Australia's Leading Aged Care Providers
Understanding the Australian aged care market requires distinguishing between the different types of services provided. There is no single 'biggest' company overall, as leadership is split between the residential and home care sectors. In the residential market, where residents live in a facility, Opal HealthCare stands as the undisputed leader based on its number of operational places. Meanwhile, the home care market, which allows seniors to receive services in their own homes, is dominated by Australian Unity, especially following its significant 2024 acquisition.
The Residential Aged Care Market
The residential sector is characterised by large, purpose-built facilities offering 24-hour care. Recent trends show that a small number of major operators are increasing their market share through mergers and acquisitions, leading to sector consolidation.
Opal HealthCare
- Market Position: Largest residential aged care operator by operational places.
- Growth Drivers: Has grown substantially through both acquisitions of other homes and building new facilities.
- Services: Specialises in residential aged care, including permanent, respite, and specialised dementia care.
Bolton Clarke
- Market Position: Second-largest residential provider, with a large not-for-profit presence.
- Growth Drivers: Has also expanded significantly through mergers and acquisitions, including integrating Allity and McKenzie Aged Care.
- Services: Offers a diverse portfolio covering residential care, retirement living, and home care services.
Regis Healthcare
- Market Position: One of the largest listed aged care companies, holding a top position in residential care.
- Services: Provides a range of residential aged care options and has been a long-standing fixture in the market since 1994.
The Home Care Market
The home care sector has experienced rapid growth, driven by a preference among many Australians to age in place. This area has a larger number of providers and has seen different market leaders emerge.
Australian Unity
- Market Position: The top home care provider by market share of Home Care Package revenue.
- Growth Drivers: A key strategy has been the acquisition of smaller providers, such as the purchase of MyHomecare Group in 2024, which propelled it to the top spot.
HomeMade Support
- Market Position: A major mover in the home care market, ranking highly among providers.
- Growth Drivers: Has seen significant revenue growth in the financial year 2024, indicating strong market penetration.
Key factors influencing the market
- Government Policy: Significant reforms are underway, such as the upcoming Support at Home program, which is expected to alter the home care market landscape.
- Consolidation: The trend of mergers and acquisitions is particularly strong in the residential sector, reshaping the top tier of providers.
- Demand vs. Supply: While funding has increased, demand for home care packages continues to outstrip supply, leading to significant waitlists.
Comparison of Major Aged Care Providers (FY2025 Data)
| Feature | Opal HealthCare | Bolton Clarke | Australian Unity | Regis Healthcare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sector Strength | Residential | Both Residential and Home Care | Home Care | Residential |
| Market Position | Largest residential operator | Second-largest residential operator (FY24) | Largest home care provider | Major residential operator |
| Organisational Type | For-Profit | Not-for-Profit | Mutual / For-Profit | For-Profit / Publicly Listed |
| Growth Strategy | Acquisitions and new builds | Strategic mergers & acquisitions | Key acquisitions (e.g., MyHomecare) | Ongoing expansion and upgrades |
| Key Services | Residential, respite, dementia care | Residential, home care, retirement living | Home Care Packages | Residential, respite, dementia care |
Conclusion
The answer to "What is the biggest aged care company in Australia?" depends on the service type. For residential care, Opal HealthCare holds the top spot, while in-home care is led by Australian Unity. Other key players, including Bolton Clarke and Regis Healthcare, maintain significant market presence, reflecting a sector shaped by consolidation and government reforms. As the industry evolves, staying informed about the different market segments is key for anyone seeking aged care services.
Optional Outbound Link
For more detailed information on Australia's aged care sector reforms, visit the Australian Government's My Aged Care portal: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/.
