How to Change Your Home Care Provider with Confidence?

Choosing the right home care provider plays a vital role in maintaining your independence, dignity, and quality of life. Yet, many Australians stay with a provider that no longer meets their needs, often due to concerns about costs, disruption in care, or the complexity of changing providers.

The good news? Switching your home care provider is completely free, supported by government policies, and much easier than you might think. Whether you’re unhappy with the service or simply curious about better options, this guide will walk you through the process and help you make a confident, informed choice.

1. When It Might Be Time for a Change?

If you or a loved one is currently receiving services under a Home Care Package (HCP) and feels things aren’t quite right, you’re not alone. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose to move on:

• Inconsistent or poor service quality: Missed visits, rushed care, or a lack of communication

• Limited personalisation: Your needs have changed, but the support hasn’t kept up

• Unclear or high fees: Management or package fees may be eating into your care hours

• Better providers available: You’ve heard of services offering more value, flexibility, or warmth
  

2. Is It Free to Change Providers?

Yes, switching home care providers comes at no cost to you. Australian Government regulations protect your right to choose and ensure your care package travels with you.

Here’s what that means:

• No exit fees: Providers are not allowed to charge you a leaving fee.

• Your funds follow you: Any unspent money in your Home Care Package is transferred to your new provider.

• No penalties or loss: You won’t lose access to services or care entitlements during the switch.
  

3. Step-by-Step: How to Switch Home Care Providers

Changing providers is simple when you follow these five key steps.

Step 1: Review Your Current Care

Start by assessing your current situation:

• What’s working and what isn’t?

• Are your needs being met?

• Is your care plan still relevant to your daily life?
  

If you find gaps or dissatisfaction, it’s a sign that a change could benefit your well-being. And if your care needs have grown, you may want to explore how to apply for a higher level HCP?

Step 2: Explore New Provider Options

Research is key. Take the time to find a provider that aligns with your needs, preferences, and expectations. The My Aged Care Home Care Provider Finder easily searches for approved providers in your area.

Look for providers who offer:

• Flexible and personalised care

• Transparent pricing

• Qualified, caring staff

• Strong communication and support

Step 3: Notify Your Current Provider

Once you’ve decided to switch, you’ll need to give written notice to your current provider. Most agreements require a 2 to 4 week notice period, which you can confirm in your service agreement.

In your notice, include:

• The date you intend to end services

• A request for a copy of your latest care plan

• A statement of your unspent package funds
  

Step 4: Reactivate Your Referral Code

To move your Home Care Package to a new provider, you’ll need to:

1. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422

2. Request that your referral code be reactivated

Your new provider will use this code to access your funding and begin your care plan.

Tip: Double-check your details with My Aged Care to ensure a smooth transition.

Step 5: Finalise Your New Care Arrangement

Now it’s time to work with your chosen provider to set up services. At My Companionship, we make this process seamless by:

• Assisting with all required paperwork

• Tailoring your care plan from day one

• Coordinating with your previous provider to avoid service gaps

• Providing nurse-led assessments to ensure the right level of care

Expect to receive a clear care agreement, a start date, and personalised onboarding support.

4.How My Companionship Supports a Smooth Transition?

We understand that changing providers can feel like a big step. That’s why we make it our mission to remove the hassle and help you feel supported from the very first conversation.

When you choose My Companionship, you get:

• Dedicated transition support: We guide you through every step

• No disruption to care: We align services to start seamlessly

• Clinically informed onboarding: Nurses help shape your care plan from the start

• Ongoing support: We don’t just onboard. We check in, listen, and adjust

Conclusion

Switching home care providers may feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. If your current provider no longer meets your expectations, you're well within your rights to explore better care, better value, and better support.

At My Companionship, we specialise in making transitions simple, stress-free, and completely personalised. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step, handling the paperwork, coordinating with your existing provider, and setting you up with a tailored care plan that puts your needs first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a fee to change home care providers? No. Government policy ensures there are no exit or entry fees when changing providers.

Q: What happens to my unspent Home Care Package funds? They are transferred in full to your new provider, so no funding is lost.

Q: How long does it take to switch providers? Typically, 2-4 weeks, depending on the notice period in your service agreement.

Q: Can I keep my existing carer when I switch? You may request to retain a familiar carer if they also work with your new provider, but this depends on staffing availability.