Changing Provider
Home care could empower you to live your life, your way. If you’re not happy with your current Support at Home provider, you’re welcome to switch. This can be done in a few simple steps, and the choice is always yours.
Home care could enhance your health and wellbeing, helping you to keep living comfortably and independently at home.
It’s important that you feel happy with your provider, confident that they can offer the services you need, and reassured by the quality of care you receive.
If you’re not feeling settled with your current provider, you have the right and the choice to change at any time. There are no exit fees involved.
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 where there are communication issues or inconsistent caregivers
- Needing additional services or support for more complex needs
- Moving to a different area
Changing providers might feel like a big step, but the process is simple, and a provider like Dovida can help make the transition feel smooth and supported.
Your Life, Your Way
Your comfort, independence and happiness matter. You’re welcome to feel empowered to live life your own 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 liaising with your current provider and supporting the transfer of any unspent funds.
No Exit Fees
Providers can’t charge exit fees, and you won’t be charged for starting services with a new home care provider. You have the right to choose and change your service provider whenever it feels right for you.
There’s no fixed notice period required under Support at Home. Instead, you and your current provider will agree together on a cessation date that works for you, so your care can continue without disruption.
Switching Providers is Easy!
| 1. Find the right provider | providerIt could help to know why you’d like to leave your existing provider, so you can find one that suits your needs and preferences. Take your time researching different providers to find the right fit for you. My Aged Care can help with this. Check that your new provider has the capacity and availability to deliver your chosen services. |
| 2. Agree an exit date with your current provider | Let your current provider know you’d like to move on, and agree together on a cessation date. There’s no mandatory notice period, so this can be arranged in a way that works for your care schedule. |
| 3. Connect with your new provider | Your new provider will work with you to create a care plan and quarterly budget, and will submit an entry notification through the Aged Care Provider Portal once you’ve entered into a service agreement together. |
| 4. Settle into your new care service agreement | Your approval for services and your budget will move with you to your new provider, so your support continues without a gap. |
You are now ready to receive care from your new provider!
Your Care, Your Way
Choosing a home care provider can feel like a big decision, and not all providers offer the same services. When considering a new provider, it could help to understand all of their fees and costs so you can compare confidently.
The level of care and range of services can vary from one provider to another, so it’s worth taking your time to research and speak with different providers to find the right match for you. Feeling comfortable and confident in the care you’ll receive is what matters most before you sign a new service agreement.
Questions you might consider when choosing a new provider:
- What are their costs and fees?
- What services do they provide, and could these support your current and future needs?
- What makes this provider unique?
- What training do they offer their caregivers? Are they police-checked?
- Do they match caregivers to your interests, hobbies and needs?
- Can they support you if your usual caregiver is unwell or on leave?
- Can the provider be contacted out of hours if needed?
- Do they offer private services to top-up any government-subsidised support?
Our handy Home Care Provider Checklist could help you compare providers, so you can feel confident you’re choosing the care that’s right for you.
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.
Do I need to give notice to my current provider?
There’s no set notice period under Support at Home. You and your current provider will agree together on a cessation date that suits your care needs, and your provider will continue supporting you right up until that date.
Will I have to pay exit fees or joining fees?
Providers can’t charge exit fees, and you won’t be charged for starting services with a new home care provider either.
How long do I have to find a new provider?
You have up to four consecutive quarters (around a year) from your last service to enter into an agreement with a new provider. If this timeframe passes, your funding may be reallocated, so it could help to reach out to My Aged Care if you need extra time or support.
How long do I have to find a new provider?
Under your Home Care Package Agreement, you have 56 days from your agreed end date with your current provider to enter an agreement with a new provider. If you don’t enter an agreement after 56 days, your package will be withdrawn.
You may be able to request a 28-day extension if you need more time to choose a new provider, simply call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request this extension.
I’m a little worried about hidden costs with a new provider.
Every provider is required to clearly outline their fees in your service agreement, along with a written care plan setting out your needs and how your quarterly budget will support them. This should include who’ll deliver your services and how often. Your provider can’t change your budget without letting you know first, and any extra costs should always be made clear before you agree to them. If anything feels unclear, you’re welcome to ask them to explain or amend it.
What happens to my unspent funds?
If you have any unspent funds, your current provider will work out the portion that belongs to you and transfer this to your new provider within 70 days of your agreed exit date. Any Commonwealth portion of unspent funds is returned to Services Australia and remains available to support your care.
Will my Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) supports carry over?<br>
Yes. Your outgoing provider will liaise with your new provider to help ensure continuity of any assistive technology, home modifications, or related supports already in place.
Contact Us
Change to Dovida
Client_Enquiry-form (Live-in Care Forms)
