Aged Care Placement Services in Australia
Andre Smith
Co-founder & CEO
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Key Points
- Aged care placement services help older Australians and their families find the right care provider, whether for home care, residential care, or respite.
- The Australian Government’s My Aged Care portal is the official starting point, but private placement services and connection platforms also exist.
- Some placement services are completely free to families because they are funded by providers or government programs.
- The Care Finder program provides face-to-face support for people who need extra help navigating the aged care system.
- Understanding the difference between free government services, private paid consultants, and free connection platforms helps you make the best choice.
- Carevo operates as a free connection platform to help you find the right aged care provider without any cost.
What Is a Placement Service?
An aged care placement service helps match older Australians with appropriate care providers and facilities. Rather than searching through hundreds of options on your own, a placement service narrows down the choices based on your specific needs, budget, location, and care requirements.
These services exist because the aged care system in Australia is complex. With thousands of providers offering different types of care across the country, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. A placement service acts as an intermediary, guiding you through the process from initial assessment through to settling into care.
Placement services can help with all types of aged care, including:
- Home care packages for support in your own home
- Residential aged care (nursing homes) for 24-hour care
- Respite care for temporary relief for carers
- Transition care after a hospital stay
- Retirement living and independent living arrangements
The core goal is the same regardless of care type: connecting the right person with the right provider at the right time.
Types of Placement Services
Not all placement services work the same way. Understanding the different models helps you choose the one that best fits your situation.
Government Services
The Australian Government operates My Aged Care as the central gateway to all government-funded aged care services. Through My Aged Care, you can:
- Learn about the types of aged care available
- Check your eligibility for government-funded services
- Apply for an assessment (ACAT or RAS)
- Search for approved aged care providers in your area
- Compare services using star ratings and quality indicators
My Aged Care is free to use and is the required first step for accessing any government-subsidised aged care. You can call them on 1800 200 422 or visit their website. Services Australia centres also have Aged Care Specialist Officers who can provide face-to-face assistance in over 70 locations across Australia.
Care Finder Program
The Care Finder program is a government-funded initiative introduced following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Care Finders provide free, face-to-face support to help people who need extra assistance navigating the aged care system.
This program is specifically designed for people who may struggle with the process on their own, including those who:
- Are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Live in rural or remote areas
- Have limited digital literacy
- Are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
- Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Have cognitive impairment or disability
Care Finders can help with everything from making the initial call to My Aged Care through to finding and connecting with a suitable provider.
Private Placement Services
Private aged care placement services operate independently of the government system. Some charge fees directly to families, while others receive commissions from aged care providers when a successful placement is made.
Private services often provide a more personalised experience, including facility tours, detailed comparisons of specific providers, and hands-on support with paperwork. However, it is important to understand how they are funded, as this may influence which providers they recommend.
For a deeper look at how private aged care placement consultants work, see our guide on what an aged care broker does.
Free Connection Platforms
Connection platforms like Carevo sit between government services and paid private consultants. These platforms help you find and compare aged care providers at no cost to you.
The key difference from paid services is transparency. A connection platform provides information and options so you can make your own informed decision, rather than steering you toward specific providers.
How the Process Works
Whether you use a government service, private consultant, or connection platform, the aged care placement process typically follows a similar path.
Step 1: Initial Conversation
The process starts with understanding your situation. A placement service will ask about:
- The type of care needed (home care, residential, respite)
- Current health conditions and care requirements
- Location preferences
- Budget and financial situation
- Cultural, language, or dietary needs
- Any specific preferences (pet-friendly, religious affiliation, garden access)
This conversation helps narrow down the options from thousands of providers to a manageable shortlist.
Step 2: Assessment
Before accessing government-funded aged care, you need a formal assessment. There are two types:
| Assessment Type | Who It Is For | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Assessment Service (RAS) | People needing low-level support at home | Basic daily tasks, social support, transport |
| Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) | People needing higher-level care | Home care packages, residential care, respite, transition care |
A placement service can help you prepare for your assessment by explaining what to expect and what information to have ready. Some private services will attend the assessment with you or help you appeal a decision you disagree with.
Your ACAT or RAS assessment determines what government-funded services you are eligible for. It is an important step, so be thorough and honest about your care needs during the assessment.
