What to consider

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Each aged care provider delivers their services differently and charges different costs. So it’s important to look around and compare providers before deciding who to get your services from.   

There are three main things you should consider:

 

Older couple laughing

Finding providers that meet your needs 

Location, service offering, fit and availability are the first things to research when you are looking for an aged care provider. You can use the Find a provider tool on this website to find aged care providers in your area that meet your needs.  

If you’d like to read specific advice for the type of care you are interested in, you can visit one of the following pages:

Visit the Find a provider tool to begin searching for providers.

Non government-funded providers 

There may be situations where you need or prefer to use a provider that isn't funded by the Australian Government. For example, while you’re waiting for government-funded services to be available. Read more about your options on the non government-funded providers page.

Making sure they offer good quality care

Knowing that you will receive good quality care is an important consideration when choosing an aged care provider. But what should you expect from them? And how can you be sure an organisation will offer the best quality of care for you? The Quality section explains what good quality aged care looks like and how to find out if a provider is delivering quality care. 

Every provider listed on this site is regulated by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and needs to meet a strict set of regulations and quality standards. So, the Find a provider tool is a great place to start searching.  

If you are looking for a Home Care Package provider or aged care home, you will also see additional information on how they are performing. 

Read more on finding good quality care.

Finding out how much it’s going to cost

There are a few factors that determine how much you pay for your aged care: the type of care you’re approved for, the provider you choose, and what you can afford. 

All the providers listed in the Find a provider tool can provide you with government-subsidised care. This means the government will pay part or all of your costs, making it more affordable for you. Different providers have different charges, so it’s important to know what to look out for and how to negotiate costs.

There are different costs and fees for each type of care. Understanding these costs and how to work out your own costs can help you decide which provider is right for you.

Learn more about aged care costs.

What else do people ask at this step?

What is the wait time for services?

It depends on what services you need and where you are. Commonwealth Home Support Programme services depend on the availability of  providers in your area, while the wait time for approved Home Care Packages can be more than 12 months. Those with urgent needs are also prioritised to receive services.

For aged care homes, it depends mainly on the waitlist for a room at your preferred home. If you need emergency services, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and we can work with you to find more immediate options.

Read more

What will I need to set up my services?

There are three things your preferred provider will ask you for, so it’s worth having multiple copies of them to hand: 

  1. Referral code – this shows which service you have been recommended by the assessor.
  2. Pre-commencement letter – this shows how much you will pay towards the costs (for Home Care Packages and aged care homes only).
  3. Care plan – this shows all of the actions recommended by your assessor.

Find out more about setting up a new aged care service

See more FAQs

What you need to know

Search for the right aged care provider for you.

Find a provider

Learn how to work out your costs and how much you might have to pay. 

Understanding costs

Find out how to set up a new service once you’ve chosen your provider. 

Setting up a new service

The right service provider can be life-changing

See how finding the right provider changed Mrs Dou's life, and created a new lifelong friend and companion in carer Joanna.

MRS DOU: I came from Shanghai, China. Since I have arrived in Australia, I am very happy.

JOANNA: I've been looking after Mrs Dou for over three years. My service to them is weekly and every time, I will stay with her for 2 hours.

MRS DOU: I am grateful to Joanna, she has done a lot of things for me. She is very considerate.

JOANNA: She had a very bad fall and that time, she really don't have any confidence in walking. The hospital and I had to help her to walk. Today you can see, she walks very confidently, even without a walking frame.

MRS DOU: So I am happy and my health is better than before.

JOANNA: I will be really grateful I got the chance to look after her, because Mrs Dou is always very considerate and caring. Sometimes I think she is my carer. (Laughs)

Because they always make sure I have a lovely cup of hot coffee. The bonding with her, I would say, is very strong.

MRS DOU: Like her very much. Like she is my own family.

JOANNA: This service is very important to elderly people because they can stay at their own place and more independent and feeling comfortable and safe. The service is very good. It's helped me very, very much.

Need some help?

I have questions

If you need some help, the My Aged Care team can answer most of your questions over the phone. 

Call 1800 200 422

An advocate for my rights

Advocacy services ensure that the rights of anyone receiving or seeking aged care services are supported. They also make it easier to make decisions about care.

Read more about advocacy

Someone to talk on my behalf

A friend or a family member can speak on your behalf by becoming your representative.

Read more about representatives

Support for all  

Information and support is available to help people of all backgrounds, languages and situations to access the help they need. This includes LGBTI, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, and more.

Read more about accessible support