Updates to your
Resident Agreement
*In this video, we've used an AI narrator to present our original content. All other video footage is filmed at our Care Communities, featuring our residents and team.
Q and A for residents and families
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The Australian Government’s new Aged Care Act came into effect on 1 November 2025. All aged care providers are required to update their resident agreements to comply with the new law by 31 October 2026. These changes apply to every aged care resident and all providers across Australia. Our letter is intended to help you understand what this means for you.
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No. Your room price and care fees will stay the same. Nothing changes unless you choose to opt into the new fee arrangements under the new Act. If you choose to do this, we encourage you to first seek advice from a financial advisor with aged care experience.
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Your Additional or Extra Services or Higher Everyday Living Services will not be affected as a result of these updates to your Agreement. Under the New Act, existing Additional Services and Extra Services must cease by 31 October 2026. This transition away from Additional and Extra Services will be managed separately.If we haven't already, we'll be in touch with you soon to discuss these optional arrangements so you can choose what's right for you.
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Importantly, there will be no changes to your fees or charges as a result of these updates.What is changing is clearly set out in your agreement. Here's a summary:
- The Statement of Rights is included
- Your Registered Supporters are included
- The funded services you receive are now set out in the Residential Care Service List under the new Act
- New Whistleblower process included
- 12-monthly review of your agreement, or at your request
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Under the new Act, a Supporter is a person – or people- you can choose to help you make and communicate decisions about your care. If you’ve already registered a Supporter, or would like to, please let your General Manager know so we can include their names in your agreement.
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While we already meet the new requirements at Opal HealthCare, the updated rules also give you the option to make a whistleblower disclosure. This means you can safely speak up if you ever suspect a breach of the Aged Care Act, without fear of repercussion. This is now noted in your agreement.
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Yes. We’re now required to review your agreement with you at least once a year, or whenever you request it. We’ll reach out to arrange this over the coming months, but if you’d like a review sooner, just let us know.
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To finalise the changes, we need your consent.If you've recieved your Agreement via email, when you're ready, please digitally sign the Acknowledgement and Consent Form included. Our systems will be updated.If you've received your Agreement via post, when you're ready, please sign the Acknowledgement and Consent Form, and return the signed hard copy of your Agreement to your Care Community - or send it via post.Please take your time, and feel free to ask questions, meet with us, or seek your own independent legal or financial advice before signing.
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Your current agreement will remain in place. However, where the law requires specific changes, those will apply automatically.
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Please reach out to the General Manager at your Care Community.