Step 3: Shortlisting Providers
Once your assessment is complete and your eligibility is confirmed, the placement service helps you create a shortlist of suitable providers. This involves:
- Matching your care needs with provider specialties
- Checking availability and wait times
- Comparing fees, charges, and what is included
- Reviewing quality ratings and compliance history through the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- Considering location, transport access, and proximity to family
For residential aged care specifically, your shortlist might consider factors like room types, staffing ratios, and the facility’s approach to dementia care or palliative care. Our guide on how to choose a nursing home in Australia covers these factors in detail.
Step 4: Visits and Meetings
For residential care, visiting facilities in person is essential. A placement service may:
- Schedule tours at your shortlisted facilities
- Accompany you on visits to help you ask the right questions
- Provide a checklist of things to look for during each visit
- Help you compare facilities after your visits
For home care, meetings with potential providers help you understand their approach, availability, and the specific workers who would support you.
Step 5: Paperwork and Agreements
Aged care involves significant paperwork. Depending on the type of care, you may need to complete:
- A means assessment through Services Australia (to determine your fees)
- Resident agreements for residential care
- Home care agreements for home care packages
- Accommodation payment agreements (Refundable Accommodation Deposit or Daily Accommodation Payment)
- Advance care directives and other planning documents
A placement service can explain these documents, help you understand your financial obligations, and ensure you know what you are signing.
Step 6: Transition Support
The best placement services do not disappear once the paperwork is done. They help with the transition into care by:
- Coordinating moving day logistics for residential care
- Ensuring the provider has all necessary medical and personal information
- Checking in during the first few weeks to make sure the arrangement is working
- Helping resolve any early issues or concerns
Costs and Fees Explained
Understanding the cost structure of placement services is important for making an informed decision.
Free Government Services
My Aged Care and the Care Finder program are completely free. They are funded by the Australian Government and do not charge families for assistance.
Provider-Funded Services
Many private placement services are free to families because aged care providers pay a referral fee or commission when a placement is made. This model works similarly to real estate agents, where the property owner pays the commission rather than the buyer.
While this means families do not pay directly, it is worth asking:
- Does the service have agreements with all local providers, or only some?
- Are they recommending providers based on your best interests, or based on commission arrangements?
- Will they disclose which providers pay them commissions?
Fee-Based Consultants
Some aged care consultants charge families directly for their services. Fees vary widely, but may include:
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | $150 to $300 |
| Full placement service (residential) | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Home care package setup assistance | $500 to $2,000 |
| Financial advice (aged care specific) | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Ongoing advocacy and support | $100 to $250 per hour |
Fee-based consultants argue that their independence from provider commissions means more objective advice. This can be true, but it is not guaranteed. Always ask about their qualifications, experience, and whether they receive any payments from providers in addition to your fees.
Free Connection Platforms
Connection platforms like Carevo provide their services at no cost to families. The platform model focuses on giving you the information and connections you need to make your own decision, rather than making the decision for you.
Free vs Paid Services
Choosing between free and paid placement services depends on your situation, confidence level, and the complexity of your care needs.
When Free Services May Be Enough
Free government services and connection platforms work well when:
- You have a clear idea of what type of care you need
- Your care needs are relatively straightforward
- You are comfortable doing some research and comparison yourself
- You have family members or friends who can help with the process
- You are looking for home care rather than residential placement
When Paid Services May Add Value
A paid consultant might be worth considering when:
- The care situation is complex (such as advanced dementia with behavioural concerns)
- You need urgent placement (for example, after a hospital admission)
- Financial arrangements are complicated (large assets, complex family structures)
- You are managing the process from interstate or overseas
- You want someone to handle every detail of the process
- There are family disagreements about the best course of action
Questions to Ask Any Service
Regardless of whether a service is free or paid, ask these questions before engaging them:
- How are you funded? Do you receive commissions from providers?
- How many providers do you work with in my area?
- What happens if I am not happy with the placement?
- What qualifications and experience does your team have in aged care?
- Can you provide references from other families you have helped?
- Do you have any formal complaints or regulatory issues?
- What is included in your service, and what is not?
Government Resources
The Australian Government provides several resources to help with aged care placement beyond the My Aged Care portal.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the independent regulator of aged care services in Australia. Their website allows you to:
- Search for approved providers
- View compliance and quality reports
- Check star ratings for residential facilities
- Lodge complaints about aged care services
- Access the Provider Register for a full list of registered providers
Services Australia
Services Australia handles the financial side of aged care, including:
- Means assessments to determine your contribution to care costs
- Accommodation payment calculations
- Information about fee structures and caps
Aged Care Act and Reforms
The new Aged Care Act took effect in 2025, bringing significant changes to how aged care is regulated and delivered. Key changes include stronger rights for older Australians, enhanced quality standards, and new funding models. The Support at Home program, which commenced on 1 November 2025, replaced the previous Home Care Packages program with a more flexible system based on assessed needs rather than fixed package levels.
