Changing Providers

Changing your Home Care Package provider, or 'switching', needn't be a daunting task. There may be a number of reasons people switch their provider. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Moving out of the area
• High Care and Package Management fees
• High hourly rates
• The provider is unable to deliver services
• Dissatisfaction with the provider 

To switch providers, it is important to feel confident changing providers will resolve the issue you face. Let's say for instance that your current provider has high Care and Package Management fees. You'll want to ask any provider you enquire with what theirs are, to ensure you don't face the same issue. Providers are required to publish their fees on My Aged Care's website, and you can compare a number of providers on the Service Finder tool. 

You will need to provide notice to your current provider once you have identified your new provider. Your Home Care Agreement will detail the notice period required. Some providers request 7 days, some as much as 30, so it is important to check. If you have exceptional circumstances (eg: if you moved out of the area suddenly) or if the provider is unable to deliver services, you should ask your provider to reduce the notice period and agree on a cessation date. 

Call My Aged Care's Contact Centre on 1800 200 422. 

They are open:

• Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm 
• Saturdays: 10am to 2pm

Advise them you are changing providers and ask for your referral code to be reactivated. Ask for your referral code and note this down. If you have retained your original letter from My Aged Care when your Home Care Package was assigned, the referral code will be on that letter as it doesn't change. 

Provide this referral code to your new provider, ensuring you have a signed Home Care Agreement for your agreed start date. 

See My Aged Care's helpful document below if you are considering changing providers. 

If you would like to speak with one of Crisden Care's team about switching providers, please call us on 1800 274 733 today.