Aged Care Angst

Manjimup Bridgetown Times 22 October 2025

Summary
WA Shadow Minister for Aged Care and Warren–Blackwood MLA Bevan Eatts has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s new Support at Home program, warning it could devastate aged care services in regional areas. The program, launching 1 November, replaces two existing initiatives and introduces cost-sharing and eligibility assessments, aiming to enhance in-home support. However, Eatts argues the model is ill-suited to regional WA due to geographic and workforce challenges.

Key Points

• From 1 November, the Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care.

• Program aims: help older Australians live independently with assessed services from approved providers.

• Bevan Eatts warns the reforms will:

  • Be unworkable in regional areas due to travel distances, limited workforce, and volunteer shortages.

  • Result in up to 80% user-pays cost for some services, based on income and assets.

  • Cut admin funding to local providers by up to 50%, threatening their viability.

• “These aren’t extras, they’re basics,” said Eatts. “This is heartless policy and it’s going to cost lives.”

• Specific concern for providers like Walpole CRC’s Staying in Place program, which may not survive funding changes.

• Called on WA Government and relevant minister to defend regional aged care services.

• Federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has not yet responded publicly.