Top 5 Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider Before Hiring

Choosing home care for yourself or a loved one is a major decision. Whether you're seeking in-home support under a government-subsidised Home Care Package or privately funding services, the provider you select will play a critical role in maintaining health, independence, and quality of life.

To ensure you're making an informed and confident choice, it’s essential to ask the right questions when speaking with a prospective care provider. At Circle Home Care, we believe transparency, accountability, and alignment with your values are the foundations of exceptional care.

Here are the top 5 questions to ask a home care provider before hiring:

1. What Services Do You Offer, and Are They Tailored to Individual Needs?

A credible home care provider should offer a broad range of services—from personal care and domestic assistance to nursing, respite, and allied health. More importantly, they must demonstrate a person-centred approach by tailoring care plans to your specific goals and health requirements.

Tip: Ask how care plans are created and whether they’re regularly reviewed. Customisation is key when choosing home care that meets evolving needs.

2. Are You an Approved Provider Under the Aged Care Act?

If you or your loved one is accessing services through a Home Care Package (HCP), it is non-negotiable that the provider you choose is an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act 1997. This approval is granted only to organisations that meet stringent requirements around governance, financial integrity, clinical care capability, and compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards.

However, this isn't just important for clients on government-subsidised packages—it has critical implications for private home care clients as well.

Approved Providers are subject to regular audits and unannounced quality reviews by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, ensuring that their services uphold nationally mandated standards for safety, dignity, cultural sensitivity, and clinical quality. This provides an added layer of assurance for private clients who are self-funding their care and may otherwise have limited consumer protections.

By selecting an Approved Provider, private home care clients gain peace of mind knowing that the provider:

• Has passed rigorous due diligence and governance checks

• Is required to follow transparent complaints and incident management procedures

• Must maintain an appropriately skilled, credentialed, and supervised workforce

• Is legally accountable for the safety and wellbeing of all clients—funded or private.

Tip: Many private providers operate outside this regulatory framework, which can place consumers at increased risk. Choosing a provider like Circle Home Care—fully approved and compliant—ensures that even privately paid services are delivered with the same rigour, professionalism, and accountability as those under the HCP program.

3. How Are Care Staff Recruited, Trained, and Supervised?

The calibre of your care team directly impacts your safety and wellbeing. Ask providers about their recruitment processes, qualifications required, and ongoing training. Also, enquire about staff supervision, clinical oversight, and how performance is monitored.

Tip: Professional care should come with clinical governance, competency checks, and accountability structures. Ask about police checks, AHPRA registrations, and cultural fit.

4. What Are the Costs Involved, and Are There Any Additional Fees?

Financial transparency is critical. Request a Schedule of Charges that outlines all costs, including hourly rates, care management, package management, exit fees (if any), and minimum service hours. Confirm whether GST applies to privately funded services.

Tip: Understanding the full picture is essential when comparing providers offering elderly care in Melbourne. Hidden fees or unclear invoicing practices are red flags.

5. How Do You Communicate With Clients and Their Families?

Effective communication ensures that your preferences are heard and that care is continually adjusted to suit your situation. Ask if the provider offers a dedicated care manager, regular progress reports, and easy channels for feedback or complaints.

Tip: Ongoing communication and responsiveness to feedback are non-negotiables in quality home care. Ask how the provider stays in touch with families and manages after-hours issues.

Final Thoughts

When evaluating elderly care in Melbourne, these five questions can serve as your checklist for selecting a trustworthy, professional, and compassionate home care provider. Don't settle for vague answers—reputable providers should be ready and willing to respond in detail.

At Circle Home Care, we’re committed to helping you make the right choice. We provide respectful, personalised services tailored to the needs of ageing Victorians, backed by experienced staff, clinical governance, and full compliance with national aged care regulations.

Ready to have your questions answered? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can support you or your loved one at home.