The Australian Government's latest aged care reforms sent ripples of concern through the senior community.

The reforms, which could redefine aged care support in the country, may make several essential services expensive for many older Australians.

These changes could leave them isolated and struggling to manage their daily needs.

Flexi Care's General Manager, Adrian Morgan, has been vocal about the potential repercussions of these changes.

With over three decades of experience as a non-profit home care provider in South Brisbane, Morgan fully understood the role assisted shopping plays in seniors' lives.

It's not just about picking up essentials; it's about the opportunity to step outside, engage with the community, and enjoy a semblance of normalcy in their routine.

Seniors reliant on assisted shopping services may forego it after the cost increase, risking physical and emotional distress. Image Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

Under the new reforms, assisted shopping would be categorised as an 'everyday living' service.

This classification could mean that seniors will be required to cover up to 80 per cent of the cost, with even full pensioners facing a minimum contribution of 17.5 per cent.

'A lot of pensioners don't have much money left over,' Morgan said.

'We are expecting that people will say, "It's too expensive. I can't afford it," and stop using the service altogether.'

This decision could have dire consequences, as assisted shopping could be a way for seniors to go out, especially those with limited mobility or social opportunities.

For some, the weekly trip to the supermarket could be the only time they regularly leave the house.

They look forward to social interaction—whether it's a friendly chat with the cashier, a chance encounter with an old friend or a simple stop for a coffee.

These outings provide both emotional support and light exercise, which is crucial for their physical health.

According to the latest data, the costs for assisted shopping under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) are $11 per service.

However, the reforms could introduce higher contributions determined by government-set pricing.

The situation could be more concerning for seniors awaiting Home Care Packages (HCPs), which support those with higher needs.

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With waiting lists stretching up to 18 months, many seniors still need access to essential services during the waiting period.

Morgan shared alarming anecdotes of staff finding empty fridges or expired milk during home visits, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Morgan called for assisted shopping services to be reclassified under the 'independence' category of the reforms.

This would reduce the maximum client contribution to 50 per cent and better reflect the service's role in letting seniors maintain social connections and self-sufficiency.

However, despite the potential reduction in costs, a 50 per cent contribution could still be a burden for many.

Morgan believed that a more reasonable price cap would be at 30 per cent, but the current discussions suggested a 50 per cent contribution for the independence category.

'It's not person-centred when you make it this difficult for people to access essential services,' Morgan remarked.

The proposed reforms risk not only increasing isolation among seniors but could also lead to a decline in both physical and mental health.

The loss of assisted shopping services could mean the removal of a crucial social outing.

In severe cases, seniors might forego groceries altogether.

'These hurdles, both financial and administrative, risk leaving many older Australians behind,' Morgan concluded.

'We need a system that values their independence and ensures they can access the services they need without fear of financial strain or bureaucratic roadblocks.'

Key Takeaways

• New aged care reforms in Australia may make assisted shopping services unaffordable for many seniors due to increased contributions.
• Assisted shopping has been a critical aged care service for social interaction, community connection, and physical activity.
• Adrian Morgan of Flexi Care, a not-for-profit home care provider, suggested reclassifying assisted shopping into the 'independence' category to reduce costs.
• The complex administrative processes involved in accessing services under the reforms were criticised for being barriers to person-centred care.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the reforms? What can be done to help seniors maintain access to services like assisted shopping? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments section.

 

[Parrot]

I cannot believe that being taken out for what is necessary is now going to be classified as an
“ EVERYDAY LIVING “ service and could could cost EXTRA how much more do the GOVT EXPECT
to squeeze out of us pensioners. ? What else are they going to charge extra for?

 

[mylittletibbies]

This is a very difficult situation IMO.
I agree with everything stated in this article, but at the same time wonder where the money is supposed to come from for the endless list of needs required by the community.
It is not only aged care but all community needs and many people seem to think that the government should supply everything they need.
I had a woman complaining to me recently because her grandson needed a nebuliser for his asthma and she was quite put out that the government didn't provide them for free, despite the fact that the parents of this child both work, have a lovely home, drive expensive cars, dine out regularly etc. but want a government handout??? It's a pity more people don't volunteer to take elderly people assisted shopping. What about single mums whose kids are at school all day. Could they not do this in return for the government handout they get.
I take a local lady shopping when my daughter is with her carer. I am grateful for the assistance I receive from the government for my daughter's needs.
Too many people these days want too much and give nothing in return. We have become a very selfish society.

 

[Col@45]

Biggest problem these days is the fact that a lot of the elderly who have to rely on services such as this don't get any support from their families which is sad.
Once upon a time young people did more for their elderly parents and would help with shopping etc. but seems everyone is too busy now doing their own thing !

