of the impacts being incredibly personal.
“NSA thanks all generous individuals who shared their experiences, whose stories helped to shed light on the difficulties faced by older people waiting for care, and the challenges of the many loved ones supporting them. You have made a real difference,” Mr Grice said.
Making a difference for older Australians
National Seniors Australia is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1976.
We rely on people like you to become a member, or use our services to help us advocate for better outcomes for Australians aged 50+ and tackle issues such as age discrimination, accessible housing, pension poverty, health costs, aged care and improve retirement income.
Members have exclusive access to discounts, a yearly subscription to Our Generation magazine, local community branches, our Financial Information Consultant for independent information, tools and resources and more.
For only $49.50, anyone can become a member and it only takes a few minutes to join.
