Australia’s updated aged care system aims to improve senior care, but changes in funding for respiratory support devices are creating unexpected challenges for older people living with serious breathing conditions
Sydney, Australia, 20 July 2026 – Australia’s aged care system has entered a new chapter with the introduction of the Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program. The reforms were designed to place older people at the center of care by giving them greater choice, stronger rights, and improved services. While these goals have been widely welcomed, healthcare professionals are raising concerns that one important group of patients may be left behind.
Older Australians living with chronic breathing conditions often depend on respiratory support devices such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and BiPAP ventilators. These devices help people with conditions including sleep apnea and respiratory failure breathe properly during sleep. For many, they are not simply comfort devices but essential medical equipment that reduces the risk of hospitalization and improves daily quality of life.
Medical experts have reported that some older adults are now facing greater difficulty accessing these devices under the new Support at Home program. Previously, eligible individuals could receive funding for respiratory equipment through the Home Care Package system. However, changes introduced under the updated funding framework have created uncertainty about whether these devices qualify for financial support. As a result, many seniors are being asked to rent equipment at high monthly costs or purchase machines that can cost several thousand dollars.
For retirees who depend mainly on pension income, these expenses can be overwhelming. Many older Australians already balance rent, utility bills, medications, transport, and other daily living costs. Adding the expense of life-supporting respiratory equipment places additional financial pressure on households that are already carefully managing limited budgets.
Healthcare specialists warn that delaying or avoiding treatment because of cost may have serious health consequences. Untreated sleep apnea and chronic respiratory failure can lead to frequent hospital admissions, worsening heart and lung conditions, daytime fatigue, and a reduced quality of life. Early and consistent treatment is considered essential for preventing complications and helping older adults remain independent.
The new Aged Care Act was introduced following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Its purpose is to strengthen the rights of older Australians, improve accountability among care providers, and deliver more person-centered care. The legislation also aims to make aged care services safer, more transparent, and better prepared for Australia’s growing ageing population.
Despite these broader improvements, clinicians believe the funding arrangements for respiratory support equipment require closer review. They argue that essential medical devices should remain easily accessible for people whose health depends on them. Without clear funding pathways, vulnerable seniors may experience unnecessary health risks while also placing additional pressure on hospitals and healthcare services.
Patient advocates also emphasize that aged care reforms should not only focus on expanding rights but also ensure that essential medical equipment remains available to those who need it most. They believe practical access to treatment is just as important as policy changes designed to improve the overall care system.
As Australia’s population continues to age, balancing healthcare reform with real-world patient needs will remain a major priority. Ensuring affordable access to critical respiratory support devices could play an important role in helping older Australians live healthier, safer, and more independent lives while allowing the goals of the new aged care system to be fully realized.