 

[Daibhin]

The government needs money for the nuclear submarines we may never get but have already started paying for, plus millions to the UK the build the facilities to make the parts of these subs in conjunction with US. Money is leaving Australia at an incredible rate because of a deal that could easily have been, and should have been cancelled immediately Labor took over government.
There were much better subs for far less, which we could already have had delivered by now, instead we've, or the government has, damned us into an agreement that is allowing the US too many other opportunities where it is in command over Australia in its own country.

Morrison must be wetting his pants laughing so hard at the set up he never expected could go so far, even in him getting yet another high paying job while probably doing very little to earn it.

 

[Daibhin]

Biggest problem these days is the fact that a lot of the elderly who have to rely on services such as this don't get any support from their families which is sad.
Once upon a time young people did more for their elderly parents and would help with shopping etc. but seems everyone is too busy now doing their own thing !

Families are now spread far and wide, some jobs do not finish when the worker goes home. I know that for a fact, as I have only one daughter in the same state as me, she worked long hours and was on call even on holidays she'd get calls. She's been promoted and no longer has to work weekends but I choose not to expect her to give up her new freedom by using it to take care of my shopping; she would if I asked, but I prefer that we do things that we enjoy together instead.

 

[Dynamo]

There is an increasing need for assisted shopping as the baby boomers become older.

 

[Glenys R]

I am taken shopping by Anglicare about every 2 weeks. Someone comes with me on the trip - don't really need help with shopping itself - the problem is transport as I don't drive ( in my eighties). People who are home in the day could help this situation by offering to take an elderly person with them, to the same shop, and just dropping them and their shopping off home afterwards. One neighbour on one side of me doesn't offer and the other took me shopping and stole $100 out of my bag while I got out of her car to unlock my gate (I live on 41 ac. property alone). Anglicare is cheaper at $12.00 a trip so now go with them. However they often change the day or the time - on occasions I have ended up with a day or two without milk or bread as Anglicare is not completely reliable. This is not their fault as they are short of cars. Anglicare also run social trips on Tuesday but I am not able to go as they do not have room for me and are short of funds so going to Woollies is the outing of the month!! Old age is no picnic - could write a book on it!!!

 

[Winks]

This is a very difficult situation IMO.
I agree with everything stated in this article, but at the same time wonder where the money is supposed to come from for the endless list of needs required by the community.
It is not only aged care but all community needs and many people seem to think that the government should supply everything they need.
I had a woman complaining to me recently because her grandson needed a nebuliser for his asthma and she was quite put out that the government didn't provide them for free, despite the fact that the parents of this child both work, have a lovely home, drive expensive cars, dine out regularly etc. but want a government handout??? It's a pity more people don't volunteer to take elderly people assisted shopping. What about single mums whose kids are at school all day. Could they not do this in return for the government handout they get.
I take a local lady shopping when my daughter is with her carer. I am grateful for the assistance I receive from the government for my daughter's needs.
To many people these days want too much and give nothing in return. We have become a very selfish society.

I agree with you 100%. My son is on NDIS & even though all his needs are not met, we are lucky in this country to have aged & disability care. I am grateful for what we do have. There has to be a limit to what can be expected from tax payers money to sustain these schemes. If everyone was honest & had a sense of community, people in need wouldn’t be so isolated. My mother has vascular dementia & refuses to let anyone in her home other than her own family. I look after mum along with my siblings & have 2 people on NDIS, that I am legal guardian/administrator for. PWD & some very elderly are too vulnerable to dishonesty & need people to help & advocate for them.

 

[MIZMAC]

Biggest problem these days is the fact that a lot of the elderly who have to rely on services such as this don't get any support from their families which is sad.
Once upon a time young people did more for their elderly parents and would help with shopping etc. but seems everyone is too busy now doing their own thing !

My family all work. One lives interstate two live in different suburbs with one travelling Vic, NSW and SA every week. No hope of them being available when I would like to have them help.

 

[IAN3005]

If it costs even $0.01 I will not pay it.

 

[getting there]

Agree 100% with Daibhin regarding the huge expense our government has gone to regarding the nuclear submarines. The view of the population was never taken into consideration. Generations of Australians will continue to pay in the future and to expect less in the way of their basic needs, especially their health system.

​

 

[Barbara V]

I am taken shopping by Anglicare about every 2 weeks. Someone comes with me on the trip - don't really need help with shopping itself - the problem is transport as I don't drive ( in my eighties). People who are home in the day could help this situation by offering to take an elderly person with them, to the same shop, and just dropping them and their shopping off home afterwards. One neighbour on one side of me doesn't offer and the other took me shopping and stole $100 out of my bag while I got out of her car to unlock my gate (I live on 41 ac. property alone). Anglicare is cheaper at $12.00 a trip so now go with them. However they often change the day or the time - on occasions I have ended up with a day or two without milk or bread as Anglicare is not completely reliable. This is not their fault as they are short of cars. Anglicare also run social trips on Tuesday but I am not able to go as they do not have room for me and are short of funds so going to Woollies is the outing of the month!! Old age is no picnic - could write a book on it!!!

