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Make the Switch for free.
Take control of your, or your loved ones’, Home Care Package (HCP) and switch to HomeMade . With self or part-management, you can build your own support team while getting more out of your funding.
To make your transition as seamless as possible, we’ve provided some essential information below and outlined the key steps involved in the switching process.
1. What to Know Before You Switch
Here are some bits and pieces to keep in mind when switching providers.
Switching providers is free
As of January 2023, Home Care Package Providers can not charge exit fees, giving you the freedom to find the Home Care Provider that works for you.
Build your own support team
HomeMade lets you choose your support workers and service providers. Plus – if you are currently self-managing, you can continue to use the same support team you know and trust.
You have 56 days to find a new provider
Once you notify My Aged Care that you are switching providers, you have 56 days to enter into a new agreement. If, during the 56 days, you realise you need more time, you can request a 28-day extension from My Aged Care.
Line up your finish date with your starting date
To avoid a gap in home care services, be sure to align your exit date from your old provider with your start date at HomeMade. Notice periods will differ between providers, so check your current Agreement for the required notice period.
2. Bringing Your Funding With You
Choose HomeMade and take control of your Home Care Package without losing your unspent funding.
When switching to HomeMade, unspent or accumulated funding, including any fees you have paid in advance, is transferred with you.
Notice of unspent funds at 56 days: Your provider has 56 days to calculate your unspent funds and notify you of the total in writing.
HomeMade receives the funds at 70 days: Your previous provider has 70 days to transfer your unspent funds to HomeMade and provide written notice at the time of payment. We will then confirm when this amount has been received.
3. How to Switch Providers
Whether your managing your own care, or helping a loved one, needs and wants can change and your current provider may no longer be the right fit. Switching providers can help you get what you need from your funding.
Before You Switch
Before switching, consider your Home Care Package needs and what you’re looking for in a provider.
People change providers for different reasons, including:
- Better value for money and maximizing their funding
- Changing care needs
- Moving to a different area
- Wanting to make the switch to self-managed care or part-managed care.
Research Home Care Package Providers
Each Home Care Package Provider offers different benefits, and knowing what each offers will help you find the best fit.
Regardless of where you are in the switching process, we’re here to help. Call us on 1300 655 688 to chat about how HomeMade may be the right fit for you.
Three Steps to Switching
Re-activate your referral code
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. They will reactivate your referral code and notify your current provider.
Confirm your move to Us
Call us on 1300 655 688 with your re-activated referral code, and we'll take you through the steps to switch.
Notify your current provider
Contact your current provider to let them know you are switching providers and confirm your exit date.
Additional Details to Remember
- Setting Your Start Date: Coordinate with us to establish your service start date with Homemade, ensuring it’s on or after your exit date from your previous provider.
- Transfer of Unspent Funds: Within 56 days of ending services with your previous provider, inform them that HomeMade is your new provider to ensure a smooth transfer of any unspent funds.
- Verify Fund Transfer: Confirm that any unspent funds have been successfully transferred to HomeMade within 70 days of your service end date.
Peace of Mind
Switching to HomeMade doesn’t mean you’re on your own. We’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools and confidence to manage your Home Care Package effectively.
Our team is dedicated to making your transition seamless, with minimal disruption to your services. If you have any questions during the switching process, we’re just a phone call away.
4. Get More From Your Funding
When you switch to HomeMade, you unlock a range of benefits that help you make the most of your Home Care Package:
- Maximise Your Funds: With lower fees, more of your funds go directly to your care needs, giving you better value for your money.
- Tailor Your Package: Customise your support plan to meet your specific needs. Whether you need more personal care, domestic assistance, or nursing services, HomeMade ensures your funds are perfectly allocated.
- Control Over Your Care: With HomeMade, you choose who comes into your home and how much you pay them. Select your own service providers and make sure they align with your preferences.
- Personalised Dashboard: Stay in control with a personalised dashboard that lets you monitor expenses, manage appointments, and stay informed about your care plan in real time.
6 Reasons to Choose HomeMade
A sole focus on Home Care Packages makes us experts in our field.
15% flat fee means more hours of support.
Easy-to-use platform lets you track your budget with ease.
100% compliance rating and safeguards give you peace of mind.
Choice over providers puts you in charge of your support.
Team of clinical nurses who provide ongoing support and recommendations.
4. FAQs
Below is re-cap of some of our most common questions when switching providers including links to additional resources.
What if Self-Management seems too time-consuming?
No worries! We offer Self-Management PLUS, which gives you all the benefits of self-management with extra help in setting up your supports and services. It’s the perfect bridge from a fully managed provider to self-management without the overwhelm.
You can view our different service options here.
Can I change providers at any time?
Absolutely! You can change providers whenever you like, whether you’re moving to a new location or just looking for a better fit. Just check your Home Care Agreement for any conditions, like notice periods.
How long do I have to change providers?
After agreeing on an end date with your current provider, you have 56 days to sign up with a new provider. If you need more time, just call My Aged Care and request a 28-day extension.
Will I need to pay an exit amount?
Since 2023, exit fees are no longer allowed, so you can switch providers as many times as you like without any additional costs.
What happens to any unspent or accumulated funds?
Your unspent funds will follow you to you HomeMade. To ensure this happens, notify your old provider within 56 days of ending services, and they’ll transfer your funds to HomeMade within 70 days.
What if I’m accumulating funds for a larger purchase?
If you’re accumulating funds for a larger purchase and are concerned about switching providers, rest assured that your funds are secure and will transfer with you. When you switch to HomeMade, any unspent or accumulated funds in your Home Care Package will follow you to your new provider.
Additional Resources
Please refer to My Aged Care for more information and resources on managing your home care package and how to change providers.
5. Learn More
Join over 3,000 happy customers and access over 2,000 active Service Providers from our network.
Our mission at HomeMade is to help you, or your loved one, get the most of your home care package so you can stay in your community and home longer.
We offer multiple levels of support from self-managed to part-managed. To find out more call a member of the team today on 1300 655 688.