Aged Care guidance available for CFS members in 2026

Aged care in Australia is changing following a series of regulatory and funding reforms aimed at ensuring it can cope with the growing demand among older Australians. 

Recent Federal government reforms aim to improve the quality, safety and long-term viability of the Aged Care system, including increased funding from both the government and many aged care recipients.

Additional changes announced in the 2026-27 Federal Budget aim to boost the number of beds for residents on lower incomes and reduce out-of-pocket costs for essential personal care under the Support at Home program.

For families seeking aged care support for a loved one, or planning for the future, understanding and navigating these changes can feel overwhelming.  
 

The Aged Care system is being reshaped by the Aged Care Act 2024 and a series of reforms that took effect through late 2025 and into 2026. These include:

• A new home care program. The Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025, offering needs-based home care funding across eight classifications and a new fee structure.
• Strengthened home support quality standards. Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services offering entry level support for older Australians are regulated under the Aged Care Act for the first time with strengthened quality standards and client rights. From 1 July 2027 CHSP services will transition to Support at Home.
• Higher residential care fees and bed numbers. A new fee structure applies for people entering aged care from 1 November 2025. The 2026-27 Federal Budget also committed government funding for an additional 5,000 residential aged care beds per year, with a focus on lower-income Australians, aimed at reducing wait times and improving access.
• Personal care is fully funded. As announced in the 2026-27 Federal Budget, personal care services such as showering, dressing, and incontinence aids are now fully funded under Support at Home for all home care recipients, reducing out-of-pocket costs.

A key principle of the new reforms is the government will pay for clinical care, and aged care recipients will contribute towards the cost of other aged care services.  

But for families, the challenge is often knowing where to start, which services are needed and how to access them, as well as how to choose the right provider. 

CFS has partnered with Care & Co Match, an independent aged care guidance service, to help members and their families navigate this changing landscape with clarity and confidence. 

Care & Co Match provides one-to-one guidance from experienced care advisers, including provider matching, help with My Aged Care registration and assessments, and support to understand and compare Support at Home funding and provider costs.

CFS previously offered aged care guidance through Care and Living with Mercer, which is now part of Care & Co. This provides members with continuity, as well as access to broader coverage and enhanced digital tools as part of Care & Co Match’s expanded platform. 

“At CFS, we're committed to supporting members through life's key transitions, and aged care remains one of the most important and often time-sensitive decisions families face,” CFS Executive Director of Retirement Marissa Powe said. 

“Even with reforms aimed at simplifying access and improving care, understanding costs, funding options and provider choices can be challenging. That's why access to expert guidance can make a real difference,” she added.

Care & Co Match General Manager Brand & Marketing Janine Yeates said families often find themselves making aged care decisions in stressful circumstances.

“Many Australians find themselves trying to navigate a complex care system at what can be an emotional time for their family,” Janine said.

“Our care concierge team helps people make sense of aged care, home care, retirement living and disability support, providing clear, independent advice on services, costs and funding so they can move forward with confidence and without the stress.”

Care & Co Match’s services are available to CFS members and their families, whether you are planning ahead or facing a decision now. These include:

• understanding your aged care options, including home care, residential care, and respite care.
• registering with My Aged Care and navigating assessments.
• finding and comparing home care providers.
• finding residential aged care facilities that suit your needs.
• understanding your Support at Home funding classification and budget.
• comparing provider costs and services with clarity and confidence.

CFS members can log into a secure portal, connect with a care concierge online, by phone or video, and get a personalised care plan to help you compare, shortlist and coordinate the right aged care, home care or disability services. 

Get started or learn more about Care & Co Match.

_{Sources: Australian Government websites health.gov.au, and budget.gov.au; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2025).}