As Australia enters a new era of aged care reform, the message from sector leaders is clear: prevention is better than cure, and the system must shift from reactive care to proactive wellbeing. With the introduction of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home (SaH) program, providers now have an opportunity—if not an obligation—to place reablement and wellness at the heart of their services.
What Is Reablement—And Why Does It Matter?
Reablement is not just a buzzword. It refers to a proactive, goal-oriented approach that supports older people to maintain or regain their independence, rather than simply accommodating their decline. This might involve physiotherapy to improve mobility, assistance with meal preparation to encourage daily routines, or guidance in using assistive technology to stay socially connected.
As Stephen Muggleton, CEO of Bolton Clarke, puts it: “Increased longevity can also lead to an expansion of morbidity.” In other words, without intervention, many Australians will live longer—but not necessarily better. Reablement is the antidote to this outcome, promoting dignity, autonomy, and quality of life at every stage of ageing.
The Legislative Shift: From Task-Based to Person-Centred
Under the new legislation, wellness and reablement are no longer optional extras. They are embedded into both residential and home care policy through strengthened quality standards, dedicated funding streams, and accountability measures. This is not just about compliance—it’s about cultural transformation.
In residential aged care, reablement will be supported through the Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF), allowing providers to offer premium, opt-in services focused on wellness, lifestyle, and proactive health support. These services not only boost resident wellbeing but also open new revenue channels for providers.
Meanwhile, in home care, the Support at Home program marks a significant departure from the traditional “do-for” model of care. Instead, it promotes a “with-you” approach, empowering clients to participate actively in their own care journey.
Better Care, Smarter Business
As a number of the industry’s leading voices have noted, there’s a strong business case for embracing this new model. With clearer reporting requirements, capped fees, and growing expectations around outcomes, providers that invest in early intervention and coordinated clinical care are more likely to thrive—both financially and reputationally. In fact, relying on subcontracted clinical services may no longer be sustainable. Instead, partnerships or integrated service models will help providers deliver consistent, high-quality care while maintaining control of delivery standards and costs.
What is the impact for Agency Nursing?
While much of the conversation has centred on allied health, the new era of aged care calls for a whole-of-sector mindset—and this includes a significant impact on agency nursing. With the new Aged Care Act and updated quality standards, aged care homes face stronger clinical requirements, such as comprehensive care planning, wound and medication management, and infection control.
Providers must now ensure consistent, high-quality care, which increases reliance on skilled care workers and agency nurses to fill critical gaps.
This shift adds pressure to an already stretched workforce. Many staff—whether permanent or agency—are stressed and maxed out, managing increased expectations with limited time and support. Agency nurses in particular are expected to hit the ground running, integrating quickly into unfamiliar environments while maintaining high clinical standards and contributing to a reablement-focused culture.
Beyond clinical roles, domestic staff, support workers, hospitality teams, and care coordinators continue to play crucial roles in promoting wellness. A freshly made bed, a shared conversation over lunch, or help with morning routines—these are all acts of reablement when delivered with purpose and consistency.
Reframing Care for a New Generation
For providers and professionals alike, the new aged care landscape offers a chance to reimagine what care can look like. It’s not just about managing symptoms—it’s about enabling life and truly connecting the circle of care for older Australians. With robust frameworks, dedicated funding, and growing awareness, reablement can finally take centre stage.
So whether you’re a provider, a support worker, or a family member of someone receiving care, one thing is certain: the future of aged care is about doing more than helping people live longer—it’s about helping them live better.
Want to learn how your organisation can embrace wellness-first care? Contact Crewe Sharp on 1300 328 004 or visit crewesharp.com.au for more insights and support.