Home care in Australia is in a state of limbo.

Major changes have marked the last couple of years, including some that have already happened and some that are scheduled to happen soon.

With a new Aged Care Act, a new in-home care system, and other reforms throughout the aged care sector to consider, care recipients and providers alike will most likely have to remain flexible in the months ahead.

The hope is that this tidal wave of change will produce positive effects for years to come. In reality, such big changes also have the potential to adversely impact parts of the sector—such as home care providers and other organisations that aren’t well-positioned for the shifting landscape.

Text graphic showing reasons why home care provider closures have become more common in Australia, including workforce shortages and aged care reforms in 2025.

In June 2025, aged care and disability service provider Annecto announced its closure after 70 years of service due to financial challenges. Annecto supported thousands of clients across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. Shortly thereafter, other providers followed suit in exiting the sector.

The ongoing aged care reforms, rising compliance costs, and persistent workforce shortages have swirled together to put a tremendous amount of pressure on care providers, and the fact is, some providers will not be able to keep pace.

So, what should you do if your home care provider shuts down?

When Aged Care Providers Close: A Breakdown

If you are a home care recipient, it’s more important than ever that you remain proactive about your care options and rights as a consumer. It’s also critical to stay updated on industry news and procedures, including those related to provider closures.

Here’s what happens when a home care provider shuts down.

An older man sits at his computer and thinks about what to do if his home care provider shuts down.

The Provider’s Responsibilities

From a legal standpoint, a care provider must do the following in the event of closure:

  • Notify the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • Notify its clientele when it will stop delivering care

In most cases, you can expect to receive direct communication from your provider regarding a closure. If you happen to come across the news on social media or elsewhere, contact your provider’s local office or your case manager to confirm next steps.

While not legally obligated to do so, your care provider may also offer to help you transition to a new service provider.

However, searching for and selecting a new care provider can be a deeply personal process that hinges on your unique care needs and goals. It’s completely understandable if you choose to explore your options on your own terms.

The Care Recipient’s Responsibilities

If your home care provider shuts down, your primary objective is to ensure continuity of care. The one scenario where you don’t have to do anything is if you’re receiving temporary or short-term support (e.g. through the Short-Term Restorative Care [STRC] Programme). In that case, you may not have to transition your care at all—just ensure your services finish before the scheduled close date.

Of course, that won’t be the situation for most home care recipients.

When your provider communicates an upcoming closure and you require ongoing support, your first step is to act quickly, even if the transition timeframe isn’t specified yet. Wait lists for providers can grow fast, and wait times for home care have already reached untenable levels across the country—and that’s without the added bottlenecks of provider closures.

Ultimately, your role in this process is to search for and select a new aged care provider so you can seamlessly transition your services. With that in mind, let’s review how to find a new home care provider.

Finding A New Home Care Provider

Before you dive into a search for a new provider, it’s always a good idea to review the agreement with your current provider (i.e. the closing provider) and make sure you understand the terms of the agreement.

Once you’ve done that, you can begin exploring your options:

  1. Call My Aged Care (1800 200 422) and inform them of your situation, or visit the My Aged Care website and utilise the ‘Find a Provider’ tool to begin your search.
  2. Compile a short list of new aged care providers in your area that can support your unique needs, call each one, and ask questions to determine the best fit.
  3. When you find a new provider, contact them to begin the application process and arrange a start date. Then, notify your current provider (i.e. the closing provider) about your chosen new provider and the agreed-upon start date.
  4. In many cases, your new provider will collaborate with your closing provider to ensure an orderly handoff. You can also mediate communications between the two sides to facilitate a smooth handover.
How to Find a Provider
Step by Step Guide
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If you feel confused or overwhelmed with finding a new aged care provider, My Aged Care and independent placement services can help you navigate the process and connect you with new options. 

My Aged Care Referral Codes

Once you sign up with a new home care provider, My Aged Care will supply you with a code over the phone or in a letter. That code is essential: your new provider will use it to learn more about your situation and initiate your services. For more information, view our guide to My Aged Care referral codes.

Additional Support If Your Provider Shuts Down

Home care provider closures can be confusing and stressful. But as a consumer, you have rights that must be upheld. Keep these considerations in mind:

  • Security of tenure prevents Home Care Package providers from abruptly terminating your care.
  • Staffing and continuity of care are important parts of your wellbeing. If you want to retain your current support workers, it is perfectly reasonable to discuss that possibility with your new provider.
  • Organisations such as the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) exist to help you in times of crisis.

If your home care provider shuts down and you feel you’ve been mistreated, you can also share your concerns and complaints with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission by ringing 1800 951 822 or visiting their website.

Most importantly, do your best to stay informed throughout the closure and transition process.

Remain in contact with your closing provider about your services and any concerns that arise; if you aren’t satisfied with the responses you receive, don’t hesitate to contact My Aged Care for further assistance.

Learning that your home care provider is closing can be unsettling, especially if you were satisfied with the support you were receiving. But this change also presents an opportunity. Now that you’ve had firsthand experience with home care, you’re in a stronger position to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Use this time to reassess your needs and priorities, so you can choose a provider that’s an even better fit moving forward.

Two older people discuss what happens if their home care provider closes.

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