Compare home care package providers in Melbourne

Choosing home care package providers is about quality in home care that keeps you safe, comfortable, and connected in your own home. This guide explains how to compare home care package providers, what fees mean in practice, how to read the fine print, and where self-managed families can bring in a premium local care team (your team) for consistent support.

Home care packages in Victoria: how the program works

A Home Care Package (HCP) is government funding that helps older Australians stay at home with in-home care services matched to their needs. Funding is grouped by package level (Level 1 - Level 4), from basic help with everyday tasks to complex care that includes nursing care, wound care, continence management, and allied health.

Under each care package, you and your chosen home care provider agrees on a care plan outlining the range of services you’ll receive: personal care, domestic assistance, meal preparation, social support, transport, home maintenance, and more.

The aim is simple: help the person remain independent, live safely, and keep their well being front and centre.

Funding amounts and key fees at a glance

Each home care package level has a set annual subsidy. As at 30 June 2025, the government lists the indicative annual amounts by level and explains the fees you might be asked to pay. Some providers charge a basic daily fee (capped by the government), some don’t. There’s also an income-tested care fee for those who can afford to contribute, plus any agreed additional fees. Always read the details and ask providers to explain how they use home care package funds in plain English.

From November 1 2025 there will be changes to what is allowed under a Home Care Package, how fees are charged, how funds are allocated and what can be “saved up”.

The approval, wait list and timing reality

After applying, an assessment organisation generally contacts you within 2–6 weeks to arrange your aged care assessment (commonly called ACAT, or ACAS in Victoria). Timeframes vary by demand and priority.

Once approved, the national waiting list assigns packages by urgency. As of 30 June 2025, government guidance shows high-priority recipients typically receive a package within one month. Medium-priority recipients have an estimated 9 -12 months for Levels 1 - 4, with recent average waits around 7 - 10 months depending on priority. Plan ahead and start short-term support services while you wait.

Reforms continue. The Support at Home program is scheduled to start 1 November 2025, with strengthened aged care quality standards commencing on the same date under the new Aged Care Act. Expect updated fees and staged price caps under the new system.

How to compare providers: a practical checklist

What separates the best home care package providers isn’t marketing; it’s how much support actually reaches the person each week, how consistent the care team is, and how quickly you get answers.

Care management vs package management

Two line-items matter: care management and package management. These cover coordination, care planning, compliance, scheduling, and statements. Since January 2023, the government has capped these charges (up to 20% for care management and 15% for package management) to protect your home care package funds. Ask every provider to show their percentages, whether they offer a flat fee, and how many more hours of care services you’ll actually receive after fees.

From November 1 2025, it is proposed that these fees will be capped at 10%.

Continuity of carers and rostering

Families want a dedicated team, not a new face every shift. Ask providers:

• Will we have our own local care team (a small, experienced team who know our routines)?
• Can we lock regular days/times, and request the same person for personal care and household tasks?
• What happens if someone is sick? Do we get notice and a known backup?

Continuity is a hallmark of quality care because rapport grows; carers can feel like good friends who notice small changes early and keep family members informed.

Response times, updates and technology

Request clear KPIs: how fast the office replies, how missed visits are handled, and how health changes are escalated to a care manager or clinician. If you’re time-poor, ask for a communication rhythm that suits you, brief messages, regularsummaries, or video calls with the care manager. Real-time updateshelp you track services, progress toward goals, and any third-party services booked (for example, private physio).

Clinical capability and governance

If care involves intermediate care or complex care (e.g., medications, wound care, continence management, dementia support), check clinical governance:

• Who supervises nursing care and risk?
• What training is standard for the care team?
• Do they coordinate allied health (OT/physio/podiatry) as part of support services?
• How are incidents reported and reviewed under the aged care quality standards?

From 1 November 2025, the strengthened standards clarify expectations, including assessment, planning and safe care delivery at home.

Hourly rates, weekends and public holidays

Beyond management percentages, ask for weekday, evening, weekend and public holiday rates for in-home care. Higher admin fees can quietly reduce hours delivered. Transparent pricing makes it easier to see how many daily tasks and support hours you’ll actually receive.

Exit fees, switching and the fine print

You have the right to change providers. Today, exit fees are banned, so moving shouldn’t cost you. Confirm notice periods, how unspent home care package balances transfer, and how quickly care can restart.

What’s in the agreement (and what isn’t)

The Home Care Agreement is a legal document. It should list inclusions, hidden costs to watch for, processes for third-party services (sometimes called party services in statements), and any extra charges (e.g., equipment hire). Ask for monthly statements that clearly show where every dollar of home care package funds went.

