The new system
From 1 November 2025 the new Aged Care Act commenced and Home Care Packages were replaced by Support at Home. Providers register with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in registration categories that match the services they deliver, and must meet the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Steps
Choose registration categories (e.g. home and community services, personal care, nursing, allied health) — each has worker qualification and governance expectations. Set up the entity and governance framework. Write policies mapped to the strengthened Standards and the Statement of Rights. Implement worker screening. Prepare your evidence. Apply, and prepare for the Commission’s assessment.
Timeline
Documents and application can be ready in weeks; the Commission’s decision typically takes months. Plan for it.
Where existing NDIS providers have an edge
Much of the governance, incident and complaints framework transfers with adaptation. Clinical governance, the Serious Incident Response Scheme and aged-care-specific rights are the new pieces.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Requirements change; confirm with the regulator or a qualified professional.