McLean Care’s CHSP services find new operator

Australia’s largest home care operator will take on McLean Care’s CHSP services, after the Inverell, NSW-based operator announced in February that it would exit aged care.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has appointed Australian Unity to take on McLean Care’s CHSP services from 1 June 2026. Australian Unity will contact clients, who will enter into new service agreements with the operator.

McLean Care’s Support at Home customers are also expected to transition to new operators, including potentially Australian Unity.

Australian Unity has issued an earnings downgrade this week and reported weaker earnings in 1H26. But as Australia’s biggest home care provider, it remains one of few operators able to offer continuity of care to customers of distressed operators in the regions.

McLean Care has said it will assist with the transition, which is occurring with the support of the Government’s Market Adjustment Program and with the engagement of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

An Expression of Interest process is underway for McLean’s residential aged care facilities.

The operator’s exit from the sector comes in response to ongoing financial pressures following years of losses. As part of the exit, McLean is looking to sell properties not related to care. Staff are reportedly living onsite in residential facilities to bolster frontline services.

Australian Unity operates 12 residential aged care homes, co-located with their retirement villages across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

The group has 22 retirement villages in total. Since the acquisition of Plena Healthcare last year, the operator has about 160,000 customers in its Home Health business.