These reforms mean that placement services need to be up to date with the latest requirements and funding arrangements. When choosing a service, ask whether they are familiar with the current legislation and funding models.
Home Care Placements
While many people associate placement services with residential care, finding the right home care provider is equally important.
What Home Care Placement Involves
A home care placement service helps you:
- Understand your Support at Home classification level and budget
- Compare providers in your area based on services offered
- Evaluate provider fees, including care management and administration charges
- Check provider availability and wait times
- Review quality indicators and client feedback
Key Factors for Home Care
When choosing a home care provider, consider:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Services offered | Do they cover all the support you need? |
| Fees and charges | What percentage goes to care management vs direct services? |
| Flexibility | Can you change your care plan as your needs change? |
| Staff continuity | Will you see the same support workers regularly? |
| Communication | How do they keep you informed about your budget and services? |
| Cultural sensitivity | Can they provide culturally appropriate care? |
| Geographic coverage | Do they service your area reliably? |
Switching Providers
If you are not happy with your current home care provider, you have the right to switch. A placement service can help you find a new provider and manage the transition, including transferring your unspent funds.
Residential Care Placements
Finding the right residential aged care facility is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. A placement service can simplify what is often an emotionally charged process.
Understanding Residential Care Costs
Residential aged care costs have several components:
- Basic daily fee: A standard contribution everyone pays, set by the government
- Means-tested care fee: An additional fee based on your income and assets
- Accommodation payment: Either a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), or a combination of both
- Extra services fees: Optional fees for higher standard accommodation or additional services
Accommodation payments vary significantly depending on location and facility quality. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, RADs can range from $300,000 to over $1 million for premium facilities.
A placement service or aged care financial adviser can help you understand these costs and work out the most suitable payment arrangement for your situation.
Quality Indicators to Check
Before choosing a residential facility, review these quality indicators:
- Star ratings on the My Aged Care website
- Compliance history with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- Staffing levels and qualifications (including registered nurse availability)
- Resident and family satisfaction surveys
- Accreditation status and any sanctions or notices
- Staff turnover rates
Respite Care Placements
Respite care provides temporary care to give regular carers a break. Placement services can help with both planned and emergency respite.
Types of Respite
- In-home respite: A support worker comes to the home while the carer takes a break
- Residential respite: The person being cared for stays in a residential facility temporarily
- Community-based respite: Day programs and social activities outside the home
- Emergency respite: Short-notice care when a carer is suddenly unable to provide support
Finding Respite Through a Placement Service
A placement service can help you:
- Identify available respite options in your area
- Book planned respite in advance (availability can be limited, especially in peak periods)
- Access emergency respite through the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres
- Understand the costs and any government subsidies available
Choosing the Right Service
With so many options available, choosing the right placement service requires careful consideration.
Independence
The most important factor is independence. A truly independent service recommends providers based on your needs, not based on commercial relationships. Ask directly whether the service receives commissions or payments from specific providers.
Local Knowledge
Aged care varies significantly by region. A service with strong local knowledge can tell you about:
- Actual wait times at specific facilities (not just published averages)
- The reputation of providers among local health professionals
- Which facilities are expanding, improving, or facing challenges
- Transport and access considerations for family visits
Transparency
A good placement service is upfront about:
- How they are funded and any potential conflicts of interest
- The limitations of their service
- What they can and cannot guarantee
- Realistic timelines and expectations
Track Record
Look for services with:
- Positive reviews from families (not just provider testimonials)
- Experience with your specific type of care need
- Professional qualifications or industry accreditation
- A clear complaints process
Common Challenges
The aged care placement process does not always go smoothly. Being aware of common challenges helps you prepare.
Long Wait Times
Demand for aged care services often exceeds supply, particularly for residential care in popular areas. A placement service can help by:
- Identifying facilities with shorter wait lists
- Suggesting alternative locations or providers you may not have considered
- Helping you access interim support while waiting for a placement
Urgent Placements
Sometimes placement is urgent, such as after a hospital stay or when a carer can no longer continue. In these situations:
- Hospital social workers can assist with placement from hospital
- My Aged Care offers priority pathways for urgent situations
- Private placement services may be able to expedite the process
- Transition care can provide temporary support between hospital and permanent placement
Family Disagreements
It is common for family members to have different views about the best care arrangement. A placement service can help by providing objective information and facilitating conversations. In complex situations, a family meeting with a social worker or aged care advocate may be helpful.
