It's nearly the end of the year and what a year it has been!
I don't think there is single person working in the Aged Care sector that isn't feeling worn out and desperately craving some respite that the public holidays will offer. And for those of you working through the holidays, we hope you get a chance for some time off on the other side.
2025 will be a year that many will be glad to see over. We do know that the start to 2026 will be busy and have included key reminders on funding opportunities, support and the latest in program updates and guidance.
The picture we have chosen to end the year is one from my own ‘escape' in October, a much needed break on the other side of the world, the island of Crete, Greece. The experience was an important reminder of the need for self care and how important getting back to nature and switching off is.
From our team to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas, and time to do things that bring you joy.
Latest CDCS Videos & Blog Posts
To respond to the needs of those working in the industry, CDCS has a range of blog posts on our website and videos that are freely available on our YouTube channel.
You can use any of our YouTube videos for your staff training and feel free to embed the videos in any of your training resources.
Understanding exactly the care manager role, and what is and isn’t a care management activity is really important under Support at Home, especially when it comes to claiming activities against a person’s funding.
In this video, we unpack the care partner role in plain English and walk through what actually counts as care management, what doesn’t, and why the distinction matters.
Many older Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, especially those living in remote communities, share a profound connection to their country.
This video provides an overview of the NATSIFAC program and how it supports older First Nations people to remain close to family and land.
Industry News
All Sector Updates
A new chapter for aged care from 1 November webinar – Frequently Asked Questions
This document provides answers to frequently asked questions from the Department of Health, Disabilities and Ageing’s ‘A new chapter for aged care from 1 November' webinar.
Associated providers under the Aged Care Act 2024 – Webinar presentation
This presentation was developed to align with questions submitted by the webinar’s participants upon registration to attend the event. It provides detailed information and links to resources on Associated Providers.
Complaints and whistleblower protections toolkit
This toolkit provides information and materials to help aged care providers communicate with older people, their families and carers and workers about their rights when making a complaint or whistleblower disclosure.
Conflicts of interest fact sheet
This fact sheet addresses some of the frequently asked questions about conflicts of interest for older people and people supporting them in the registered supporter context.
Government Provider Management System (GPMS) – Registered Provider portal overview
This one page document outlines key features, user roles, reporting functions, and upcoming enhancements in the GPMS Registered Provider Portal, with links to support channels and managing organisational details.
Subscribe to Ageing Well on Country newsletter – NEW
Ageing Well on Country is the latest e-newsletter by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. It supports aged care providers who deliver services to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait lslander people. You can vary your Department subscription here.
COVID Updates
COVID has been rising in recent months and the Department has updated its page.
Find the latest information and advice on COVID-19 for aged care providers, aged care workers and people who access residential or home care.
See the department website for updates.
Home Care Updates
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications list (AT-HM list) – updated
This document has been updated and outlines the products, equipment and home modifications that eligible Support at Home participants can access through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.
Provider Application for Care Management Supplement
Some Support at Home participants are eligible to receive a care management supplement to support the anticipated additional time a care partner will need to spend on care management activities. This supplement is not automatic, providers need to apply for the supplement on behalf of the participant.
Support at Home providers can use the application form to notify the department of applicability of the care management supplement on behalf of their Support at Home participant. (An application is required for each person).
Support at Home Manual – update
The Support at Home manual has been updated with new and updated information. Along with the updated manual is a summary of the changes in the document as a quick reference.
Support at Home program – Booklet for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and carers
This booklet is aimed at older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families and carers. It contains information about the Support at Home program.
Support at Home program – classifications and budgets fact sheet
This four-page fact sheet provides an overview of the 8 ongoing classifications and budgets in the Support at Home program. It is useful when helping people understand the new and transitioned levels.
Support at Home program – self-management fact sheet
This fact sheet can be given to participants who are considering self-managing part or all of their Support at Home funding. It provides information on how Support at Home participants can use self-management for greater control over the services they receive and provides answers to some common questions.
Support at Home pricing information and service agreements
The Commission has released a statement reminding providers about their pricing obligations and guidance on what providers need to do to comply. Additionally they noted that some providers have experienced issues with information they have entered in the Portal being accurately reflected in the My Aged Care Find a Provider tool. A technical update on 29 November 2025 has now addressed this issue.
Support at Home Transition Guide – update
The Support at Home Transition guide has been updated with links to updated resources and information for providers to be aware of around ‘interim funding for some Support at Home participants’ and new information and links to resources that related to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to access aged care services.
Residential Care Updates
Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN ACC) – Specialised status guide for residential aged care registered providers
The guide provides information to registered providers on the AN-ACC funding model in relation to specialised status.
