The aged care peak body Ageing Australia has warned that more than 830,000 older Australians could be left without essential services due to a surprise new requirement under the upcoming Aged Care Act.

Under the change, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) providers must sign new service agreements with every client by 1 July – something never before required, and without the necessary rules in place to create the contracts.

“Being ready for the new Act was already near impossible, but this new decision crosses the line, making it truly impossible,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson. 

“The goal posts have been moved. This new requirement has come out of nowhere, was called for by nobody and there has been no consultation.”

The peak body noted that providers are already under pressure preparing for the Act and fear the new red tape will overwhelm systems and deter older people from accessing help.

“More than 830,000 older Australians will be left in limbo unless something changes urgently,” Tom warned.

“There will be widespread confusion for community care recipients, their families and providers alike, with a very real risk that hundreds of thousands of older people will miss out on the vital services they require.”

Ageing Australia is calling on the Federal Government to delay the requirement by at least 12 months and to introduce exemptions for smaller providers, especially those in rural and regional communities operating on limited budgets.

As the peak body concludes in its statement: this latest change may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.