A New Era for Aged Care: Putting You at the Centre
On 1 November 2025, Australia’s aged care system steps into a new era with the commencement of the Aged Care Act 2024.
At Mayflower, we see this as an opportunity to renew our commitment to person-centred care - care that upholds dignity, respect, and choice for every individual we support.
Why This Change Matters
The previous aged care legislation was built around providers and funding structures. The new legislation is rights-based, designed to put older people and their choices front and centre.
Under the new Act everyone receiving aged care will be given a Statement of Rights, outlining their legal entitlements. This ensures people remain at the heart of their own care decisions - supported to express their wishes, make choices, and access the help they need to live the way they choose.
Older people can also nominate a registered supporter to assist in understanding information or communicating on their behalf.
The Aged Care Quality Standards and Code of Conduct have also been strengthened, placing clearer accountability on providers. Organisations must demonstrate readiness to deliver high-quality, transparent, and respectful care.
At Mayflower, we’re embracing this through ongoing staff training and enhanced care management systems that make support more consistent, responsive, and connected.
These reforms are all about listening to, empowering, and supporting older Australians.
What This Means At Mayflower
At Mayflower, person-centred care has always been our core. With the new Act, we’re deepening our commitment to:
1. Truly listening
- We take the time to understand your preferences, life story, and what truly matters to you. Care isn’t a checklist - it’s about creating a life that feels familiar, meaningful, and your own.
2. Co-designing your support
- You’ll have more say than ever in how your care is planned and delivered. Together, we’ll tailor your services to suit your lifestyle, values, needs and preferences.
3. Transparent choices
- You’ll have clearer information about fees, services, and provider performance - empowering you to make confident, informed decisions about your care.
4. Safety, dignity, and quality
- You can expect stronger quality systems, accountability, and continuous improvement - all designed to ensure your safety, dignity, and peace of mind.
5. Supporting people to speak up
- We welcome your feedback and will always listen. The new Act reinforces safe, accessible pathways to raise concerns or make changes - and we’re here to respond and act. Visit our feedback page to view our feedback and complaints policy.
Together Into The Future
As we embrace these changes, Mayflower pledges to remain grounded in compassion, responsiveness, and integrity.
The new Aged Care Act is an opportunity to strengthen our connection with those we support, and to build a system that truly honours every person’s individuality.
Because aged care is not just about compliance - it’s about relationships, trust, and belonging.
At Mayflower, we’ll continue to be guided by your stories, your choices, and your dignity.
Watch: Mayflower is ready for the new Aged Care Act
At Mayflower, preparation for the Aged Care Act 2024 has been a collective effort across all our residences.
Our teams have completed training, refined systems, and shared the new Statement of Rights with residents, families, and staff.
This short video shows how we’re ready - and how we’ll continue to provide care that’s personal, respectful, and grounded in our vision of Care without Compromise.
FAQ: Understanding the 2025 Aged Care Reforms
1. What is the new Aged Care Act?
The Aged Care Act 2024 is Australia’s new aged care law, taking effect on 1 November 2025. It replaces legislation from 1997 to create a simpler, fairer system that focuses on people - not processes or funding.
2. What’s changing under the new law?
The new Act is rights-based, which means older people are at the centre of every decision about their care.
It strengthens your rights to:
- Make your own choices about care and lifestyle.
- Be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
- Receive clear information about your care and costs, so you can stay in control of your choices.
- Give feedback or make a complaint safely and easily.
3. What is the Statement of Rights?
Every person receiving aged care will receive a Statement of Rights.
This document outlines your legal rights under the new Act - such as your right to privacy, independence, cultural identity, and choice in how care is provided.
It’s designed to help you understand what you can expect and what you’re entitled to.
Mayflower has shared the Statement of Rights with residents, families, and staff. You can read it by selecting one of the buttons below. To view it in another language visit www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/a-new-aged-care-act-for-the-rights-of-older-people?language=en.
4. What are the Strengthened Quality Standards?
The Strengthened Quality Standards set the benchmark for safe, high-quality care.
They have been strengthened to make sure:
- Care is person-centred and responsive.
- Services are well managed, accountable, and continuously improving.
- Staff are trained, supported, and guided by clear expectations.
At Mayflower, these standards are already embedded in how we work - we call it Care without Compromise.
5. What does this mean for residents and families?
For most people, day-to-day life will look much the same. What will feel different is the focus on your voice - your preferences, goals, and comfort are what guide us.
Families will continue to be involved and informed, with even greater transparency and partnership in care planning.
6. How is Mayflower preparing for the changes?
Our teams have already completed training to understand what the new Act means in practice - from supporting daily choices and communication, to respecting privacy, safety, and cultural identity.
We’ve also strengthened our quality systems and introduced new digital platforms to make care safer, smoother, and more transparent.
7. What should I do now?
You don’t need to do anything.
Mayflower is ready and will continue to support you and your family through the transition.
If you’d like to learn more, speak to your Care Manager, General Manager, or visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
8. How can I give feedback or share my thoughts?
We welcome feedback at any time.
You can:
- Speak to a staff member or manager directly.
- Use our feedback forms available on-site.
- Complete the feedback form on the website.
Every comment helps us improve and continue delivering care that truly reflects your needs.
Together, we’re building the future of aged care - one that values your rights, your choices, and your voice.
