With the introduction of the Aged Care Act 2024, the sector is entering a period of change that will directly affect how care is delivered across both residential aged care and home care.
Many frontline workers have heard about the reforms, but have not yet been given clear and practical guidance on what the changes will mean for their day to day work.
This is where Equip Aged Care Learning, developed by the Wicking Dementia Centre at the University of Tasmania, plays an important role. Equip delivers free short education modules that are designed specifically for people working in aged care roles. More than 45,000 people have already enrolled since Equip launched in 2022.
Two new modules are now available. One focuses on the Aged Care Act 2024 and the other focuses on Support at Home, the new program designed to help older people live independently at home for longer. The modules were created in close collaboration with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to ensure that the information is accurate, clear and relevant.
“Both these new modules help aged care workers to understand their responsibilities and obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024,” said Dr Azam Bazooband, Academic Lead for Equip Aged Care Learning at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.
Making sense of the Aged Care Act
The Aged Care Act 2024 represents a shift in focus. It places the rights, preferences and autonomy of older people at the centre of care. The new Equip module helps workers understand how this applies in practice, explaining the Statement of Rights, the Statement of Principles, the Code of Conduct, and the Aged Care Quality Standards.
“These are the principles that guide how you work and the way you interact with the older person, their support network, and the care team.”
By using everyday examples, the module shows how to recognise and support the rights of older people in the moments that matter most, such as supporting decision making, respecting preferences, adjusting care to meet individual needs and communicating openly and respectfully.
It also highlights that the Act does not only protect older people. It includes supports for workers too.
“Importantly, the module also explains that the Act supports a strong and capable workforce through a Code of Conduct, screening for workers and protecting staff who raise concerns.”
Understanding these provisions can give workers more confidence in their role and greater clarity when navigating complex or challenging situations.
“By understanding the Act, you can play your part in ensuring that every person receives high quality care,” said Dr Bazooband.
Support at Home: A new approach to independence
The second new Equip module explains Support at Home, a program designed to help older people remain in their homes safely and independently for longer. The module outlines how the new system works, including how older people are assessed through a single assessment process and how Registered Supporters can help older people understand and access services.
It also explains the role of support planning and how care partners, support workers and home care teams can work together to coordinate care. The emphasis is on flexibility, individual needs and maintaining connection to community.
Workers in home care settings play a central role in enabling independence. The module highlights the importance of understanding a person’s goals and routines, communicating clearly with the broader care team and recognising when adjustments are needed to ensure safety and wellbeing.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people, the module explains that assessment may be carried out by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander assessment organisations where available. This recognises the importance of cultural safety and community connection in care.
Education designed for real workloads
Equip modules are designed with busy staff in mind. Each module is delivered through short 10 minute modules, supported by downloadable infographics and a quiz that enables workers to receive CPD certificates which can be sent directly to a manager.
“Equip seeks to facilitate this, acknowledging the fact that workers do not have much time and need a free, short, sharp way to access information,” said Dr Bazooband.
The modules can be completed on a mobile device, at work or at home, and at a pace that suits the worker.
These reforms are reshaping how aged care is delivered. Workers who understand the Act and Support at Home will be better equipped to provide care that is respectful, safe and aligned with the wishes of the older person.
They will also be better supported in their own role, with clearer frameworks, stronger safeguards and more confidence in everyday decision making.
Equip helps workers not just learn about the reforms, but apply them.
Access Equip Aged Care Learning here: https://equiplearning.utas.