I totally agree it is hard . I luckily still drive but being 88 don't know how long I will be let to drive. The Shire provides a transport service for shopping on certain days,and Share and Care home help and transport for appointments .I have partial home care , every 2 weeks for domestic every 3 weeks for gardening in between I have to manage myself. My family live a long way from me my son does help as much as he can . Have one neighbour who works but I know if desperate she would help the other neighbour I don't know as it's a rental and our properties are 10 acres. Once I am not able to drive I know that's when a lot of horrid changes will come dread the day

 

[margaretritchie48]

Mu mum, 101 is on level 4. All she gets is cleaning, taken out for coffee and showering 3 times a week. Also any equipment she may need. I have purchased a lot of things as it take too long to get them through her aged care package.

 

[Jenniw]

Hanna and I spoke before the Senate Committee in Port Lincoln SA. This is Hanna’s calculation of the costs that a pensioner could incur for BASIC services. It is going to result in more doctor visits, hospital visits, and eventually residential aged care admissions. Here is her comment:

Jenni, I have done the maths: 2 hours of cleaning (remember the govt mandated we need to employ our support workers for a minimum of TWO HOURS!), 2 hours of gardening, two hours of shopping (yes, we even have to contribute to the cost of shopping!) and 3 showers a week (at 17.5% contribution for the first three services and 5% for showering), adds up to, conservatively at just over $98!! Per WEEK! Who will be able to afford that. They may as well have left the caps on the cleaning and gardening, because no one will be able to afford it. Minister Anika Wells MP says hardship provisions will be in place, but how many hoops to jump through? How difficult will it be? Will it be online (which makes life even more difficult for the elderly who cannot manage that), and will people have to go through invasive financial tests? This Bill was supposed to give the elderly more choice and control - well, it has done the opposite, it has taken them away. I'm disgusted and disappointed that Older Persons Advocacy Network failed to advocate for the elderly. Huge failure!! Shame on the government and shame on OPAN and the other bodies that are supposed to advocate for us. We have been badly let down.

 

[IAN3005]

Hanna and I spoke before the Senate Committee in Port Lincoln SA. This is Hanna’s calculation of the costs that a pensioner could incur for BASIC services. It is going to result in more doctor visits, hospital visits, and eventually residential aged care admissions. Here is her comment:

Jenni, I have done the maths: 2 hours of cleaning (remember the govt mandated we need to employ our support workers for a minimum of TWO HOURS!), 2 hours of gardening, two hours of shopping (yes, we even have to contribute to the cost of shopping!) and 3 showers a week (at 17.5% contribution for the first three services and 5% for showering), adds up to, conservatively at just over $98!! Per WEEK! Who will be able to afford that. They may as well have left the caps on the cleaning and gardening, because no one will be able to afford it. Minister Anika Wells MP says hardship provisions will be in place, but how many hoops to jump through? How difficult will it be? Will it be online (which makes life even more difficult for the elderly who cannot manage that), and will people have to go through invasive financial tests? This Bill was supposed to give the elderly more choice and control - well, it has done the opposite, it has taken them away. I'm disgusted and disappointed that Older Persons Advocacy Network failed to advocate for the elderly. Huge failure!! Shame on the government and shame on OPAN and the other bodies that are supposed to advocate for us. We have been badly let down.

I would never be able to afford $98 a month... as the rent is a killer at $3,600 and the pension $2,700 which leaves me -$890 a month before feeding myself.

 

[gordon1940]

This is a very difficult situation IMO.
I agree with everything stated in this article, but at the same time wonder where the money is supposed to come from for the endless list of needs required by the community.
It is not only aged care but all community needs and many people seem to think that the government should supply everything they need.
I had a woman complaining to me recently because her grandson needed a nebuliser for his asthma and she was quite put out that the government didn't provide them for free, despite the fact that the parents of this child both work, have a lovely home, drive expensive cars, dine out regularly etc. but want a government handout??? It's a pity more people don't volunteer to take elderly people assisted shopping. What about single mums whose kids are at school all day. Could they not do this in return for the government handout they get.
I take a local lady shopping when my daughter is with her carer. I am grateful for the assistance I receive from the government for my daughter's needs.
Too many people these days want too much and give nothing in return. We have become a very selfish society.

Bless you for caring. What has happened to Family and Friends? Don't have any??

 

[mylittletibbies]

Bless you for caring. What has happened to Family and Friends? Don't have any??