Support at Home (SAH) packages come in two main models: self-managed and fully-coordinated. Both receive the same government funding, but they differ in how you arrange services, who manages the money, and how many care hours you can actually access. Understanding the difference is crucial, it can mean the difference between getting close to twice as many care hours for the same cost.
What is Self-Managed?
With a self-managed package, you control how your government funding is spent. You choose your own care providers, set their rates, and manage the budget yourself (or with family support). You're essentially running a small business: hiring carers, paying them, and keeping records. Self-managed packages give you maximum flexibility to find the best-value providers and negotiate rates that suit your area.
What is Fully-Coordinated?
Fully-coordinated packages are managed by a provider organisation on your behalf. The provider arranges all your care, employs or contracts the carers, handles invoicing and compliance, and takes a management fee. You have less day-to-day control, but the provider handles the admin and logistics. This model typically costs more because the provider's overheads are built into the service fees.
The Care Hours Reality
Here's the key difference: because self-managed packages have lower overhead costs, they can deliver significantly more care hours per dollar. A self-managed package can often provide close to twice the number of care hours compared to a high-fee fully-coordinated package, using the same government funding. If your priority is maximising the actual care you receive, self-managed usually wins on value.
Clinical Care is Always Free
Both models include 100% government-funded clinical care, nursing, allied health (physio, speech therapy, occupational therapy), and other clinical services don't draw on your package budget at all. This applies equally whether you're self-managed or fully-coordinated.
Which Model Suits You?
Choose self-managed if you want control, flexibility, and maximum care hours. You'll need to be comfortable managing the admin or have family to help. Choose fully-coordinated if you prefer a provider to handle everything, it's simpler, but you'll pay more and receive fewer care hours for the same funding.
Compare Providers to Find Your Best Fit
Both models are available through different providers across Australia. The best choice depends on your situation, location, and what matters most, control, simplicity, or maximum care hours. Compare what's available in your area to see the real cost and care-hour difference for yourself.