Will the aged care pay rise lead to better care?

From January 2025, aged care workers across Australia began receiving long-awaited wage increases, with another round set for October. It’s a welcome move, especially for the dedicated staff who’ve been underpaid and undervalued for far too long. However, for older Australians and their families, there’s a bigger question at hand: will better pay lead to better care?

Why the change matters

The aged care sector has faced a crisis in staffing for years. Low wages, demanding workloads and limited career pathways have made it hard to attract and keep workers. This has real-world consequences — high turnover, short-staffed homes and fewer familiar faces providing care each day.

For residents, it’s about more than just tasks being done. It’s about feeling safe, supported and seen by people they know and trust. That kind of continuity and connection is harder to achieve when staff are constantly changing.

A step in the right direction — but is it enough?

Wage increases are a vital first step. They recognise the important work aged care staff do and they send a message that this workforce matters. However, pay — alone — won’t solve everything.

Training, career development and supportive working environments also play a big part in retaining staff. For many aged care workers, it’s still a challenge to manage the emotional and physical demands of the job without enough time or support.

What this means for residents and families

If you have a loved one in aged care, you might be wondering how these changes will affect their daily experience. While it may take time, the hope is that better wages will help services attract and keep passionate, skilled staff — which in turn leads to more consistent, personalised care.

However, it’s also a reminder of how important it is to ask the right questions when choosing or reviewing a provider. Don’t be afraid to ask about staff stability, training and how the service is planning for the future.

What to look out for:

• Familiarity and continuity
  Are the same staff supporting your loved one each day? 
• Well-being focus
  Is there time for meaningful conversation, activities and social connection? 
• Staff support
  Does the provider talk about staff training and well-being as part of their care approach? 

The road ahead

The government’s wage increase is part of a broader reform of the aged care sector — and, while it’s a positive change, it’s not a magical solution. Real improvement will take time, investment and listening closely to both staff and older people themselves.

If you’re navigating aged care options or have concerns about a loved one’s care, you’re not alone. Understanding what’s changing and why can help you feel more in control, and better equipped to advocate for the care your family deserves.

Need help comparing providers or understanding your options?

You can start by visiting My Aged Care or exploring provider reviews on the Aged Care Guide. To use the Aged Care Guide website, you can visit the home page and select on the tab relating to the kind of care you’re after, whether it’s a nursing home or at-home help and then filter your results by location. Whether you’re just starting out or reviewing care for a loved one, there’s support available every step of the way.