Ripped off home-care recipients eligible for refunds

“Rogue” businesses that overcharge older Australians for home care services will be ordered to repay their customers.

The federal government is introducing new protection measures for the elderly in its home care package program.

It comes after a damning report, published on the same day as the federal budget, revealed patients were waiting an average of 12 months to enter residential aged care or access support at home.

The workforce spends tens of billions of dollars on aged care, but the sector remains under pressure with residential homes reaching capacity as more older Australians require assistance and labor shortages due to low wages compared to other healthcare jobs.

Under the changes, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will have the power to issue refunds for services where providers are found to have overcharged.

The Commission will also be able to take action against providers who fail to submit monthly reports and request regular public information about investigations and enforcement actions.

Reports will be published showing different prices for home support, so older Australians and their families can see how their providers compare.

Aged Care Minister Sam Rae says the government is listening to older Australians and their families who are calling for stronger protection against “rogue” market prices.

“We are listening and we are taking action,” he said Tuesday.

“We will continue to work regularly in the interests of older people to make sure Home Support delivers what it promises: quality care, at affordable prices, close to home.”

The government will also encourage providers to limit price increases to no more than twice a year so seniors can budget their packages.

Advocacy group Council on Aging and free support service Seniors Advocacy Network will receive extra funding from the federal government to better support people receiving care.