Australia’s aged care system is about to experience one of its most significant reforms in decades. The Aged Care Act 2024 will officially commence on 1 November 2025, ushering in a new era that places dignity, choice, and rights at the centre of aged care.
This reform follows years of consultation, advocacy, and learnings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The result is a rights-based approach to care - one that recognises older Australians as individuals with autonomy, preferences, and voices that deserve to be heard and respected.
What’s Changing
The new Aged Care Act introduces a range of updates designed to create a fairer, more transparent, and person-centred system. Key changes include:
- A legislated Statement of Rights for people accessing aged care, ensuring that dignity, privacy, and respect are upheld in every interaction.
- Supported decision-making frameworks that empower individuals to choose who helps them make decisions about their care - a major step forward in autonomy and inclusion.
- Stronger accountability and quality obligations for providers and workers to ensure consistent, high-quality services.
- Expanded whistleblower protections and clearer complaints processes to support transparency and continuous improvement.
- Updated registration and screening requirements across the sector to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.
Why This Matters for People Living with Dementia
At Dementia Shop, we welcome these changes wholeheartedly. They align closely with our values - promoting independence, respect, and meaningful engagement for people living with Dementia and their carers.
A rights-based approach to care acknowledges that every person, regardless of diagnosis, has the right to make choices about their daily life and care environment. This shift reflects the essence of Montessori principles in aged care, which focus on enabling individuals to maintain purpose, autonomy, and connection.
As the sector transitions toward this new framework, it’s more important than ever that aged care providers, professionals, and families have access to the right tools and education to bring these principles to life. Our mission at Dementia Shop is to make that possible - through products, learning resources, and practical guidance that support person-centred, respectful care.
Looking Ahead
Change takes time, but the direction is clear - towards a more compassionate, transparent, and empowering aged care system for all Australians.
As November 2025 approaches, Dementia Shop will continue to stay informed, share updates, and support care teams and families navigating these changes. Together, we can ensure that older Australians - including those living with dementia - receive the dignity and quality of care they deserve.
📅 The Aged Care Act 2024 takes effect 1 November 2025.
To learn more, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care:
👉 health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about