Once you’ve chosen your preferred aged care provider, there are a few things you need to do to set up your services.
Your provider will offer you a service agreement before you start receiving services. Each type of care has a different type of agreement.
Setting up a service agreement
Your service agreement is a contract between you and your aged care provider. It sets out the terms and conditions of the services you will receive.
Depending on the type of care you’ve been approved for, your agreement with the provider varies. It's helpful to know what to consider before entering into an agreement.
What’s covered in a service agreement
There are different types of service agreements, depending on the program/type of care, but they all generally cover:
Developing a care plan
If you are setting up services through the Support at Home program or Commonwealth Home Support Program, you will also work with your provider to develop a care and services plan.
A care and services plan is separate from a service agreement. It outlines your care needs and how these needs will be met. It can include the services you’ll receive, your preferences when receiving them, and any extra considerations about your care.
Under the Support at Home program’s Restorative Care Pathway, this document is known as a goal plan. It outlines what you should achieve within your up to 16-week period of restorative care. You will also start making an exit plan to consider your next steps from the beginning. This plan reviews your goals, progress, and any extra supports you might need.
Finalising your agreement
It’s important that you understand what your service agreement contains before you agree to it.
When you’re happy with the terms, you can enter into an agreement with your provider. This is usually done by signing the agreement to declare that you understand and accept the terms.
If you cannot sign the agreement for physical or medical reasons, you can enter into the agreement verbally. Your provider will need to keep a record of the discussion and your agreement. You will then get a copy of the agreement. Your supporter can also get a copy of the agreement.
It’s in your best interests to agree to the arrangements that cover your rights and responsibilities as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, ask your provider ahead of time. It’s their job to make sure everything has been explained clearly to you. You can also ask family, friends, carers or a legal professional for help.
Do I need to get all my services from the same provider?
It depends on the type of care you were approved for.
If you require more than one service through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, you can use a different provider for each service.
If you’ve been approved for the Support at Home program, you will use one provider to deliver and coordinate your services.