The Department has also released a form to be used by registered providers of residential care to apply for Specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status.
The new regulatory model Guidance for residential aged care providers
This guidance outlines the regulatory changes affecting residential aged care providers under the new Aged Care Act (new Act).
Base interest rate (BIR) and maximum permissible interest rate (MPIR) for residential aged care – new document.
Find out which rate to use to calculate accommodation payments and contributions and interest amounts. This document includes a table of the current and previous rates, and information on:
- calculating accommodation payments and contributions
- calculating interest on refunds of accommodation lump sum balances
- calculating late fees and charges
- how the BIR and MPIR are determined.
Schedule of Subsidies and Supplements for Residential and Transition Care
The schedule lists the daily rates of subsidies and supplements for government-funded residential and transition care under the new Aged Care Act, effective 1 November 2025.
24/7 registered nurse obligation exemption application form
This form should be used by registered providers of eligible residential care homes to apply for an exemption from the 24/7 registered nurse requirement.
Updated Schedule of fees and charges for residential care applies from 1 January 2026.
View the updated Schedule.
The maximum permissible interest rate (MPIR) will increase to 7.65% for the period 1 January to 31 March 2026 for calculating:
- residential care accommodation costs
- interest on refunds of accommodation lump sum balances.
Department and Commission Newsletter Links
If you haven't subscribed for Department updates, you can do so by clicking here to subscribe.
If you’re not already signed up, we recommend clicking through and signing up for the Commission’s valuable newsletter.
Industry Training, Webinars & Events
Training checklist for aged care workers and volunteers – updated
Aged care workers and volunteers can download this checklist of training opportunities from the Department to keep track of their learning on the new Aged Care Act.
Ongoing workshops provided by the ACQ&SC
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission develops a range of educational resources and workshops for aged care providers, in-home services and residential services that assist in understanding what compliance looks like.
You can find these courses listed on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s website under the Education tab.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities | Name of Grant | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| GO ID: GO7988 | Applications open for the Support at Home Thin Markets Grant Round 2 of the Support at Home Thin Markets 2025–26 Grant for rural, remote and specialised services is now open. | 14th January 2026 |
Applications open for the Support at Home Thin Markets Grant
Round 2 of the Support at Home Thin Markets 2025–26 Grant for rural, remote and specialised services is now open. To be eligible, Support at Home providers must deliver either:
- services in a rural or remote area – classified as Modified Monash (MM) areas 3 to 7; and/or
- tailored services to older people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, or those at risk of homelessness or other financial or social disadvantage.
Eligible providers can apply on GrantConnect.
Applications close 2pm (AEDT) on 14 January 2026.
Aged Care Governance Training & Support – Rural, Remote, or First Nations providers
This support includes two online sessions delivered by an aged care governance expert. The training is designed to help Boards and governing bodies understand what good governance and compliance looks like now under the new Aged Care Act and Rules. The application process is short and you can access the form here.
SDAP – Services Development Assistance Panel
Don’t forget, if you are an aged care provider (residential or community care) operating in rural or remote locations, you may be eligible for support through the Service Development Assistance Panel (SDAP).
CDCS has been a panel member since the inception of this program in 2010 and has supported over 40 aged care services with compliance, business development, training and resource development.
Get an idea of what can be done with SDAP.
Further information is available on the Department’s website, including the application form, or by emailing sdap@health.gov.au.
New In The TQP Members Resource Area
Below is a list of the updated policies, procedures, and other helpful resources in the last month. And yes there is a lot – we have been busy and want to make sure you have the latest to help you and your team.
The new Standards Matrix and updated suite of policies and procedures to align with the new Quality Standards, Aged Care Act, regulatory framework, and program changes have been uploaded, with more coming in 2026.
Members can go to your login here.
If you’re looking for comprehensive, up to date, industry-specific policies, procedures, and work instructions that have been used successfully by dozens of aged care providers, helping them to pass quality reviews easily and stay compliant, then take a look at the Total Quality Package.
Resource updates in the last month
TQP Live Training & Replays
TQP Members get complimentary access to topical training and education sessions. These are aimed at the coordination and management level and address trending issues and topics. Recordings are available in the TQP to revisit whenever you need – just like having your very own ‘Aged Care Netflix!’
We hope you have found this edition helpful; feel free to share it with others who may be interested. If you have any feedback or questions, please let us know by emailing us at info@cdcs.com.au.
Please get in contact with us if you need support and we’ll catch up with you again next month.
Donna, Carrie & the CDCS Team
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