There may be situations where you need, or prefer, to use a provider that isn’t subsidised by the Australian Government.

This could be when you’ve had an assessment of your care needs through My Aged Care and:

  • are not found to be eligible for Australian Government-subsidised aged care services, or
  • are found to be eligible but are waiting for funded services to become available.

What is the difference between government-funded services and those that don’t receive government funding? 

Non government-funded services are not subsidised or regulated by the Australian Government. You will have to pay the full cost to access these services, whatever your care needs or financial situation.

Government-funded aged care services are regulated by the Australian Government, and the cost of these services is subsidised to make the help you need more affordable. To find out if you are eligible for these services, you will need an assessment.

What do non government-funded services include?

Services in your home

There is a range of private services available to help you in your home, if needed. These include gardening, cleaning, transport, and health and therapy services. These are generally not regulated by the Australian Government.

Aged care homes

Aged care homes that don't receive government funding are similar to government-funded aged care homes. They provide accommodation and care services, but they are not regulated or subsidised by the Australian Government. 

Retirement villages or independent living units

Retirement villages or independent living units are not aged care facilities. They offer a range of services for older people who need less care than offered by aged care homes. They are not regulated or subsidised by the Australian Government, but they are regulated by state and territory governments.

How can I find non government-funded aged care services?

The following external websites may help you to find services that don't receive government funding. Your assessor may also help you.

Additionally, if you have been approved for a Home Care Package, some providers will work with you to access care and services under your package using online platforms which enable you to search for and connect with individual workers in your area.

Please note: These links to external websites are provided to help you find more information. These websites do not necessarily reflect:

  • the views of the Department of Health and Aged Care or those of the Australian Government
  • our commitment to a particular course of action.

The department is careful in selecting the linked websites, but is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse the website or any information, products or services offered on the website. You need to make your own decisions about the accuracy, currency, and reliability of information on linked websites.

National Health Services Directory

The National Health Services Directory (NHSD) is a joint initiative of all Australian governments. It’s delivered by Healthdirect Australia. It provides information about health and related services. You can use it to search for health services such as podiatry or physiotherapy.

Find out more on the NHSD website.

Other service directory websites

Aged Care Guide

Aged Care Guide can be used to search for home care services and aged care homes.

Find out more on the Aged Care Guide website.

Aged Care Online

Aged Care Online can be used to search for home care services.

Find out more on the Aged Care Online website.

Senior Services Guide

Senior Services Guide can be used to search for home care and community services as well as other activities available in your area.

Find out more on the Senior Services Guide website.

Online platforms

Some approved Home Care Package providers allow you to access your care and services using online platforms. These websites enable you to search for and connect with individual workers in your area. You will need to discuss using these online platforms with your provider before using their services to ensure this is included in your Home Care Agreement.

Mable

Mable can be used to search and connect with individual home care and support workers in your area. 

Find out more on the Mable website.

Like Family

Like Family can be used to search and connect with individual workers in your area who can provide support such as companionship, grocery shopping and transport.

Find out more on the Like Family website.

Careseekers

Careseekers can be used to assist you to connect to care workers willing to provide in-home support.

Find out more on the Careseekers website.


Note: Aged Care Guide, Aged Care Online and Mable are commercial websites with sponsored content. Providers can pay to appear higher or first in search result rankings. Reviews on these websites may not represent the views of all users of the service and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government.

What else do people ask at this step?

My needs have changed, should I get reassessed?

Yes, it’s important that your care plan matches your needs.

Depending on the services and needs you have, your current provider may be able to do this for you. You can also call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request a reassessment.

Read more

Will I be eligible for government-funded aged care?

Eligibility is based on factors like your health, how you’re managing at home, and any support you currently receive. You may be eligible for aged care services if you have:

  • noticed a change in what you can do or remember
  • been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility
  • experienced a change in family care arrangements
  • experienced a recent fall or hospital admission,

and are:

  • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).

To know for sure if you are eligible, you will need to have an assessment.

Find out how to apply for an assessment
See more FAQs
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