Working in home care is both a privilege and a responsibility. Every day, frontline workers help older Australians maintain independence, dignity, and safety in their homes. But to do their jobs well and legally, homecare workers must understand and adapt to the policies and procedures that shape how care is delivered.
As the sector looks ahead to the 2027 changes, staying informed is more important than ever. Whether you're part of a government-funded service like the CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) or working in a private home care setting, upcoming reforms will affect how services are assessed, planned, and delivered.
This article outlines what home care workers need to know about evolving responsibilities and how they can stay confident and compliant in a changing regulatory environment, all while continuing to focus on what matters most: delivering quality care.
Why Policies and Procedures Matter in Home Care
In a fast-evolving sector like aged care, policies and procedures are the foundation for consistent, compliant, and person-centered services. For home care workers, they act as a guidebook, helping to:
- Ensure safe, appropriate service delivery
- Manage risk for clients and staff
- Support ethical decision-making
- Align with funding requirements (e.g. CHSP or Home Care Packages)
- Facilitate clear communication with clients, families, and other providers
Having a thorough grasp of procedures also helps workers feel more confident in their roles, especially when dealing with complex needs or sensitive situations.
Understanding the 2027 Changes
The 2027 changes are part of a broader aged care reform agenda, designed to streamline services, strengthen governance, and improve outcomes for older Australians.
Here's what to expect:
- A new single aged care program that integrates CHSP, Home Care Packages, and Short-Term Restorative Care
- Revised care standards and accountability frameworks
- A renewed focus on assessment and care planning, placing older people at the centre of decision-making
- More robust workforce expectations, including mandatory training and qualifications for personal care workers
- A stronger emphasis on delivering quality care, especially around dignity, safety, and choice
This implies that some daily procedures for home care workers, such as the documentation of care plans and the handling of feedback and complaints, may change.
What is the CHSP, and how will it be affected?
The CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) currently provides entry-level support for older people who need some help living independently. Services range from domestic assistance to allied health and transport.
The 2027 reforms are likely to incorporate the CHSP into a new integrated aged care model. This means
- Existing services may be restructured or renamed
- Eligibility and referral processes could change
- Workers may need to shift their approach to match new care planning frameworks
If you're currently working under CHSP funding, now’s a great time to familiarise yourself with the differences between CHSP and Home Care Packages — and prepare for a more unified system.
The role of assessment and care planning
At the heart of elderly care reform is a renewed commitment to personalised, codesigned services. That’s why assessment and care planning will take on even greater significance.
Home care workers are often the first to notice changes in a client’s condition or needs. Being part of the care planning process means
- Actively contributing observations and feedback
- Helping clients articulate their goals and preferences
- Supporting regular reviews of care plans to ensure they stay relevant
- Aligning your daily tasks with what's outlined in the care plan
Workers who are trained in assessment principles—even informally—will play a valuable role in the success of this shift.
Delivering quality care: beyond task lists
In the new framework, delivering quality care is about more than just completing tasks. It’s about building relationships, promoting dignity, and supporting client independence.
Key principles include
- Respect and choice: Empower clients to make decisions about their own care
- Consistency and continuity: Build trust by being reliable and informed
- Cultural safety: Understand and honour cultural, spiritual, and language needs
- Safety and well-being : Prevent harm, report risks, and promote holistic health
Quality is also about documentation. Workers should be confident recording service delivery accurately, noting concerns, and escalating issues where necessary.
What home care workers can do to prepare
The 2027 changes are coming, but that doesn’t mean home care workers need to feel overwhelmed. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
- Keep informed by following sector updates from My Aged Care, your company, or your trusted training provider like Dimarcorp Academy.
- Look for training prospects: Participate in seminars or webinars that focus on the changes, especially in areas such as client engagement, communication, and care planning. Dimarcorp Academy hosts regular meetings specifically for frontline employees.
- Query: Ask your team leader or care coordinator straight up questions about how your job could change.
- Examine your service's policies: Make sure your views of privacy, reporting, documentation, and escalation match those of others today.
- Develop strong client relationships; your ability to personalise a person's care will improve with knowledge of their tastes and habits.
How Customised Training Can Help
Many home care providers are investing in personal training to support their teams during this transition. Tailored sessions can address:
- Policy and procedural updates linked to the 2027 reforms
- Client rights and responsibilities
- Best practice in assessment and care planning
- Effective communication with clients and families
- Incident reporting and safeguarding practices
Customised training ensures staff feel supported, engaged, and ready—without the confusion that often comes with major system changes.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Home Care
The road to 2027 will bring adjustments but also opportunities — to improve how we deliver care, how we support older Australians, and how we work together as professionals.
By understanding new policies and procedures, home care workers can remain a vital part of the aged care ecosystem — informed, prepared, and focused on what they do best: delivering compassionate, high-quality care at home.
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