Major Aged Care Providers in Sydney
Several large not-for-profit and commercial providers operate across Greater Sydney.
- Anglicare Sydney: Delivers home care, residential care and retirement living across metropolitan Sydney, with a strong presence in the Inner West, North Shore and Western Sydney.
- BaptistCare: Offers home care packages, residential aged care and dementia-specific services, with facilities across northern Sydney and the Hills District.
- Uniting: Provides in-home support, respite and residential care across a wide range of Sydney suburbs.
- Bupa Aged Care: Operates residential aged care homes in several Sydney suburbs, mainly focused on permanent and respite stays.
- HammondCare: Known for dementia and palliative care, with services in Greenwich, Hammondville and other Sydney locations.
- Catholic Healthcare: Runs residential care, home care and retirement living across Sydney, with community services through its home care arm.
Smaller local agencies often specialise in a single area, such as culturally specific care, overnight support or allied health at home. These can suit people who want a provider from their own language or community background.
Types of Services Agencies Provide
Aged care in Sydney falls into three broad categories.
- In-home care: Help with personal care, meals, cleaning, transport, nursing and home modifications. This is delivered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (for lower-level needs) or a Home Care Package (levels 1 to 4).
- Respite care: Short-term care, either at home or in a residential facility, giving family carers a break. Government subsidies apply for a set number of days per year.
- Residential aged care: Permanent accommodation with 24-hour support, including nursing and dementia care.
Some agencies are also approved under the Support at Home program, which is replacing the existing home care packages model. Check the provider’s current registration status before committing.
How to Choose an Agency
The first step is a My Aged Care assessment, arranged by calling 1800 200 422 or applying online. An assessor from the Regional Assessment Service or Aged Care Assessment Team determines eligibility and the level of support. Once approved, the person can compare providers directly.
- Compare fees: Home care providers charge administration and care management fees, which vary widely. Ask for a written fee schedule and an example monthly budget.
- Check quality ratings: The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission publishes accreditation outcomes, and residential homes carry star ratings on the My Aged Care website.
- Confirm service area: Some agencies do not service every Sydney suburb, particularly outer areas such as the Blue Mountains or Camden.
- Ask about staffing: Find out whether care workers are employees or contractors, and whether you can request the same worker for each visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does aged care cost in Sydney?
Costs depend on the type of care and the person’s income and assets. Home care packages are subsidised by the government, with a basic daily fee and a possible income-tested contribution. Residential care involves a basic daily fee, a means-tested care fee and, for some people, an accommodation payment. Services Australia can provide a formal means assessment.
Do I need a referral to use an aged care agency?
Yes, for government-subsidised care. You need to register with My Aged Care and complete an assessment. Private agencies will also accept clients paying entirely out of pocket without an assessment.
Can I switch providers if I am unhappy?
Yes. Home care package recipients can change providers at any time, and unspent package funds transfer with them. Exit fees are capped for packages from 1 January 2023 onwards, so check your agreement for any remaining charges.
