Aged-care provider comparison checklist

Choosing aged-care support can take time, especially when you are comparing help at home, respite or residential care. Start with the person’s priorities, then confirm services, availability, quality information and the full costs directly with each provider. A directory profile is a starting point, not a recommendation or confirmation of current availability.

1. Match the service to the person

• What type of support is needed: help at home, personal care, transport, meals, nursing, respite or residential care?
• Which tasks can the provider deliver, and which are outside its service?
• Can support happen at the preferred times and in the right location?
• Can the provider support language, culture, privacy, religious, dietary and accessibility preferences?
• Who will provide the service, and how will the provider handle worker changes or missed visits?
• Is there a waitlist, and what is the likely start date?

2. Confirm approvals, services and availability

Ask whether the service matches the person’s current assessment or approval, what steps remain before care can start, and whether the provider has capacity. If you are unsure what has been approved, check with My Aged Care or the relevant assessor before making a decision.

3. Ask for all costs in writing

• What will the person pay for each service, and how often will they be charged?
• Are there travel, cancellation, minimum booking or other fees?
• For home support, which services are included and what happens if needs change?
• For residential care, ask for the room price, daily fees, any additional services and the payment options that may apply.
• What information or assessment is needed to confirm the person’s actual contribution?
• Can the provider give a written estimate before the person agrees to start?

A person’s costs can depend on the type of care, provider, services and individual financial circumstances. Use the official My Aged Care cost information and ask the provider to explain every charge in plain language.

4. Check quality and safety information

Ask how the provider manages safety, complaints, incidents, feedback, changes in care and communication with family or an authorised representative. For aged-care homes, review the government’s quality information and Star Ratings alongside your own conversations and visits where possible. A rating or public profile is only one part of your decision.

5. Understand the agreement and next steps

Before accepting a service, ask for the agreement and take time to read it. Check the services, schedule, costs, cancellation and change terms, contact person, complaint process and how the arrangement can end. Ask for help from someone you trust if any section is unclear. Confirm who is authorised to make decisions or receive updates on the person’s behalf.

Compare providers side by side

Useful questions to ask

Try: “Can you explain what support you can provide, who will deliver it, when it can start, and the total cost? What happens if our needs change or we have a concern?” Ask the provider to send the answers and fees in writing.

For a broader overview, use the official My Aged Care guide to finding and choosing a provider. You can also read our questions to ask a provider, Care4AU safety and verification information or make a free Care4AU support request.