If you’re looking for independent help with aged care, you may come across people describing themselves as an aged care consultant, aged care navigator or aged care broker.
So, what’s the difference? 🤷♀️
The slightly confusing answer is that there are no formal definitions for these roles.😵💫
There is no specific registration, qualification or regulatory framework that determines who can call themselves an aged care consultant, broker or navigator. As a result, the services and experience behind these titles can vary considerably.
Aged care navigator
An aged care navigator generally helps older people and their families find their way through the aged care system.
This might include understanding assessments and funding, working out what support is available, comparing providers, resolving problems or simply understanding what to do next.
I use the term aged care navigator because I think it describes the role well: helping people understand a complicated system and find their way through it.
Aged care consultant
In practice, there can be very little difference between an aged care navigator and an aged care consultant.
Both may provide advice, explain options and help families make informed decisions. A consultant may offer broader or more specialised services, depending on their professional background and experience within the aged care sector.
Aged care broker
An aged care broker is generally more focused on finding residential aged care accommodation (whether that be for respite, or for a permanent home).
They may research suitable aged care homes, compare options, arrange tours, assist with applications and help families secure a placement.
Some brokers may provide broader aged care advice as part of their service, but finding accommodation or placement is generally at the heart of the role.
So, does the title really matter?
Probably less than you might think.
Because these roles aren’t formally regulated, it is important to look at the experience and knowledge behind the title.
Some people begin offering navigation or consulting services after helping a parent, partner or family member through aged care. That lived experience can be valuable and is often accompanied by a genuine desire to help others.
However, aged care is complex. Broader industry experience can provide an understanding of not only what happens, but why decisions are made the way they are.
This may include understanding the perspectives of assessment organisations, aged care providers, government and regulators, as well as the legislation, funding rules and policies behind their decisions.
That broader understanding can be particularly valuable when something goes wrong or a situation becomes complex.
The tip 💡
Whether you’re looking for an aged care broker, consultant or navigator, don’t worry too much about the title.
Instead, look at their experience and qualifications, what services they actually provide, whether they are independent, how they charge, and whether they receive commissions or referral fees.
Ultimately, the best choice is the person whose knowledge and experience matches the help you need. 🌸
There are some great independent aged care navigators, consultants an brokers on the SALT directory (including me 😉). SALT stands for senior and aged care living transition, and this directory holds values based organisations that are usually small businesses, and motivated by great outcomes, rather than profit.