Provider-managed care puts more coordination with the provider.
Choosing care
Self-managed vs provider-managed: what’s the difference?
How your care is managed affects how much involvement you have in choosing services, coordinating support and handling administration.
Liz explainsPlain-English guidance, then the next useful step.
At a glance
What to know first
Self-management gives you a more active role and can provide more flexibility.
There is no single best model. The useful question is which arrangement fits your circumstances.
The practical detail
Understand the part that matters to you.
Provider-managed
The provider coordinates services, invoices and payments and may use its own workforce or approved subcontractors.
Self-managed
You take a more active role in choosing and arranging services while staying within the rules of your approved support plan.
Can you change later?
Management arrangements and providers can change. Discuss the process with your current or prospective provider before making the switch.
Related Liz Questions
Go deeper without reading everything.
Navigating the System & Eligibility
What rights do I have under the Charter of Aged Care Rights?
The former Charter of Aged Care Rights has been replaced by the enforceable Statement of Rights under the new Aged Care Act, which started on 1 November 2025. It protects your right to dignity, choice, safety, information, privacy, communication and culturally safe care.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeWhat is the difference between a fully managed and a self-managed Home Care Package?
Under Support at Home, you may self-manage parts of your care, but you still need a registered provider and care management. Provider-managed care gives the provider more responsibility for arranging workers, schedules and administration; self-management gives you more involvement and control.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeWhat are provider "care management" and "package management" fees?
Under Support at Home, the old separate package-management fee has ended. For ongoing services, 10% of each quarterly budget is set aside nationally for care management, which is delivered by a care partner even when you self-manage parts of your care.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeHow many hours of care will a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 Home Care Package give me per week?
There is no fixed number of weekly care hours for each former HCP level or Support at Home classification. Hours depend on your budget, approved services, provider prices, contributions and the 10% care-management allocation.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeHow do providers coordinate with external palliative care teams?
The Support at Home care partner should coordinate the practical and aged care services, while the GP and specialist palliative care team lead complex medical and symptom management. A written plan should make clear who does what, how information is shared and who to contact when the person’s condition changes.
Read answer →Communication, Rights & Practical DilemmasWhat is an Advance Care Directive, and why does the provider need it?
An Advance Care Directive records your future healthcare wishes for a time when you cannot make or communicate decisions. Your Support at Home provider needs to know it exists so relevant workers and clinicians can follow your wishes, contact the correct decision-maker and respond appropriately during a health crisis-but having one is your choice, not a condition of receiving care.
Read answer →Understanding Support at HomeWhat does care management include under Support at Home?
Care management includes developing and reviewing your care plan and budget, coordinating services, monitoring risks and outcomes, responding to changing needs, providing information and helping you navigate the aged care system. It must include meaningful direct contact at least once each month, even if you self-manage.
Read answer →Understanding Support at HomeWhy is 10% of my Support at Home budget set aside for care management?
The 10% funds the planning, monitoring and coordination needed to make your direct services work safely. It is pooled so participants can receive more care management when their circumstances become complex, but every participant should still receive meaningful and appropriate support from a care partner.
Read answer →When general information is not enough
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