With a Home Care Package, you choose the service provider that best meets your goals and needs.
The Find a provider tool can help you do this. Enter your location, select the package level you’re approved for, and view local providers in your area.
For help to find providers, talk to your assessor or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
What should I look for?
Every provider is different. There are a few things you should check to find the best one for you:
- Start by shortlisting service providers that meet your needs
- Meet with your shortlisted providers to make your selection.
How to shortlist the service providers that meet your needs
Use the My Aged Care Find a provider tool to see who can offer the care and support services that you need.
Find the right match
After you’ve searched for Home Care Package providers in your area, refine the results using the filters. This will help you find the best match for your needs.
Common services
All Home Care Package providers should be able to offer you the same types of common services. These include:
- personal care
- nursing
- cleaning and household tasks
- light gardening, and
- in-home respite.
After you’ve searched for Home Care Package providers in your area, refine the results by using the filters and find the best match for your needs.
Specialised services
Some service providers offer services for people with very specific needs. For example, some specialise in offering care and support for those with dementia. And others offer care for continence management and hearing or vision impairments.
Refine your Find a provider results to show the type of specialised service you need.
Diverse needs
If English isn’t your first language, or you’d like a faith based service provider or one that understands your culture, look for a provider that suits you by using the culture filters.
Check their quality record
All providers have to meet Aged Care Quality Standards. When they don’t meet these standards, they may receive a notice of non-compliance and/or sanctions. You can find these listed on their provider details page.
Compare the costs
Prices vary between providers, so to get the most out of your package funds, it’s worth comparing what’s on offer.
All home care providers must publish their full price list of all services and costs. The things you should look at include the cost of:
- services
- care management
- package management.
Costs will vary depending on your choice of provider and when the services are delivered.
- What's included in services
All providers deliver services differently and there may be differences in costs. Read their service descriptions and pricing information to understand what the differences are.
- Day and time
How much a provider charges for a service may change depending on when the service is provided. Typically costs will be higher at weekends and outside of 6am - 6pm Monday to Friday.
- Who provides the service
Costs may differ if the provider delivers the service themselves or subcontracts from another company.
- Care and package management costs
Both of these may be included in your package so it’s worth comparing the costs. Care Management makes sure you get the coordinated care you need. Package management covers the admin needed for the smooth delivery and management of your package.
View this information for each provider using the Find a provider tool.
See if they are available
Some providers may not be available when you need them. You can use the Find a provider tool to see if they are available, or call them directly.
Meeting with service providers
Once you have a shortlist of providers, it’s a good idea to meet them. Meeting with providers will help you understand what you would get if you chose them. You’ll be able to see what types of care, services, and activities they offer.
What to take with you
Take a copy of your Home Care Package approval letter and support plan. Your income assessment outcome (if you have it) will also be helpful in your discussion.
Write out any questions you plan to ask. This will help you make sure you cover everything you want to know. We have a list of questions to help get you started.
Who can come with you
There can be a lot of information to take in at your meeting with a provider, so taking a family member, friend or carer with you can be very helpful. You always have a right to support, so feel free to include someone close to you or ask for advocacy support.
Discuss how your family can be included in your decision making and how the provider will include your family member or carer in your care plan.
