How Much Do In-Home Care Services Cost in Australia?
In-home care is highly beneficial for people with disabilities, to stay independent in the comfort of their own home. However, how much do in-home care services cost in Australia? Knowing the cost of hiring full-time or part-time staff for in-home care is important.
Because it helps people and families plan their finances, know their eligibility for government funding, and choose the right support for them according to their budget.
So, here you go, slide in the guide for details:
Breakdown of In-Home Care Costs in Australia
Here is a glimpse of the cost of in-home care for elderly:
Home Care Package (HCP) Median Hourly Rates
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, Home Care Package Prices for recipients across Australia reveal the national median hourly rates for common care services are as follows:
Personal Care: $100 per hour
Domestic Assistance: $95 per hour
In-Home Respite: $99 per hour
Nursing (Registered Nurse): $160 per hour
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Subsidised Rates
The CHSP provides entry-level support services to older Australians, with costs subsidised by the government. According to the CHSP National Unit Price Ranges and Client Contributions document for 2024–25. The following figures indicate that the full cost of services is higher, but the out-of-pocket expenses for clients are significantly reduced due to government subsidies.
Domestic Assistance: Unit price ranges from $83 to $109 per hour, with reasonable client contributions between $6.90 and $13.10 per hour.
Nursing: Unit price ranges from $125 to $179 per hour, with reasonable client contributions between $4.60 and $10.90 per hour.
Private Market Rates
Private in-home care providers may charge rates higher than the median HCP rates, especially in metropolitan areas. Plus, rates may vary according to the provider, location, time of service, and the specific needs of the client.
Caregiver Support is around $82–$88 per hour on weekdays.
Registered Nurses cost around $135–$177 per hour on weekends.
Hourly Rates of In-Home Caregivers by Service Type
In-home care covers many services. Below is a breakdown of hourly rates (approximate averages) for common supports. Rates can vary by provider and location:
Personal Care
If you hire an in-home care provider in Australia to assist with bathing, toileting, grooming, etc. The average rate is $72–76/h. Private agencies in cities almost charge $85–$115/h for a support worker.
Domestic Help & Cleaning
For light housekeeping, laundry, and meal prep, Australia in-house aged care service costs around $71–75/h. It is often combined with personal care. Companies may set $83–109/h for these tasks.
In-Home Respite
For short-term relief care, expect approx $85–112/h. CHSP-funded respite may have daily fees ~$11–$15 (17.5% of pension), or subsidised program rates (e.g., ~$13.14/day under CHSP). Overnight respite (sleepover) rates vary: NDIS price limits allow about $40.98/night for an inactive night nurse, and private 24/7 care can run $550–995 per 24h.
Nursing Care
The cost of hiring a nurse for home care in Australia, especially if they are registered or enrolled, then expect around $150/h. Agencies typically charge $125–179+/h for a nurse visit.
Other Allied Services
Therapists for physio, OT, etc, and specialists often charge $160–220/h. You need to check the specific service providers for exact rates.
Factors Influencing the Cost of In-Home Care For Seniors in Australia
Here are various factors that drive the variation in hourly charges:
Time of Day / Day of Week
Evening, overnight, weekend, and public holiday shifts cost more. Agencies commonly apply loadings of 20–50%. For example, a Victoria care assistant is ~$88/h weekdays but ~$114/h Saturdays and ~$137/h Sundays. