Policy and Advocacy Aged Care Update January 2025

Residential Care Service List Consultation 

The Department of Health and Aged Care is consulting on the Aged Care Residential Care Service List following recent feedback received on the broader Aged Care Service List. You can access the discussion paper and the draft Residential Care Service List on the Department’s website and provide feedback via a survey or a written submission. The consultation closes on 20 January. 

GEAT2Go Portal Closures 

OTA has received feedback from members expressing concerns about the limited monthly timeframe to order goods, equipment, and assistive technology through the GEAT2Go portal under CSHP. GEAT2Go recently informed stakeholders that rising demand has led to monthly funding exhaustion. OTA will meet with Indigo, the provider of GEAT2Go services, in January to discuss potential solutions to address these issues. 

Support at Home Caps 

OTA is deeply concerned about the recent clarification on caps for home modifications under the new Support at Home program, specifically the proposed $15,000 lifetime cap. We have written to Minister Wells highlighting the inadequacy of this cap. 

Such a limit risks forcing older Australians receiving home care to make premature decisions about entering residential care, contrary to the Government’s stated goal of supporting people to age in place for as long as possible. It also poses significant risks to their function, safety, and wellbeing. 

OTA will continue to collaborate with AHPA and other stakeholders to advocate for a more appropriate approach to home modification funding.