How to switch your Home Care Package Provider

Are you unhappy with the provider of your Home Care Package? Is your Home Care Package funding being eaten up by excessive fees? Did you know that different care providers charge different fees? Did you know you can switch providers?

There are lots of questions to ask! Feeling bamboozled?

Thanks to government changes made in February 2017, you can now choose who delivers your Home Care Package. Yes, that’s right, you can choose who delivers your care and what the money is spent on. About time! And, if you’re not happy with the services you’re receiving you can change your Home Care provider.

At CareAbout, we have all the answers and can help you switch providers and get the most out of your Package.

Are you with the best provider?

It’s difficult to know if you’re getting the best care and value for money. Especially when you don’t have anything to compare it to. That’s where CareAbout can help – by explaining your options.

For example, one provider may take 35 percent of your Home Care Package in fees (since January 2023, Home Care fees are capped at 35%), whereas another may only take 20 percent in fees.

Obviously if you switch to the latter you will have more money to spend on extra services – how about having your garden done too!

Ready, Steady, Switch! Change your Home Care provider!

It can be scary making the leap to change your provider but it is important that you are receiving quality care at good value. CareAbout has put together some easy steps for you to follow, ensuring you are undertaking the correct process to change your Home Care provider.

Step 1: Find a new Home Care provider

Call CareAbout to get the most out of your Home Care Package funds – we’ll help you find the right option for you based on services, value and fees!

To switch Home Care providers, do not cancel your existing provider until you have found a new one. If you need help finding a new provider that best meets your needs and budget, speak to an Aged Care adviser at CareAbout. We can help work out your needs and discuss the fees and services that are right for your unique situation.

You have the power to switch providers if you are not happy with the one you have.

Step 2: Notify your current Home Care provider

Notify your current Home Care provider that you are switching home care provider and give them a date you wish services to cease. Most providers require you to give them at least 14 days’ notice (though some ask for 4 weeks, so make sure you check!) that you are changing care providers.

It’s best to notify them in writing, preferably by email.

Here is an example of what you could write (use it if you like):

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to advise you that I am changing care providers. I wish my final services to be delivered on [insert date]. My new services will be delivered by [insert provider] and any unspent funds need to be directed to them.

Regards,

[your name]

Make sure you get a response to your request.

Step 3: Notify My Aged Care

Notify My Aged Care that you are changing care providers and ask them to provide you with a referral code to give to your new provider. This is called a ‘reactivating home care services code’. You can do this over the phone by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or via your personal portal on the My Aged Care website.

Step 4: Relax

Congratulations! The hard work is done. Now it’s time to sit back and start receiving the care, services and attention you deserve.

Ensure you’re aware of the following before you make the switch!

  • Check whether or not your existing provider has special conditions.
  • Make sure that your existing provider knows the date that their service is to end, and the new provider knows the date on which they are to start. That way you will have continuous service.
  • If you cease your arrangement with your existing provider before finding a new provider, you have 56 calendar days to enter into a new Home Care Agreement with a new provider before your Package is withdrawn.
  • The start day for the new provider must be on or after the last day with the existing provider.
  • Changing providers could save $1000s in fees. So don’t hesitate to change if you find yourself in a high-fee arrangement. Remember, the lower your fees, the more money you have for your care.

How CareAbout can help you switch providers

If you want help to change your Home Care provider, contact CareAbout. CareAbout can help you locate and importantly choose the Home Care services that are right for you.

Find A Quality Provider