Almost half of home care providers across Australia to increase fees after new rules on carer pay

Companies say price hikes are necessary to offset costs of attracting and retaining workers, but charity contends some fee increases are not reasonable'

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The aged care sector is warning almost half of the nation's home care providers will be increasing fees by up to 20% after a new two-hour minimum shift for carers comes into force on Friday, prompting complaints from older Australians and advocates.

Home care helps more than 200,000 older Australians stay at home, playing a critical role in relieving pressure on Australia's residential aged care system and ensuring independence for the nation's ageing population.

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