Getting assessed

Finding providers

Finding providers

Once you have been assessed and approved for Government funded aged care, either for services in your own home or a place in an aged care home, you can start the process of finding a provider that suits your needs.

Your letter from My Aged Care confirming you are ready to start accessing services will include a referral code linked to the type of service you are eligible to access. If you need the support of multiple services, you will be given multiple referral codes, one for each service.

The service provider or aged care home of your choice will need this referral code to access your information with My Aged Care and manage the referral. They’ll also be able to access the funding allocated to you.

Choosing which provider to trust with providing support is an important and personal decision – one that you want to think carefully about and shouldn’t rush.

You may want to start by writing down what you are looking for in a provider and what is important to you. Are low fees important to you or would you like a provider who can support your cultural needs? If accessing home care, do you want the same support worker to assist you each time and do you want to receive support on specific days or are you more flexible with time?

It’s a good idea to discuss your wishes and options with your family and support network, as they may be able to help you research, provide independent opinions on providers or share personal experiences.

It’s useful to create a shortlist of providers in your local area, which may help narrow down your search.

When considering a potential provider take your time to do some research: Look at the provider’s website, social media pages and online reviews Check out their credentials such as quality certifications and industry awards Do they have any past or present sanctions or notices of non-compliance?

You can ask them directly or check the Government’s non-compliance finder tool at myagedcare.gov.au/non-compliance-checker

You can use this Guide or the AgedCareGuide.com.au directory online to search for service providers in your area that meet your requirements.

If you aren’t comfortable finding or choosing a provider by yourself, then there are experts who can help you find a nursing home that suits your needs and preferences. A placement consultant has knowledge of local aged care facilities and can make the process of entering aged care smoother. Find a placement consultant on AgedCareGuide.com.au or call 1300 903 627 to access placement services.

Once you have chosen a provider, you will need to contact them to start the home care services you need or to be placed on their waiting list for a bed vacancy. During this conversation it is also essential to discuss fees and services with your new provider, so you know how much the support or aged care bed is going to cost.