The latest Federal Budget has been a mixed bag for Australians over 50, with significant investments in health care that promise to bolster the system. The budget has delivered a substantial boost to the health sector, with funding aimed at improving hospital services, increasing affordable access to medicines, and enhancing mental health support.
However, there’s reportedly a glaring oversight that’s causing concern among many: the state of home care services.
While the seniors’ physical health may be set to benefit from these budgetary injections, the same cannot be said for home care. The budget has reportedly neglected this critical area, leaving many older Australians and their families in a state of uncertainty.
Home care services are essential for many individuals who wish to maintain their independence and quality of life while living at home, yet the demand for these services far outstrips the supply.
‘While there was a strong focus on aspects of the public health system, NSA is disappointed there was no funding to establish a Productivity Commission inquiry to address rising premiums and out-of-pocket health costs in the private health system,’ said Mr Chris Grice, National Seniors Australia (NSA)’s chief executive officer.
‘While there is additional aged care funding, including funding for wage increases for nurses, NSA is disappointed there were no additional funds for home care packages to reduce the current wait[ing] list.’
He continued, ‘While funding reform will increase access to home care in the future, we hope funds become available to reduce the 12–18-month wait[ing] list to three months as recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission.’
Long waiting lists for home care packages could leave many without the support they need. This reported neglect in the budget means that older Australians may continue to wait for extended periods, sometimes years, to receive the appropriate level of care.
The reported lack of funding could also put immense pressure on informal carers, often family members, who are left to fill the gaps in the system without adequate support or respite.
We at YourLifeChoices urge our readers to voice their concerns and to engage in discussions about the importance of home care funding.
What are your thoughts on the new budget’s impact on health and home care? Share your experiences and join the conversation in the comments below. Your stories and insights are invaluable.
Also read: Federal Budget 2025-2026: What YourLifeChoices readers need-to know
The costs of services in home care needs to be investigated, I have heard some alarming costs that customers are being charged, which obviously comes out of their allowances, $120 to assist in showering which takes approx 20 minutes, I know the person needs to travel to the home, if you allow 40 minutes for travel that puts the worker on $120 per hour, I doubt the worker is getting much of that, so who is getting the bulk of the money.
We tried to get a little bit of home care but every organisation I rang (and there were plenty), were not taking any more customers/clients on. I tried so many times over a long period but in the end I gave up and struggle to do it all myself as my husband is not well enough to do much at all. Our house is only small but it isn’t as clean as it used to be and the garden is a bit neglected but it is what it is.
My cousin’s wife who is not well herself struggles to manage looking after her husband who has dementia. They have been waiting 4 years for a package after assessment so privately pay a cleaner $50 an hour to do some cleaning.
The home providers are very. Busy. But I have had my level 2 package time for acceptance extended.
My mobility is now poor and blood thinners mean no matter how much I cover up the gardening rippes me apart.
In 2020 labour was $10.00 an hour it’s now$84.00 an hour and packaging costs are $200.00 a fortnight.
As a self funded retiree I pay $6000 a year.
So out of $18700 all it pays for is about 3 hours a week.
I will go ahead because I have a terminal disease and as I deteriorate I hope the increased services will be funded.
I am self under and are not crying poor just highlighting costs now compared to 2020.
Cheers
I am on a Disability Pension. I have had to cancel my Private Health insurance due to the increases coming in on 1st April. Regarding my present Aged Care services despite the yearly budget increase my services have been reduced to less than an hour. . This is ridiculous for a carer to shower me, mop the bathroom, water my pot plants and throw out the rubbish I have been given 45 minutes. At present I am looking for another provider. What do you all think?
I’ve been granted a level 3 package last May 24 yet have not been given access
Nothing in this budget at all will help me. I attend a bulk billing practice, age pension so I get $7.70 scripts. When didn’t they lower the price like they did for every other Australuans. They lifted the higher asset limit but left the lower one and seeing as I’m a part pensioner no relief there either. The indexed increase in the pension is a joke as is the method of measuring inflation. Everybody know much everything has risen in cosy but inflation does not agree it seems. Can’t wait for May 3rd to get rid of the disease ruining our Country.