Spending on excluded items
In recent years, the Department of Health, Disability & Ageing has conducted several reviews of the national Home Care Packages (HCP) program and has
Finance & Aged Care Systems
Guidance on costs, funding, and protection.
September - October 2025
COASIT Newsletter
Important change to the CHSP services delivered at COASIT
Health Spotlight: Skin Cancer
Before SunSmart campaigns began to change the relationship we have with the harsh Australian sun, many of today’s older people were exposed to strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation, often for many decades without realising the dangers. According to the Australian Cancer Council, at least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because skin damage from UV exposure builds up slowly over many years, often going unnoticed until cancer develops.
Health & Wellbeing
Care tips for body and mind.
Medications: It’s Your Choice
We are committed to providing safe, person-centred care and supporting your right to make choices about your treatment. Many consumers use prescribed medications, and we encourage you to refer to resources like the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) booklet below to stay informed and empowered.
Health & Wellbeing
Care tips for body and mind.
In-scope and Out-of-scope purchases from November 2025
As we approach the transition to the Support at Home program, many of you may have questions about potential changes to the types of care and services that can be purchased with your quarterly budgets. Starting November 1, the terminology regarding what can be funded using a participant’s quarterly budget will change from "Inclusions and Exclusions" to "In Scope and Out of Scope."
Education & Resources
Learning, advocacy, and helpful aged care guides.
Are you interested in our Consumer Advisory Body?
Did you know that every home care packages provider operates a Consumer Advisory Body to give consumers an opportunity to contribute to improving the services that they are receiving?
Education & Resources
Learning, advocacy, and helpful aged care guides.
New Statement of Rights for aged care
There are many changes occurring in the aged care sector, all of which are focused on putting the rights of older people first. The Aged Care Act 2024 introduces a Statement of Rights that applies to older people accessing aged care services funded by the Australian Government.
Finance & Aged Care Systems
Guidance on costs, funding, and protection.
Living with low blood pressure
Many hospital admissions for individuals aged over 75 are linked to low blood pressure, especially the type known as 'postural hypotension.' According to Australia’s HealthDirect website, the symptoms of low blood pressure may include light-headedness or dizziness, weakness, blurry vision, pale and clammy skin, fatigue, confusion and fainting.
Health & Wellbeing
Care tips for body and mind.
Creating a dementia-friendly home
Over many years in our home, we build memories, routines and familiarity, so when something happens, such as a dementia diagnosis, we may need to review the suitability of our home as to whether it will continue to meet our changing needs in the future. Dementia Australia has created an interactive video to show how to make your home safer and more accessible for people living with dementia. Created by experts including occupational therapists and interior designers who understand the experience of people living with dementia and their carers, the video takes you through a typical home, room-by-room.
Health & Wellbeing
Care tips for body and mind.
Are you on the home care package waiting list?
In November 2024, the government announced it would release an additional 83,000 home care packages to address the unacceptably high waiting list. At that time, approximately 76,000 people were on the waiting list, many of whom were receiving lower-level Home Care Packages (HCP) while they awaited upgrades. The 83,000 packages are in addition to the 24,000 packages that were expected to be released over the past year to help manage the waiting list.
Education & Resources
Learning, advocacy, and helpful aged care guides.