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

Home care fees are set to rise after a Fair Work Commission review ruled part-time and casual workers must be paid for a minimum two-hour shift. Photograph: Thianchai Sitthikongsak/Getty Images

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.