Under the new aged care rules, you may see the term “associated provider”. It describes how some organisations deliver Support at Home services. This explainer covers what it means, what it does not mean and how it works for people who choose Kindora Connect.
What is an associated provider?
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing describes an associated provider as an organisation that delivers services on behalf of a registered provider, like a subcontractor. An associated provider can be registered itself, or work in aged care only as a subcontractor. Either way, it only counts as an associated provider if it delivers government-funded aged care services.
The Department gives a simple example: a gardening business that mows lawns for Support at Home participants on behalf of a registered provider is an associated provider, because gardening is on the aged care service list.
Why does the arrangement exist?
Registered providers do not have to deliver every service with their own staff. The associated-provider model lets them work with other organisations while keeping one clear point of legal responsibility. For older people, it can mean more choice of who actually comes to the door.
Who is responsible for what?
Registered providers can subcontract service delivery, but they cannot contract out their legal responsibilities. They must make sure their associated providers comply with the rules, including worker screening and record keeping, and they must tell the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission which associated providers deliver services on their behalf.
Workers of an associated provider who deliver funded aged care are aged care workers under the law, and they are screened to make sure they are suitable to work in aged care.
How does it work with Kindora Connect?
Kindora Connect delivers Support at Home services as an associated provider through VitalCare Support. VitalCare Support is the registered provider and manages your Support at Home budget. Kindora Connect plans and delivers your day-to-day services and is your main contact for your care.
For you, that usually means:
- you call Kindora Connect about your visits, your workers and changes to your routine
- Kindora Connect support workers deliver the services in your home and community
- your budget and statements come through the registered-provider arrangement with VitalCare Support
What does it not mean?
- It does not make Kindora Connect the registered provider for your Support at Home services.
- It does not bypass the Support at Home rules. You still need an assessment and approved services.
- It does not confirm that a service can start. We talk through your approval and needs first.
Which organisations are not associated providers?
Organisations that only supply corporate services, such as training, accounting or labour hire, are not associated providers. Nor are organisations delivering services to older people that are not funded aged care services.
What about sole traders and volunteers?
A sole trader who delivers aged care themselves on behalf of a registered provider is treated as an aged care worker. A sole trader who employs workers to deliver care, and does not deliver care personally, is an associated provider. Volunteers can also be aged care workers and must meet the screening requirements.
Can an associated provider become registered?
Yes. An associated provider that wants to become a registered provider must apply to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to be registered in the right category.
How is it different from the NDIS?
The NDIS and Support at Home are separate programs with separate rules. For the NDIS, Kindora Connect is a Registered NDIS Provider, listed on the NDIS Commission’s provider register. For Support at Home, it is an associated provider through VitalCare Support. Our registered vs unregistered NDIS providers guide covers NDIS registration.
What questions could you ask any provider?
- Are you a registered provider, or an associated provider? If associated, through whom?
- Who will I talk to day to day?
- Who manages my budget and sends my monthly statement?
- Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
See also understanding Support at Home service arrangements, and our Support at Home services, including nursing care and domestic assistance.