An ‘approved provider’ is an organisation which has registered with the Australian Department of Health to host home care packages. They handle home care packages on behalf of customers. Consumers must go through an approved provider to access their home care package funds.

A ‘service provider’ is a company that delivers services to meet care needs, and are paid with home care package funds. These companies assist home care package holders in fulfilling their actual care needs, through services such as nursing, cleaning, gardening, and personal care.