Private care – its growing role in Australia’s changing aged care landscape

As Australia’s aged care system continues to evolve, more families are asking the same question: what are our options if we need support now? For many, the answer increasingly includes private care. Callum McMillan, Franchise Owner and General Manager of Relationships and New Business at Just Better Care Melbourne Mornington Group, says private care is no longer just an alternative – it is becoming a key part of how people access support when they need it.

The rise of Private Home Care

Across regions such as Melbourne Mornington, Melbourne Outer East, Melbourne Outer North East, and Hobart, McMillan and his team support a wide range of communities. In many cases, people living in different suburbs or even just streets apart can have very different financial situations but similar care needs.

What is changing, however, is how people respond when those needs arise.

Private Care is becoming more visible because:

• Wait times for government-subsidised services can simply be long
• Interim funding may not meet a person’s full care needs
• Families often need support immediately – not months down the track after they have grappled with understanding eligibility, applying for an assessment, waiting for their determination and then the funding for their Support at Home classification.

Rather than waiting, more seniors and families are choosing to start services privately. And either adjust later if funding becomes available, or keep both private and government support in place simultaneously.

What does Private Care actually offer?

For families new to aged care, private care can feel unfamiliar, but its appeal is straightforward.

One of the biggest advantages is speed – immediate support when it is needed

• Services can often begin within days
• There is no need to wait for funding approval
• It is ideal in urgent or unexpected situations

In one recent example, a client contacted the team on a Monday and needed services to commence that same week on Friday. This level of responsiveness is not possible through most government subsidised pathways, but it is with the private option.

Flexibility and choice

Private care puts decisions directly in the hands of the individual. This means people can:

• Choose the days and times that suit you
• Scale up or down services as needs change
• Access additional or new support services 

There are no restrictions on service categories or hourly caps within categories set by government-subsidised programs.

Clear and transparent pricing

Another key difference is simplicity. With private care:

• You know exactly what you are paying upfront
• There are no income-tested fees
• There are no unexpected co-contributions

For many families, this clarity has instantly removed uncertainty and helped with planning.

Greater privacy

Some people prefer private care because it does not require detailed financial disclosure.

Unlike government subsidised care, there is no need to share information about assets or income to determine eligibility or fees.

The knowledge gap and awareness around home care options

According to McMillan, one of the biggest challenges is awareness.

Many people do not explore aged care options until something changes suddenly, often during a crisis.

When they do seek help, people are often:

• Unsure what funding they are eligible for
• Confused by changes to programs like the former Home Care Packages, which is now Support at Home
• Generally, people are unaware that private and government-subsidised care can be provided separately or delivered simultaneously.

That is why early conversations should be focused on education and explaining options clearly without overwhelming inquirers. Speaking with seniors and family members, providers should also be supportive by offering resources people can read in their own time and at their own pace.

Can Private Care work alongside government funding?

Yes and this is where private care is becoming especially valuable. Rather than replacing government-subsidised care, it often works alongside it.

• A person may start with private care while waiting for government funding, such as Support at Home.
• Once funding begins, services can be adjusted or replaced with services delivered under the government-subsidised program if they meet their care needs.
• This approach ensures continuity and avoids gaps in care.

It’s reassuring for families to know that private care is available as a top-up option if additional support is needed down the track.

What should families look for in a provider?

Not all providers offer the same level of flexibility or continuity. 

If you are considering private care, it is worth asking:

• Can I speak directly with someone experienced early on?
• Do they have local knowledge of my area?
• Do they have a location near me where I can walk in and meet with them to ask questions about my support?
• Are prices clear and easy to understand?
• Can they support me if my funding situation changes?

One important consideration is whether a provider can deliver both private and government-subsidised care. Some boutique providers only offer private services, which can limit options later.

Providers like Just Better Care can support clients across multiple funding streams, helping maintain consistency in care and familiarity with care teams in the home.

Is private care more transactional?

There can be a perception that private care is simply paying for hours of service. In practice, this depends on how the relationship is set up from the outset.

With the right provider:

• Expectations are clearly defined from the beginning.
• Support workers operate within appropriate professional boundaries and the scope of practice.
• The focus remains on person-centred, high-quality care.

Importantly, quality standards remain consistent regardless of how services are funded.

What does the future of aged care at home look like?

As aged care reforms continue, Private Care will undoubtedly play a larger role.

More families are:

• Asking about private options earlier
• Combining private and funded services
• Seeking faster, more flexible support

Private care is becoming part of integral mainstream care planning rather than a last resort.

Supporting independence and choice

At its core, private care is about giving people more control over how and when they receive support.

Whether it is bridging a gap, increasing flexibility, or starting services quickly, private care offers a practical option for maintaining vital and deserved independence at home.

Learn more about Just Better Care.

Just Better Care is Australia’s largest franchised provider of in-home aged care and disability support, including flexible private care options tailored to each individual’s needs. 

Visit justbettercare.com to learn more or explore private services at justbettercareprivate.com.