Overview

Five Good Friends is an Australian home-care provider and platform designed to help older adults and people with disabilities remain at home. The offering combines a consumer-facing service that permits self-management of Home Care Packages with a technology platform that supports rostering, care notes, family access, budgeting and real-time visibility. The model emphasises lower hourly rates, transparent fees, and digital tools (mobile app and web portal) so members can choose carers, manage budgets, and track visits while having access to expert backup support when needed.

Features and Capabilities

• Care delivery model: Five Good Friends offers both full-service and self-managed Home Care Package options, enabling members to choose how much control they want over hiring and scheduling carers.
• Low-cost focus: The organisation promotes lower hourly rates and industry-leading fee structures so members can direct more funding toward actual care hours.
• Member app & portal: A consumer app and online dashboard let members and families review carers, book services, view budgets, monitor care notes, and see real-time visit records.
• Rostering & scheduling: Built-in rostering supports complex schedules, check-in/check-out tracking and automated time records for transparency and payroll.
• Care documentation & quality: Automatic recording of care notes, client data tracking, and escalation workflows help maintain care quality and regulatory reporting.
• Family access & visibility: Family members (with permission) can access care records and visit logs to stay informed about support delivered at home.
• Budgeting & finance tools: Real-time budget visibility for Home Care Packages helps members manage spending and maximise hours of care.
• Support for providers (Lookout): The organisation developed a SaaS care-management product that enables providers to monitor outcomes, perform rostering and reporting, and scale operations.
• NDIS & allied services compatibility: Platform accommodates Home Care Packages, Commonwealth Home Support Program, and NDIS/other allied services through tailored workflows.
• Training & resource content: Video guides and step-by-step resources help members and “helpers” (carers) onboard and use the platform effectively.