What does “value for money” really mean in home aged care?

WHEN it comes to home aged care, families often ask the same question: “Am I getting value for money?”

It’s a fair concern. Caring for an ageing parent or loved one is emotionally and financially demanding. With so many providers offering different rates and promises, it can be hard to know what “value” really looks like.

With the new Support at Home program launching on November 1, understanding value has never been more important. Under the program, all providers will operate with a cap of 10 per cent on care management fees. That means the real differences between providers will come down to hourly rates, quality of staff, the strength of their governance systems — and most importantly, how well they understand and respond to what matters most to each client.

So, what should families look for?

Value for money in home aged care isn’t about finding the cheapest option. In fact, bargain-basement rates can often mean services that don’t fully align with your care needs, a provider that doesn’t invest in innovation and sustainability, or one that may not survive long-term under the new compliance requirements.

It’s also worth being cautious with self-managed care. There are online platforms where families can hire care staff directly, which may sound appealing at first, but in reality, you are limited to whoever is available. You take on the responsibility of checking compliance, arranging schedules, and dealing with cancellations. Families often discover that “choice and control” quickly turns into more stress and less flexibility.

By contrast, a reputable provider delivers value through:

A large pool of vetted, trained, and compliant caregivers.

Care teams led by registered nurses and strong clinical governance to oversee services.

True flexibility in scheduling and adapting services as your needs change.

Clear, transparent pricing backed by local accountability.

Partnerships with you and your family to ensure care supports living your life your way.

At Dovida Geelong, Giovanni and Giselle lead a team that’s proud to be local, ethical, and fully registered with the Department of Health and Aged Care.

With three offices across the region, they’re committed to supporting families with clarity, transparency, and person-centred care that delivers true value. Because when it comes to home aged care, value for money isn’t about being the cheapest. It’s about trust, quality, and knowing your loved one is in safe hands.

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