Changing Provider
Home care should empower you to live your life, your way. If you’re not happy with your existing Home Care Package (HCP) provider, you can switch providers. This is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.
Home care should enhance your health and wellbeing, helping you to continue living comfortably and independently at home.
It is important that you are happy with your provider, they are able to offer the services you need and you feel confident in the care that you receive.
If you are unhappy with your current provider, you have the right and choice to change. You can easily switch, and won’t be charged exit fees.
Why do people change?
People change providers for a variety of reasons including:
- Wanting better value for money
- Hoping for a higher quality of service, especially if there are communication issues or inconsistent and unreliable carers
- Needing additional services or support for more complex needs
- Moving to a different area
Whilst it may be daunting to change providers, you have the right and choice to move. This process is simple and providers, such as Dovida can help you with this to ensure a smooth transition to the new provider.
Your Life, Your Way
Your comfort, independence and happiness matter. Feel empowered to live your life, your way with a home care provider that puts you at the centre of your care.
Dovida provides high-quality, person-centred care at home. We can help
you change providers, including giving notice to your current provider and
managing the transfer of your Home Care Package funds.
No Exit Fees
From January 2023, providers cannot charge exit fees and you cannot be charged for starting services with a new home care provider. Many providers may also say that you cannot change providers, but this is not true. You have the right to choose and change service provider.
Before you start considering moving providers, understand your notice period which should be outlined in your current Home Care Package Agreement. Most providers require 2 weeks’ notice to change provider but check this with your current provider.
Switching Providers is Easy!
| 1. Find the right provider | It’s important to know why you wish to leave your existing provider so that you can find a provider that meets your needs and preferences. Research different providers and ensure that you choose the right provider for you. My Aged Care can help with this. Confirm that the new provider has capacity and availability to provide your chosen services. |
| 2. Give notice to your current provider | Give notice to your current provider and confirm a final date of service. Many providers require two weeks’ notice to end services. Your provider should then produce a statement of any unspent funds which will be transferred to your new provider. |
| 3. Call My Aged Care (1800 200 422) | Call My Aged Care to inform them of your intention to switch provider and ask for your unique referral code. |
| 4. Sign a new service agreement | Pass this referral code on to your new provider and agree on a start date, ideally on the same date as your exit date from your existing provider to avoid disruption to your care schedule. You will need to sign a Home Care Package Agreement with your new provider before you commence services. |
You are now ready to receive care from your new provider!
Your Care, Your Way
It can be difficult choosing a home care provider and not all providers offer the same services. When considering a new provider, it is important that you understand all of their fees and costs so that you can directly compare one provider with another.
When considering a new provider, it is vital that you prioritise a high-quality service than can meet your needs. The level of care provided can vary immensely from one provider to another and the services provided can also be different. Take your time researching and speaking with different providers to choose the right provider for you and your individual needs. Ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in the care that they can provide before you sign a Home Care Agreement and commence services with them.
Questions to consider when choosing a new provider:
- What are their costs and fees?
- How many hours of care will I receive under my Home Care Package?
- What services do they provide? Are these services able to support your current and future needs?
- What makes this provider unique?
- What training do they provide for their carers? Are they police-checked?
- Do they match their carers to your interests, hobbies and needs?
- Do they have the capacity to support if your usual carer is unwell or on holiday?
- Can the provider be contacted out of hours if required?
- Do they offer private services to top-up any government-subsidised services?
Our handy Home Care Provider Checklist can help you ensure that you are accurately comparing one provider with another to ensure that you are choosing the best care tailored to your specific needs.
Why Choose Home Care
Why staying at home where you feel comfortable, familiar, and empowered to live independently is the best option for older people or people living with a disability who need additional care.
How much notice will I need to give my current provider?
Once I’ve given notice to my current provider, will they still provide care during my notice period?
Will I have to pay exit fees or joining fees?
How long do I have to find a new provider?
I’m concerned that my new provider may promise cheaper fees and more hours of care, but once I start with them, there will be hidden costs or it will end up more expensive.
What happens to my unspent funds? Will my current provider keep this?
I am entitled to a package supplement – will this be moved over?
Contact Us
Change to Dovida
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