Self-managed vs fully managed home care — What is the difference?

Under Support at Home, Australians have more flexibility than ever before in how their home care is managed. At Five Good Friends, we welcome the changes to the aged care system.

Our purpose remains consistent and enduring under Support at Home: to provide services and experiences that keep our Members connected to the families, friends, homes and communities they love, for as long as they desire.

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Key takeaways:

  • Both a self-managed and full service membership keep you at the centre of your care.
  • Self-managed care gives you flexibility to arrange your own Helpers and services with guidance from our expert team.
  • Fully managed care offers professional coordination — perfect if you prefer a hands-off approach or have complex needs.
  • Switch anytime: Move between models as your confidence or circumstances change.
  • Five Good Friends empowers both membership types with advanced tools, an extensive provider network, and trusted Helpers trained through our award-winning learning program.

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With Five Good Friends, you're always at the centre of your care

When it comes to coordinating your home care under Support at Home, we offer two approaches — a Self-managed or Full Service Membership. Whichever membership type you choose, you'll always be empowered to make decisions that affect your care.

We work with you to make home care under Support at Home flexible, connected, and built around how you want to live.

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Understanding the differences between a self-managed and full service membership

Self-managed care

You coordinate your care directly using our digital tools, connecting with Helpers, allied health professionals and suppliers, through our verified marketplace.

Our app makes it simple to schedule services, track spending, and access support — while we stay beside you to offer guidance when you need it.

Fully managed care (Full Service Membership)

Prefer a more hands-off approach? Our Care Managers handle everything for you — developing your care plan, coordinating Helpers, managing compliance, and ensuring your services evolve as your needs change. It’s ideal if you’re new to home care or prefer expert oversight.

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Comparing self-managed and fully managed care under Support at Home

Quick comparison table

Features Full Service Membership Self-managed Membership
Your role You are more hands-off. All coordination is managed by your care experts. You are still involved in making choices about your care. You are more hands-on and take an active role in identifying and engaging your own supports.
Helper Coordination Your care team take care of Helper matching and scheduling. You interview and engage Helpers.
Budget control & oversight Managed for you however you retain complete oversight. You coordinate budgets and spending.
Allied health and services Fully booked and scheduled for you. You take an active role in booking and scheduling services.
Level of support A high level of support from a dedicated care team. Digital tools + expert backup.
Best for Those new to home care, those who prefer a fully coordinated service and those with complex needs. Confident Members wishing to oversee coordination of their care.

Both paths offer the same quality, safety, and expertise — just different ways to engage with your care.

 

The Five Good Friends difference

Connected and enabled

  • Access a network of 4,000+ verified care and allied health professionals Australia-wide.
  • Supported by an embedded care worker (Helper) network trained to national standards.
  • Benefit from exclusive partnerships offering products and services that enhance your independence.

Tools that empower

  • Use our Member app to connect with Helpers, schedule services, and view your budget in real time.
  • Manage your care with confidence — backed by expert guidance.

Quality and expertise

  • Our award-winning in-house training program ensures Helpers can upskill as your needs evolve.
  • We maintain a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60+, reflecting trust and satisfaction from Members nationwide.

Advanced technology

  • Our smart monitoring technology works quietly in the background, helping keep you safe while maintaining your independence.

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Funding, costs, and eligibility under Support at Home

The Support at Home program replaces existing home care packages. Both self-managed and full service (care managed) options can be funded under the program.

If you’re new to home care, Government-funded in-home care is accessed through My Aged Care. Our team can help you understand the process and discuss whether a Self-managed or Full Service Membership may be best suited to your needs.

No matter which membership type you choose, you’ll always have our support. Our mission is to help you live independently, confidently, and comfortably at home.
You can also choose to move between membership types — your care can evolve as your needs change.

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Ready to explore your options?

Our friendly team can guide you through your Support at Home options and help you decide which home care membership type fits best.

Contact Five Good Friends to discuss your goals and get personalised advice.

 

Frequently asked questions about self-managed vs fully managed home care

▸1. What is the difference between self-managed and fully managed home care?

Self-managed care allows you to arrange your own services with digital tools and guidance. A Full Service Membership means Five Good Friends coordinates everything for you.

▸2. Which home care membership type is right for me?

If you’re confident using technology and want more flexibility, self-management could suit you. If you prefer professionals to handle everything, fully managed care is best.

▸3. Can I change from one home care membership type to the other?

Yes. You can switch between self-managed and fully managed home care at any time, depending on your needs and preferences.

▸4. How does Five Good Friends ensure quality and safety?

Five Good Friends meet all quality standards under the new Act. With verified Care and allied health professionals, national training standards, and advanced monitoring technology, we deliver safe, high-quality care across both membership types.

▸5. How does funding for self-managed and fully managed home care work under Support at Home?

Both membership types are eligible for funding under the Support at Home program subject to a person's assessed care needs. The right option depends on how much involvement or professional oversight you prefer.

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Written by
Emma Nuttall, allied health and home care professional (BHSc)

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