Your care, your way: understanding self-managed Home Care Packages

Embracing the autonomy of home care

SPONSORED — Over the past decade, the aged care landscape in Australia has quietly but steadily been changing. What used to be a system built largely on pre-set models and top-down decisions is now shifting into one that prioritises personal choice. For many older Australians, that change is not just welcome — it’s essential.

People increasingly desire care solutions that align with their lifestyle rather than having their lives conform to standard care models. The people want control over their support system including the selection of supporters and the timing of support and financial usage. Self-managed Home Care Packages stand out as the key solution for this situation. These packages establish a forward-thinking approach that allows people to direct their own care decisions.

The self-management approach works well as a beneficial alternative for seniors who seek better control, reduced bureaucracy and stronger relationships with their support network. Self-managed Home Care Packages provide more than independence because they also bring dignity, flexibility and improved quality of life.

What is a self-managed Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package represents government funding that enables older Australians to stay at home instead of moving into residential aged care facilities. The received funding enables people to access different services such as personal care, transport, cleaning, social support and nursing care based on their individual needs.

Traditional management of these packages rests solely with aged care providers. The provider exercises full control over service organisation, worker selection, budget management and all required compliance processes. Under this model, the person receiving care maintains minimal control over both delivery personnel and service arrangement decisions.

A self-managed Home Care Package, on the other hand, turns this model around. A person who receives care, their family member or representative takes full control over managing their support according to their preferences. The funds must be handled by a government-approved provider, yet the individual recipient makes all daily decisions regarding the care. They choose the workers and they schedule the visits. The person receiving care has complete authority to determine both the delivery schedule and the attitude of support workers who visit their home.

Self-management within the aged care system does not require individuals to operate independently. Self-management functions under the established regulations of aged care policy. The system provides extended flexibility for people to create support arrangements that align with their personal lifestyle choices.

How does self-management work?

If the idea of managing your own support sounds appealing but overwhelming, don’t worry — the process isn’t as daunting as it may seem. It simply takes some planning, a bit of time and a clear understanding of your needs.

Step one: assessment and package allocation

Everything begins with an aged care assessment through the ACAT/ACAS (Aged Care Assessment Team/Aged Care Assessment Service). Once the assessment is done and eligibility is confirmed, you’re assigned a Home Care Package — Level 1 – 4 — based on the complexity of your care needs.

Step two: choosing an approved provider

Even if you’re going to self-manage, you still need to appoint a government-approved provider. Their role is to:

• hold and administer the funds securely;
• ensure government guidelines are followed;
• assist with reporting and compliance; and
• provide support as needed, based on your agreement.

Importantly, you do not need to use their in-house carers or services. You’re free to find and hire your own support team, even if they’re not part of a traditional aged care workforce.

Step three: hiring and managing care workers

One of the main appeals of self-management is the freedom to hire your own care team. This could be:

• support workers from a local network;
• someone recommended by friends or family;
• freelancers through online care platforms; or
• in some cases, even people you already know and trust.

You decide who walks through your front door — and that makes all the difference.

You’ll be responsible for:

• contacting, interviewing and selecting workers;
• organising their schedule; and
• ensuring tasks are completed as agreed.

Some people create rosters using a spreadsheet or app. Others keep things simple with regular calls or texts. What matters is that the system works for you.

Step four: budgeting and financial oversight

Your provider will issue monthly budget statements, but you’ll be the one steering the ship. That means:

• keeping track of what services cost;
• making sure you’re staying within the allocated funds;
• deciding when and where to use your budget — and on what.

Many people find that cutting out provider overheads and packaged fees gives them more room to spend on actual support — not administration.

Step five: staying compliant with government guidelines

While the system is flexible, it’s still governed by the same aged care rules as provider-managed packages. That means:

• funds must only be spent on approved services;
• you can’t use funds for rent, groceries, holidays or cash payments;
• care records need to be maintained; and
• you’ll need to keep communication open with your provider.

It might sound like a lot, but with the right provider and a clear agreement, most people settle into a smooth routine quickly.

Benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package

Self-managing isn’t just about cost or control — it’s about how you want to experience your life as you age.

More flexibility and control

Do you want support on a Sunday? Do you prefer your care worker to stay a bit longer one day and skip the next? Do you need someone who speaks your language or shares your background?

Self-management makes all of this possible. There’s no waiting on hold with a company to make changes; you just do what works.

Personalised support

Because you hire your own team, you’re not limited to whoever’s on a provider’s roster. You can choose people who fit your personality, understand your routines and adapt to how you like things done.

This means less explaining, fewer awkward moments and more comfort in your own home.

Potential cost savings

Many provider-managed packages eat up 20–35 percent of your funding in fees. With self-management, you cut those costs significantly — which means more of your budget goes directly toward actual care.

Some people use the extra funds for more frequent visits, whereas others put it towards specialised services like physiotherapy or home modifications.

