What to ask before you switch

A comprehensive checklist for switching care providers

We’ve been helping our valued clients navigate the complexity of the disability and home care ecosystem in Australia for over 20 years.
Let us help you ask the right questions.

Switch Guides

How do you know it's time to switch?

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Your rights as a care recipient

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Comparing Care: what to look for when making a change.

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A great home care provider isn’t just about showing up

They need to excel in communication, reliability, and quality of care.

CareScore helps you assess whether your provider is truly delivering the support you or your loved one deserves. Simply input key details about their responsiveness, professionalism, consistency, and overall care quality.

Our tool then evaluates their performance, giving you a clear score and insights to help you make informed decisions.

Whether you’re wondering if your current provider is the best fit or looking for areas of improvement, CareScore makes it easy to ensure you’re receiving the best possible care.

Frequently Asked Questions by Switchers

Yes, you can. If you’re receiving care through Support at Home and feel like your current provider isn’t the right fit, you’re allowed to change.

Some people switch because their needs have changed, or because communication isn’t working as well as it should. Whatever the reason, it’s your right to choose a provider that supports you in the way that works best for you.

In most cases, no. Your eligibility for government-funded Support at Home services is based on your assessed needs, not the provider you choose. This means you can generally change providers without losing your approved support.

When switching, it’s important to review the notice period in your current service agreement and plan the transition carefully to help avoid any interruption to your care.

Your new provider can often assist with the changeover process, including coordinating start dates and service continuity.

Everyone’s needs are different, but there are a few things you might want to consider. Look for clear communication, reliable scheduling, and services that match your goals. Some people prefer a small, local team while others want access to specialised health support. It’s okay to ask questions—your provider should make you feel informed, respected, and in control of your care.

Switching usually starts with a conversation. First, speak to your current provider and let them know you’re planning to leave.

Then, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask for a new referral code. Once you’ve chosen a new provider, give them your referral code—they’ll guide you through the rest. The process might take a week or two, depending on notice periods and availability.

No. A provider cannot charge an exit fee to move to another provider.  You may need to give notice, and you will need to agree on an end date with your provider. When it comes to unutilized funds, including the government’s contribution, these must be returned to you.

It’s completely normal for your care needs to evolve. If you feel your current supports aren’t enough—or are no longer quite right—you can request a review of your Support at Home funding through My Aged Care. Your provider should also be regularly checking in with you and updating your care plan as things change. Whether it’s a small adjustment or a larger shift in the type of care you need, the system is designed to be flexible. You deserve care that keeps pace with your life.

If you have more questions, please give us a call

Switch Story: Glenda Russell

A Better Experience from the First Call

After months of frustration with her previous home care provider, Glenda Russell knew something had to change. The support felt inconsistent.
She was often assigned unfamiliar workers who needed detailed instruction for even basic tasks.

“They just didn’t seem to have a clue what was going on,” Glenda recalled.

A Clear Upgrade in Quality and Care

“Now my support worker is amazing—she just gets on with it.”

When asked how happy she is with the decision, Glenda doesn’t hesitate: “100%”

If I didn’t understand something, he’d slow down and explain. I felt listened to.