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Support at Home Program
A Fresh Chapter for Aged Care
From 1 November 2025, a new Aged Care Act will come into effect across Australia, designed to make aged care safer, fairer and more respectful for older people. These reforms aim to strengthen quality, safety, trust and transparency across the sector, while ensuring every person is cared for with dignity and respect.
Changes to Aged Care and Support at Home
What’s Staying the Same
At Meals on Wheels SA (MoWSA), our commitment remains unchanged.
We will continue to provide meals and services with care, kindness, safety and respect, guided by our core values - caring, respectful, reliable, united and impactful.
Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers will continue to deliver more than a meal - offering nourishment, companionship and a friendly check-in to support your independence and wellbeing at home.
What’s Changing
The Aged Care Act 2024 introduces new protections and clearer responsibilities for providers and workers through:
- A new Statement of Rights (replacing the current Charter of Rights)
- The Aged Care Code of Conduct
- Stronger Whistleblower Protections
These additions formalise values that are already central to how Meals on Wheels operates. Every older person receiving aged care will have their rights protected by law - including the right to make their own decisions, be treated with dignity, feel safe and respected, and stay connected with their community.
You can learn more at agedcarequality.gov.au and see copies of these policies here
Easier Access to Support
The new Support at Home (SaH) program will replace existing home care funding systems, making it simpler and fairer to access aged care services. A new single-entry system through My Aged Care (1800 200 422) will make assessments faster and more consistent, with earlier help available for people who need it most.
Your Choice Matters
If you receive or are approved for Support at Home funding, you can continue to choose Meals on Wheels SA as your meal provider.
Here’s how:
- Let your Care Coordinator know you’d like Meals on Wheels to provide your meals; or
- Contact us directly on 1800 854 453 and we’ll liaise with your provider on your behalf.
Whether you’re new to the program or already receiving our service, it’s your choice to stay with us.
Stronger Accountability and Protections
Under the new Act, all aged care providers must be registered, monitored and meet higher standards. Complaints will be handled faster, and operations will be more transparent. You also have the right to appoint a supporter to help with care decisions.
New Whistleblower Protections make it safer to speak up about serious issues such as abuse, neglect, or misconduct. If you see or experience something of concern, you can report it confidentially or anonymously to:
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Meals on Wheels SA (1800 854 453 or info@mealsonwheelssa.org.au
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Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission (1800 951 822)
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Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (1800 020 103)
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Police (131 444)
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An independent aged care advocate
Your identity will be protected, and you cannot be penalised for speaking up.
Code of Conduct
A new Code of Conduct applies to everyone working in aged care, ensuring all staff and volunteers act respectfully, safely and ethically. At Meals on Wheels SA, your wellbeing, rights and safety are always our top priority.
For more information, visit agedcarequality.gov.au or contact our team at Meals on Wheels SA.
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