With clients averaging around 50 hours a week, prices starting at $88 an hour, and 2,000 applicants per job ad, Acquaint Home Care’s private model shows where affluent older Australians may head next.

As Support at Home pushes more co-contributions onto everyday services like cleaning and domestic help, expect a share of wealthier older Australians to vote with their wallets – and step out of the Government-funded lane entirely.

That’s the clear signal from Melbourne-based Acquaint Home Care, a premium, fully private provider led by Managing Director Fiona Somerville (pictured top), whose business has swelled as the 1 November reforms draw near.

“Our average hours are around 50 hours a week… I’m proud