A Navigation Service, sometimes called a Placement Service, helps you find the right aged care provider without the stress of juggling phone calls, websites, or long waitlists. Think of it as having a guide who knows the aged care system inside out, listens to what matters most to you, and helps you make choices that actually fit your life.
 Why not just go directly to providers?
Going straight to providers might seem like the obvious choice, but it can quickly become overwhelming. You need to research all the options in your area, understand the different services and costs, compare quality and suitability, and coordinate multiple calls and appointments. It’s a lot to manage on your own, especially when you’re trying to make the best decision for yourself or a loved one.
A Navigation Service simplifies this process by:
- Listening to your needs and lifestyle preferences: from daily routines to hobbies, values, social priorities, or pets.
- Finding providers who match your priorities: we know the strengths of different providers and can highlight the best fits for you.
- Presenting options with clear guidance: so you can feel empowered making informed decisions.
- Supporting you through the transition: we stay in touch for months after you engage your new provider to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Benefits for Home Care and Residential Aged Care
Whether you’re looking for home care or residential aged care, a Navigation Service can make life easier. While everyone’s journey is different, for home care, it’s about finding a provider to match your lifestyle: friendly, structured, flexible, or even pet-friendly. For residential aged care, it’s about avoiding long waitlists and weighing up how the differences in things like catering, diversional therapies, and even organisational policies will impact your quality of life.
Real-Life Stories
John and Cosmo
John, 78, receives home care and shares his life with his little Jack Russell, Cosmo – his shadow, his companion, and his constant friend. John’s home care service provided help with cooking and a bit of cleaning, but even though the workers liked dogs, Cosmo wasn’t allowed inside because of a company policy. When John reached out to My Care Journey to see if switching providers was even worth it, we had a chat to understand what mattered most. Using our Navigation Service, we found a couple of providers that welcomed pets. One was even affiliated with a religious organisation John belonged to, which felt like an extra perfect fit. We managed the switch entirely on John’s behalf, so he didn’t have to make a single phone call. Now, John enjoys his cooking and cleaning support while Cosmo happily supervises, sniffing around for any tasty scraps.
Mary and David
Mary was feeling overwhelmed trying to find residential care for her husband, David, who has dementia. He had already been approved for care, but when she called providers, the staff were quite abrupt, which didn’t give Mary the best first impression. When she reached out to us, we met with both Mary and David over a cuppa to talk about what really mattered. It was important that Mary could visit easily, that there was space for their kids and grandkids to come for birthdays and other special occasions, and that David had access to green outdoor spaces. We researched local options and came back with a few facilities that matched her priorities, including one with excellent indoor-outdoor flow and lounge rooms that could be booked in advance for family visits. With our support, David moved seamlessly into his new home, close enough for Mary to visit regularly.
Mario and Lillian
Mario’s Mum had previously received home care through a large provider but had a frustrating experience. Different carers came each time, shifts changed at the last minute, and it felt like they were living on the provider’s schedule rather than the other way around. It felt like Lillian was constantly changing her schedule to what suited the provider. When Mario reached out to us, we took the time to understand their priorities and matched them with a small, family-owned provider. With fewer staff and clients, the new provider could offer consistent carers, with more consistency for time and day. The result? A much smoother, reliable home care experience that put Mario and his Mum back in control.
Your Care Journey, Made Personal
A Navigation Service isn’t just about making the right choice, it’s about ongoing support. We stay in touch for three months after placement to check in, resolve any issues, and make sure your care fits your life, not the other way around.
Take the First Step
Speak with one of our Care Choices Partners and see how a Navigation Service can save you time, reduce stress, and help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.