Australia’s aged care reforms aim to support older people to remain living at home, yet this goal is becoming harder to achieve for the growing number of older Australians who rent privately. Over the past decade, private renters aged 55 and over have increased significantly, highlighting gaps in housing security and suitability that directly affect ageing in place outcomes under the Support at Home program.
While Support at Home funding assists with services, assistive technology, and home modifications, capped budgets and time-limited supports often fail to reflect the progressive nature of ageing and disability. For renters, the need for landlord approval adds another barrier, limiting the ability to make essential modifications that support safety, independence and long-term well-being.
Addressing these challenges requires policy approaches that recognise housing as a home, not just a tenancy. As aged care and disability reforms continue to evolve, organisations such as CareVision support informed advocacy and sector education to help ensure that housing, care and inclusion policies work together to support older Australians to age in their preferred place.