If you're organising care for someone you love, a parent, a partner or a family member, chances are you've already looked at what a traditional care agency offers. It's the option most people know, so it's naturally the one we get compared to.

Here's the thing though: Mycare isn't an agency and once you see the difference, we think you'll agree it's good news for you and the person you're caring for.

So what are we, if not an agency?

Mycare is an online marketplace. We connect you directly with independent, police vetted care workers across New Zealand, then step back so you can build the relationship that actually works for you. You don't get handed whoever happens to be rostered on that day. You choose your carer, agree the rate and schedule together and manage everything from one simple platform, on your phone or computer, whenever suits you.

What that means for your budget

Traditional agencies carry a fair bit of overhead: management layers, office costs and a margin built into every hour billed. That overhead comes out of your pocket one way or another, even if it's not always obvious on the invoice.

On Mycare, you agree an hourly rate directly with your care worker, generally between $28 and $40 depending on the type of support and their experience. On top of that sits a transparent 10% platform fee, which covers secure payments, support, and the tools that keep everything running smoothly. No hidden extras, and no agency mark-up sitting quietly in the middle.

What stays exactly the same

Cutting out the middleman doesn't mean cutting corners. Every care worker on Mycare has a clean police vet and is legally entitled to work in New Zealand. Your agreement is set out in a clear digital contract from the start, so there's no confusion about rate, hours, or expectations further down the track. And if you ever need a hand, our support team is on the phone, email, or live chat, not a call centre script.

Agency vs Mycare, at a glance

Here's a quick side by side, so you can see exactly where the differences sit.  

What about funding?

If you're arranging care through Individualised Funding, ACC, or another government support, Mycare still works for you. We have arrangements with most major IF hosts, who pay Mycare directly in arrears each fortnight once you approve your worker's hours. If you're using ACC or another funder, you pay your care worker through Mycare, then claim back through your funder's usual process.

In an organiser's own words

"When our mother needed help, Mycare was there. We appreciated how transparent the finances were, and we liked that we could interview carers before making a decision."

- Dawn McCallum, Mycare organiser

Getting started

Signing up is free and most organisers have their account set up and their first job posted in about 10 minutes. From there, it's your call, your carer, your way.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Head to mycare.co.nz to post your first job or get in touch with our team at hello@mycare.co.nz or 09 887 9777 if you'd like a hand getting started.

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