Melbourne vs regional Victoria: coverage and wait time realities

In Melbourne’s inner-east (Toorak, South Yarra, Hawthorn), you’ll find a mix of large networks, boutique aged care services, and private-pay care providers like Acquaint. Regional Victoria can have fewer providers, which may limit same-day changes or short-notice shifts. If consistent people matter, shortlist providers who assign a local community team to your suburb and guarantee continuity.

Government wait times fluctuate across Victoria. Given the current 9 - 12 month estimate for medium-priority packages nationwide (with faster assignment for high priority), it pays to line up interim support services (e.g., private home care services or CHSP where eligible) so your loved one isn’t left waiting.

Self-managed vs provider-managed: which suits your family?

Self-management gives you more say in who delivers your in-home care services day-to-day. You still need an approved provider to host the funds and ensure compliance, but you can request third-party services and even bring your own staff if your provider allows it under your care plan and the aged care quality standards. Families choose self-managed models to secure a known, dedicated team, reduce hidden fees, and direct funds to support services that matter most.

Where does Acquaint fit if you self-manage

We’re not a home care package provider, yet we support self-managed clients who want our staff for personalised care in their own home. That means:

• A stable local care team selected for skill, fit and continuity
• A single point of contact (care manager) to keep you updated (including video calls if you prefer)
• Clear pricing, flat fee rates, and no hidden fees

If you need help aligning your care plan with your individual needs and goals, we work with your provider and clinicians (allied health, nursing care) to ensure quality in-home care from day one.

Standards, safety and peace of mind

The aged care quality standards define what good care looks like. They set expectations for dignity, choice, safe practice, clinical oversight and communication. The “strengthened” standards take effect on 1 November 2025 with the new Act, so ask providers how they are adjusting policies, training and auditing, especially for complex care, medications, infection control and incident reporting.

Step-by-step: how to choose the best provider for your family

Use this quick approach to stay in control and save time.

Step 1: Get assessed and plan interim support

Apply for an assessment online or by phone. Expect contact in 2 - 6 weeks to arrange your aged care assessment. If a home care package will take time to arrive, consider short-term private home care services to bridge the gap.

Step 2: Shortlist providers that match your suburb and needs

Focus on home care package providers in your area. Confirm they can support your individual needs (e.g., falls risk, wound care, continence management, dementia) and offer continuity with a small local care team.

Step 3: Compare fees with a real-world roster

Ask each provider for a sample weekly roster that fits your budget (e.g., five mornings of personal care and domestic assistance, plus a weekly allied health session). Insist on line-by-line fees, hours delivered, and the total left in your home care package funds after care management and package management.

Step 4: Confirm onboarding and communication

You’re busy. Ask for a plan that includes start date targets, carer matching, and a standing update schedule (texts, emails or video calls). Ensure your care manager monitors goals in the care plan and keeps family members informed.

Step 5: Check the agreement and switching policy

The Home Care Agreement is a legal document; read it. Confirm there are no hidden fees, hidden costs, or exit fees (they’re banned). Make sure it spells out how third-party services are approved and paid, so you can bring in your preferred people (including our staff) without surprises.

Premium support for self-managed families in Melbourne

This is where Acquaint comes in. If you choose to self-manage through our preferred provider, you can direct your home care package toward the carers you trust. We’re not a home care package provider; we supply a stable, dedicated team who know your routines, keep you informed, and deliver high-quality care without hidden fees.

What you can expect

• A small, local care team matched for skill and personality—people who feel like good friends and respect your own home
• Reliable help with everyday tasks, personal care, domestic assistance, and meal preparation
• A single care manager, regular updates, and optional video calls for full peace of mind
• Clear pricing with a flat fee, no hidden costs, and coordination with our provider to keep your care package compliant

Need hands-on help now?

Chat with our friendly team today on 03 9267 9090. Your parents deserve quality in-home care. Let’s deliver consistent support, clear updates, and the premium service you expect, starting this week.

Home care package FAQs

What’s the difference between care management and package management?

Care management funds coordination and clinical oversight are tied to your care plan. Package management covers admin and reporting. Caps apply (20% and 15% respectively), so most of your government funding goes to frontline services.

Are exit fees still a thing?

No. Providers cannot charge exit fees. Switching should be straightforward

How long will we wait in Melbourne?

It depends on priority. Current government estimates show high-priority recipients often receive a package within one month, while medium-priority recipients see 9 - 12 months. Start lining up interim support services early.

Is the basic daily fee mandatory?

A basic daily fee exists in the rules, but not all providers charge it. Confirm whether it applies to you and how it affects weekly hours.

What changes on 1 November 2025?

Australia plans to roll in Support at Home and the strengthened aged care quality standards on 1 November 2025. Fees and price caps will evolve under the new framework; your provider should brief you.

_{Last updated: September 2025}

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