How to compare home care providers in Australia

Why your choice of provider matters under Support at Home

The Support at Home program, the Australian Government’s approach to funding home care, began on 1 November 2025. Under this program, you choose your own registered provider and use your approved funding to pay for services.

You can compare providers before you start, and change providers later if the fit isn’t right. That flexibility is why your choice is worth taking time over.

If you’re helping a parent or family member with this decision, our Support at Home: frequently asked questions page covers eligibility, funding levels and how services are delivered.

Five things to compare when choosing a home care provider

There are five things to compare when choosing a home care provider. Look at each one before you sign a service agreement.

1. The services they offer: Not every provider offers every service. Some focus only on personal care, such as showering, and dressing. Others also provide transport, allied health, social support and meals. Check the full list of services you need before you compare providers. Our Support at Home: services you can access page lists what’s typically available.
2. Fees and what your funding covers: Support at Home funding covers many services, but most clients still pay some out-of-pocket contribution. How much depends on an income and assets test, similar to the one used for the Age Pension. Clinical services, such as nursing and physiotherapy, have no out-of-pocket cost. From 1 October 2026, Personal Care will also be fully government-funded (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2026). Before you sign anything, ask each provider for a written schedule of fees.
3. Care continuity: Seeing the same care worker regularly builds trust and makes each visit feel familiar. This matters even more for people living with dementia or anxiety, who often find new faces unsettling. Ask each provider how they handle staffing changes, what happens if your regular worker is sick, and whether the same person visits each time. 
4. Local knowledge and community connection: A provider based in your local area often understands community programs, transport options and social groups you won’t find in a national directory. That local knowledge can be just as valuable as clinical care. Being local to the community also matters if something goes wrong. You can visit their office in person or call a local number. Holdsworth, for example, has worked in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for decades and connects clients to local social activities alongside their care. When you compare providers, ask how easy it is to reach them and what community connections they offer beyond your care plan.
5. How they help you navigate My Aged Care: Before you can access Support at Home, you need an assessment through My Aged Care. An aged care assessor visits you at home, under the Single Assessment System, to understand your needs and approve a support plan. A good provider can help you prepare for this assessment and explain what to expect. Our tips for contacting My Aged Care and your assessment page covers what to say and what documents to have ready.

Questions to ask a provider before you sign up

A short conversation with each provider tells you a lot. Use these questions, when you speak with them.

• Do you have care workers available in my area?
• Can I meet my Care Partner before services start?
• What happens if my regular worker is sick or on leave?
• Which services do you offer, and which ones cost extra?
• Can I have a written schedule of fees before I sign anything?
• How do you handle feedback or complaints from clients?

Once you have those answers, ask a couple more questions about flexibility:

• What local activities or community programs can you connect me to?
• How much notice do you need if I want to change or cancel a service?

What if you’re not happy with your current provider?

Under Support at Home, you have the right to change providers if the service isn’t working for you. You won’t lose your funding by switching.

This right sits within a broader shift towards rights-based aged care. Our article on a new rights-based Aged Care Act: what it means for you explains what these changes mean for your choices. For quality concerns, you can also contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

How to get started

Start by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to check your eligibility and arrange an assessment. Once you’re approved, search the provider finder at myagedcare.gov.au to see registered providers in your area.

Shortlist two or three providers, then ask them the questions above. Our guides on understanding Support at Home classifications and the complete guide to Support at Home levels explain your funding level before you compare.

Comparing providers carefully takes a little time, but it leads to better, more consistent care. It also gives you more confidence that the system is working for you. Not sure where to start? Holdsworth offers a free aged care consultation to help you understand your options and find the right support. Fill in the form Free Aged Care Consultation or call us on 1300 882 962.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my aged care provider after I’ve already started receiving services?

Yes. You can change providers at any time under Support at Home.

Do I have to pay for home care services?

It depends on the service. From 1 October 2026, personal care under Support at Home is fully government-funded, with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible participants. Other services, such as domestic assistance, may involve a contribution based on your income.

How do I find registered home care providers in my area?

The easiest way is the provider finder tool at myagedcare.gov.au, which lists registered providers by location and service type. You can also call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for help finding providers near you.