The government has moved to remove a controversial change to the Support at Home policy that saw some older Australians paying up to $50 a week for basic care such as showering.

While the move will impact the aged care budget, it has been widely welcomed by advocates who say the changes should never have been introduced.

The decision highlights ongoing challenges around affordability and access in the sector.

So, what exactly has changed — and what does it mean for older Australians?

What was the issue — and how has the government responded?

Under changes which were introduced last November, older people are required to co-contribute to services. The changes were introduced in a bid to reduce government spending on aged care.

This involves pensioners, part-pensioners and self-funded retirees paying between 5 and 50 per cent of the service providers fee.

Assuming a shower costs $100 an hour, a self-funded retiree could pay up to $50 for the service. As a result, some people were choosing to forgo basic care.

However, the government has now moved to designate showering, dressing and continence care as essential services exempting them from the fees.

This follows sustained pressure from older Australians and aged care advocates.

Federal Aged Care Minister Sam Rae said he understood the vital nature of personal care services for many older Australians.

“Showering, dressing, continence care — these aren’t optional extras. They’re the basics of aging with dignity, and no older Australian should miss out because of cost,” he said.

“Older Australians, their families and providers told us these services needed to be protected. We’ve listened, and we’re acting.”

The government says the change, which will be in place by October will cost the budget $1 billion over the next four years.

It will not apply to non-clinical forms of care, which will still require co-payments.

The move is part of a broader $3 billion government investment in aged care, which will be unveiled during the Federal Budget. This includes the provision of an extra 5,000 aged care beds

What has been the reaction?

Aged care advocates welcomed the move. They say reversing the changes is overdue and they should never have been introduced in the first place.

Tom Symondson is the chief executive of Aging Australia. He understands why the government made changes to the Support At Home system.

“Providing fee-free or contribution-free services has a cost…and [the government] had wanted to make the aged care budget more manageable into the future,” he told the ABC.

However, he says reversing some of the changes comes down to ‘human rights’. He believes it will also help to rebuild trust in the government’s aged care reforms.

Experts are hopeful that the government will unveil more changes to aged care in next month’s federal budget.

Changes like this also highlight the growing need for a strong aged care workforce. As more emphasis is placed on essential, hands-on support, demand continues to rise for workers who can deliver quality care to older Australians. For those considering a role in the sector, it’s important to make sure your application reflects what employers are now looking for.

Are you looking for a new career? Aged Care Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our resume writing service and cover letter writing service.

Article References

Lloyd-Jones, K (22 April 2026) ‘Butler announces extra $3b for aged care’, Australian Aging Agenda, accessed 24 April 2026

Manfield, E & Dalzell, S (21 April 2026) ‘Government backs down on charging older Australians $50/hour for showers’, ABC News, accessed 24 April 2026