The changes that are coming to the care sector from 1 November 2025
Rachel Lane joins me to unpack the biggest changes to Australia’s care system in 30 years — and what you need to know to plan for care at home or in aged care.
Today we’re talking about the changes coming to the care sector on the 1st of November this year. And structurally, they’re pretty significant.
And when I say care, I don’t just mean aged care. I also mean care in the home. Or, as the new program is called, Support at Home, which is something the government wants all of us to start wrapping our heads around. Because there are only 220,000 aged care beds in this country, and the expectation is shifting. We’re being asked to plan for receiving care at home instead and to fund it ourselves if we’re well off, or rely on subsidies if we’re not.
To help us understand how the care sector is changing, and what we need to plan for, I’m joined by Rachel Lane, one of Australia’s leading experts on aged care, home care, and retirement living. We unpack the upcoming reforms, including what the new Support at Home program will mean, how the costs of care are changing, and why planning early could make all the difference.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
The biggest change to care in 30 years: From November 1, Australia’s care system enters a major reform phase. Rachel explains how the new Support at Home program will replace the current patchwork of in-home care offerings — and why this shift will affect all of us, not just those entering aged care.
Understanding the new costs of care: From November, your care services will be split into three categories — clinical, independence, and everyday living — with means-tested co-contributions ranging from 5% to 80%. We explain what each bucket covers and how much you might need to pay.
Aged care vs. home care — and the big myth: We still picture aged care as moving into a nursing home, but over 80% of people now receive care at home. Rachel debunks the biggest myths around aged care, and explains why your home setup matters more than ever.
Why downsizing early could be your smartest care decision: From modifying the home to choosing locations where care can be delivered, Rachel explains how where you live will shape how you age and what to weigh up when considering a sea change, tree change, or retirement village.
How to plan for care when everything’s uncertain: Estimating the cost of care 20 years can be tricky, but Rachel shares practical ways to plan in “chunks,” map out your accommodation and support options, and avoid the biggest traps — including a lack of transparency, or waiting too long to act.
Why starting early matters: There are over 120,000 people currently waiting for an aged care assessment. Rachel explains why being proactive is essential and why care planning should always be a with you, not to you, conversation with your loved ones.
From Bec’s Desk
Isn’t Rachel Lane great! She really knows how to unpack this stuff and - understands the reality that so many midlifers are actually tackling these issues and need to know about how the systems work for both their own budgeting, and for helping ageing parents.
I’m writing this email from cloudy London, where I’m spending the week learning how UK pension funds are navigating the retirement landscape — and preparing to speak at the UK Pensions Conference next week. The welcome here has been so warm from the pensions industry - and three days in, it’s clear they’re ahead on some things, and we’re ahead on others. Either way there’s lots to learn.
Back home, we’ve had an incredible response from the community who’ve been putting their super funds to the test using The Epic Retirement Tick. Many of you have shared thoughtful feedback, stories, and even a few surprises about what you discovered when comparing funds. It’s exactly the kind of engagement we hoped for — Australians getting curious, informed, and more confident about their retirement choices. Funds are moving faster too - with some funds who didn’t get the tick telling me about their efforts to see what they can do to move things forward quickly - just like we hoped they would.
Three juicy things coming up that I want to draw your attention to:
The HESTA Epic Retirement Course:
Next week we’re kicking off our first ever dedicated superannuation-fund course – the HESTA Exclusive How to Have an Epic Retirement Course, the first of its kind designed exclusively for HESTA members. It’s been fantastic to see so many members jumping in and getting ready for their next chapter. If there’s any of our Prime Timers that are HESTA members and who would like to be part of the pilot, just let us know (reply to this email) and we’ll see if we can get you into this first program. It kicks off next week - so move quick.The Epic Retirement Flagship Course:
And if you’re not a HESTA member — don’t worry. The next intake of our Epic Retirement Flagship Course kicks off on 6 November, built around the brand-new edition of the book launching later this month. It’s updated, improved, and perfect for anyone wanting to make the most of their Prime Time years. Register here.Lifestyle Communities event in Victoria:
I’ll be heading to Clyde in Victoria for a speech about the ‘6 pillars of an Epic Retirement’ for Lifestyle Communities. Date: 22nd October 2025 10am-12pm; Location: Lifestyle Communities Riverfield; 25 Concerto Street, Clyde LEARN MORE
Now, enjoy your Aussie sunshine - I’m back to the clouds of London. Have a lovely week. Chat with you on my Epic Retirement Newsletter on Sunday!
And if you haven’t already got it, get your copy of Prime Time: 27 Lessons for the New Midlife here. It’s still disappearing quicker than the cheese platter when the kids come home.