Feeling heard and involved

There’s something empowering about choosing your own care team, setting your schedule and watching your plan come to life. It brings back a sense of independence that can sometimes feel lost in traditional models of aged care.

Challenges and considerations

Self-managing a Home Care Package can be incredibly rewarding — but it’s not without its hurdles. The freedom it brings often comes with extra responsibility and it’s important to walk into the process with your eyes open.

Let’s take a look at a few common challenges that people face, along with some practical ways to work through them.

Managing the admin and time commitment

One of the first things people notice is that self-management involves paperwork and coordination. You’ll need to:

• organise support schedules;

• approve invoices;

• keep a record of services;

• check monthly budget statements; and

• communicate directly with care workers.

While it may sound like a lot, many people find that once their system is set up, it becomes part of the weekly rhythm — much like paying bills or managing a calendar.

Use simple tools like spreadsheets, online templates or even mobile apps designed for aged care support. You should ask your provider what admin support they can offer as many now provide light-touch systems tailored for self-managed clients.

Navigating compliance and government guidelines

Even in a self-managed setup, you still need to follow the same rules that apply to provider-managed packages. That means:

• you can only use funds for approved services;

• you must ensure that care workers have the right checks and insurance; and

• your spending needs to be documented in case of a future audit.

You should choose an experienced approved provider who understands self-management. A good provider will not only hold the funds but also keep you on track with clear reporting and reminders.

Building and maintaining relationships

Hiring your own workers means you’re responsible for the professional dynamic. That includes:

• setting expectations early;

• handling disagreements;

• navigating cancellations or availability issues; and

• making decisions if a worker isn’t a good fit.

This level of involvement can be a tremendous benefit for people who enjoy building a team around their values — but it can also feel a little daunting at first.

You should use a simple agreement that outlines key responsibilities (many care platforms or providers offer templates). Having things in writing avoids confusion later and sets the tone from day one.

Is self-management right for you?

Some people prefer to stay hands-off from their business operations which is an acceptable choice. The approach does not require personal involvement in all tasks. Your decision should focus on determining what level of involvement feels comfortable to you.

Several assessment questions follow to determine if this path would work for your lifestyle and personal preferences:

Are you comfortable with a bit of admin?

Being organised stands as your only requirement even though formal business education or computer skills aren’t necessary. People who prefer to manage their schedules, budgets and plans will probably find self-management an intuitive process.

You can combine the benefits of provider-managed care with self-selection through partial self-management which lets you choose workers and schedules while your provider handles certain tasks.

Do you have a support network?

The process of self-managing care becomes much easier with someone who can serve as a support system to provide feedback and assist with administrative tasks. The involvement of someone to assist with worker selection or interview attendance provides you with needed relief from the pressure.

Providers who serve self-managing clients should offer at least occasional check-ins and administrative support even when you handle everything independently.

How much say do you want over your support?

People who want complete control over their decisions find self-management an empowering choice.

A traditional managed model provides users with automatic background operations through its ready-made system while giving them peace of mind regarding system maintenance.

Each person needs a different level of involvement and the right choice depends on how you want to handle your daily routine.

Steps to transition to a self-managed package

If you’re currently with a provider-managed package and are curious about switching to a self-managed model, the process doesn’t have to be complicated.

Speak with your current provider

Start by having an open conversation; let them know you’re considering moving to a self-managed setup. Ask them about any exit terms, notice periods or outstanding fees.

If you’re already with a provider that supports self-management, you may not need to leave — you can simply change the structure of your agreement.

Understand your existing contract

Make sure you review any signed agreements or terms of service. Look for clauses around termination, account closure or final payments. If anything’s unclear, ask for a written explanation or speak to a family member or support coordinator who can help interpret it.

Choose a self-management friendly provider

Once you’re ready to make the shift, select a new provider, if needed, that offers low fees, transparent systems and admin support designed for people managing their own care.

This provider will hold the funds and report to the government on your behalf — but their role should be supportive, not restrictive.

Set up your systems

You should decide how you want to manage your care.

• Will you use a spreadsheet, app or physical diary?

• Will a family member help manage scheduling?

• Do you want to use a platform to find care workers?

The earlier you’re able to answer these questions, the smoother your transition will be.

Build your support team

Take your time to talk to people and ask for references. Trial a few support workers before locking in a schedule. The right match makes all the difference — and it’s worth getting it right from the start.

Empowering your care journey

There’s something powerful about shaping your own care — choosing who walks into your home, setting your own schedule and building a routine that matches your life, not someone else’s system.

Self-managing a Home Care Package isn’t just about flexibility or saving money — it’s about having the confidence to direct your care in a way that feels personal and respectful. It’s about restoring agency at a stage in life when too many decisions are taken out of people’s hands.

At Support Network, we believe that the best care is built around you. That’s why we champion the benefits of self-managed Home Care Packages — from greater freedom and choice to stronger connections with the people who support you each day.