Supporting First Nations Elders: NATSIFAC and the New Aged Care Reform Roadmap

16 Feb

Photo by Marley Morgan — The Department of Health and Aged Care is funding this program to provide culturally appropriate aged care to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFAC) is designed to provide culturally safe and flexible care for First Nations elders, especially in rural and remote areas. It helps make sure elders can stay connected to their communities, culture, and families while receiving the care they need.

With the Aged Care Reform Roadmap coming into full effect by July 2025, service providers in the NATSIFAC program are going through a two-year transition. This means they’ll be adjusting their services to meet the new standards, which focus on making care more culturally sensitive, safer, and higher quality. The great thing about the program is its flexibility—it allows providers to adjust care based on what each community needs.

During this time, providers will get plenty of support, including funding and resources to help them make these changes. There’s also a strong focus on hiring more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the aged care sector, ensuring that care stays culturally appropriate and connected to the community.

This transition is a chance to improve aged care services for First Nations communities, making sure that while standards rise, the cultural integrity of care is maintained.

For more details on the Aged Care Reform Roadmap visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website