Who are Australia's biggest aged care providers?

Oct 23, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Australian Healthcare

Recent industry analysis shows significant consolidation, particularly in home care. This shifting landscape is crucial for understanding who are Australia's biggest aged care providers. This guide outlines the major players, market trends, and ownership types that define the sector.

Quick Summary

The largest aged care providers in Australia include major players like Opal HealthCare in residential care and Australian Unity in home care, alongside other significant for-profit and not-for-profit organisations. These dominant entities operate within a diverse and evolving market.

Key Points

Market Leaders: In residential care, Opal HealthCare and Bolton Clarke are among the largest providers, while Australian Unity leads the home care package sector.
Mixed Ownership: The Australian aged care market consists of for-profit companies, large not-for-profit organisations, and a smaller number of government-run facilities.
Not-for-Profit Strength: Organisations like Bolton Clarke, St Vincent's Health, and Uniting hold a significant share of the market, often with a community-focused mission.
Industry Consolidation: Recent years have seen notable mergers and acquisitions, leading to a concentration of market share among fewer, larger providers.
Home Care Growth: The home care segment is expanding rapidly, with providers like Australian Unity capitalising on the growing preference for 'ageing in place'.
Key Decision Factors: When choosing an aged care provider, consider its ownership type, range of services, and quality rating, as the sector is diverse.

Australia's Aged Care Landscape: A Diverse Market

The Australian aged care sector is characterized by a mix of providers, including private, for-profit entities, large not-for-profit organizations, and a smaller presence of government-owned facilities. The market has experienced consolidation, particularly in residential and home care. Understanding the key players is vital for those navigating aged care options.

Residential Aged Care: The Major Players

Several large providers dominate the residential aged care market in Australia. These include:

Opal HealthCare: A significant provider with a large market share, known for growth through acquisitions and new facilities.
Bolton Clarke: A not-for-profit that has expanded its residential portfolio significantly through acquisitions.
Regis Healthcare: A large publicly listed provider with a national presence.
Estia Health: A major player recognized for modern facilities.
Bupa: A large global healthcare group operating numerous Australian aged care facilities.

Home Care: The Growth Segment

Home care is a growing sector as more Australians prefer aging in place. This segment has also seen significant consolidation. Key providers include:

Australian Unity: Became the largest home care package provider after a recent acquisition.
Bolton Clarke: A major provider in home care as well, leveraging its scale.
BaptistCare: Expanding its home care services, particularly in NSW.
Anglicare: A significant not-for-profit with a strong home care offering.

The Not-for-Profit Sector

Not-for-profit providers represent the largest portion of the market by provider number and include some of the biggest operators, often with charitable or religious affiliations. Major not-for-profit providers include:

Key not-for-profit providers

Bolton Clarke: A large provider in both residential and home care.
St Vincent's Health Australia: A major not-for-profit health and aged care provider.
Uniting (NSW/ACT & QLD): Offers a wide range of services including residential and home care.
Catholic Healthcare: Provides residential, home care, and retirement living.
Southern Cross Care: A long-standing not-for-profit with various aged care options.

Ownership Structure and Market Dynamics

The type of ownership (for-profit, not-for-profit, or government) influences the aged care market and can be a factor for consumers. For-profits are typically investor-owned, while not-for-profits reinvest surpluses into services.


Feature	For-Profit Providers	Not-for-Profit Providers	Government-Owned Providers
Primary Motivation	Shareholder returns	Reinvesting surpluses into care and services	Public service
Ownership	Private or publicly listed companies	Charitable or religious organisations	Federal, state, or local government
Service Focus	Quality driven by market competition	Mission-driven and community-focused	Often in regional areas with service gaps
Key Examples	Opal HealthCare, Regis Healthcare, Estia Health, Bupa, Arcare	Bolton Clarke, Uniting, Anglicare, BaptistCare, St Vincent's	State and local council-run facilities
Market Share	Growing, but faces intense competition	Makes up a large portion of the provider base by number	Smaller, more concentrated proportion

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Market Consolidation

Mergers and acquisitions have been a significant trend, leading to larger providers and potentially fewer independent operators. This consolidation impacts the market structure and consumer options.

Navigating Your Options

When choosing an aged care provider, consider factors beyond size, such as ownership structure, specific care needs, quality indicators (like My Aged Care star ratings), facility visits, and location. Thorough research is key to finding the best fit. Find more information and tools for comparing providers on the My Aged Care website.

Conclusion

Australia's aged care sector is led by major players in residential care like Opal HealthCare and Regis Healthcare, and in home care by Australian Unity. The not-for-profit sector, including large providers such as Bolton Clarke and Uniting, also plays a crucial role. The market is continually shaped by consolidation and the increasing demand for home care services. Informed decision-making based on individual needs and thorough research is essential for those seeking aged care.

Frequently Asked Questions

The largest aged care providers vary by segment. Opal HealthCare and Bolton Clarke are major players in residential care, while Australian Unity leads the home care package market. Other large providers include Regis Healthcare, Estia, and not-for-profits like Uniting.

For-profit providers are run as commercial businesses, with returns going to shareholders. Not-for-profit providers, often with charitable or religious foundations, reinvest any surpluses back into their services, facilities, and staff.

The Australian aged care market has seen significant consolidation through mergers and acquisitions. There is also a major trend towards increased demand for home care services, driven by older Australians' preference to age in their own homes.

Yes, some government-owned facilities exist, particularly run by state or local governments in regional areas. However, they represent a smaller proportion of the market compared to the dominant for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.

You can use the star rating system provided by the Australian government on the My Aged Care website. It is also important to consider personal factors by visiting facilities, talking to staff, and reading resident feedback.

Many of the biggest providers offer home care, including Australian Unity, Bolton Clarke, and not-for-profits like BaptistCare and Anglicare. The Home Care Package program is the main way to access government-subsidised home care.

Ongoing reforms, such as the upcoming Support at Home program, are designed to simplify and improve aged care. These changes impact funding, service delivery, and market dynamics, encouraging greater competition.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.