Financial Complexity
Aged care fees and accommodation payments can be confusing. If your financial situation is complex, consider seeing an aged care financial adviser in addition to a placement service. An adviser can model different payment scenarios and help you protect your assets while meeting care costs.
March 2026: Ministerial Investigation Into Premium Service Fees
On 16 March 2026, the Aged Care Minister announced an investigation into claims that some aged care providers are charging premium fees for basic services that should be covered under standard care arrangements. The Minister specifically named Opal Healthcare as one provider under scrutiny, calling the practice “disgusting sidestepping” of aged care regulations.
This investigation highlights the importance of carefully vetting any aged care placement recommendations. Whether you use a government service, private consultant, or connection platform, ensure you understand exactly what fees are legitimate and what services should be included in standard care before committing to a provider.
A reputable placement service should help you identify potential fee issues and warn you about providers with questionable pricing practices. When reviewing facility or provider options, specifically ask about fee structures and whether there are any additional charges beyond the basic daily fee, means-tested care fee, and accommodation costs.
If you believe you are being charged inappropriately for services that should be included in standard care, lodge a complaint with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822. The Minister emphasized that Australians expect and deserve dignity in aged care, not exploitative pricing practices.
Source: ABC News, 16 March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aged care placement service?
A placement service helps match older Australians with appropriate aged care providers and facilities. They consider your care needs, budget, location preferences, and personal requirements to find suitable options. Services range from the government’s My Aged Care portal to private consultants and free connection platforms.
Are aged care placement services free?
Some are free and some charge fees. My Aged Care and the Care Finder program are government-funded and free. Many private services are also free to families because providers pay referral commissions. Fee-based consultants charge families directly, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the service level.
How does the placement process work?
The typical process involves an initial needs conversation, a formal ACAT or RAS assessment, shortlisting suitable providers, visiting facilities or meeting providers, completing paperwork and agreements, and transitioning into care. The timeline varies, but the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Can I use a placement service for home care too?
Yes. Placement services can help with all types of aged care, including home care under the Support at Home program, residential care, respite, transition care, and retirement living. Home care placement involves comparing providers, understanding your budget and classification level, and evaluating the services and fees offered by different providers.
What should I look for in a placement service?
Look for transparency about how the service is funded (fees vs commissions), independence from specific providers, strong local knowledge of your area, experience with your type of care need, and positive reviews from other families. Ask direct questions about any potential conflicts of interest before engaging a service.
How long does aged care placement take?
Timelines vary depending on the type of care, location, and availability. An ACAT assessment typically takes two to four weeks to arrange after referral. Finding a suitable residential care facility may take weeks to months depending on demand in your area. Home care provider selection can often be completed within a few weeks once your assessment and funding are confirmed.
Do I need an assessment before using a placement service?
You can contact a placement service before your assessment. In fact, many services help you prepare for the assessment process. However, you will need a completed ACAT or RAS assessment before you can formally access government-funded aged care services.
What if I am not happy with my placement?
You have the right to change providers if you are not satisfied. For home care, you can switch providers and transfer your unspent funds. For residential care, the process is more involved but still possible. A placement service or the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (1800 951 822) can help if you have concerns about your care.
Key Resources
- My Aged Care (1800 200 422): The official Australian Government gateway to aged care services
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission: Search providers, view quality ratings, and lodge complaints
- Care Finder Program: Free face-to-face support for navigating aged care
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (1800 700 600): Free advocacy support for older Australians
How Carevo Can Help
Navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming, especially when you are making important decisions about care for yourself or a family member. Carevo is a free connection platform that helps you find the right aged care provider without any cost to you.
We can help you explore your options across home care, residential care, and other aged care services. Whether you are just starting to research your options or you have already been assessed and need to find a provider, we are here to make the process simpler.
Call 1800 953 253 to find the right aged care provider through Carevo, or visit our aged care services page to browse providers in your area.
Support at Home on Carevo right now
Updated 2026-06-03Most-requested Support at Home services
Based on 412 aged care and Support at Home inquiries made through Carevo. See the full Support at Home Demand Report.
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