Confusion and Stress About Changes
Many older people and their families have reported confusion about how the new system works, with complicated paperwork and uncertainty about pricing and service delivery. Some have described navigating the changes as stressful and overwhelming.
Higher Costs and Co-Payments
There are significant concerns about increased out-of-pocket costs for some parts of care, particularly non-clinical supports (like showering, cleaning, or gardening), which under the new system may require co-payments based on income and assets. Some older recipients feel they might have to reduce services to stay within budget.
Perceived Reduction in Services
Even with a “no worse off” guarantee for some existing clients, there are reports that price increases by providers are leading to fewer actual care hours or less support — making some people feel “worse off” overall.
Long Wait Times and Access Challenges
AI Research December 2026
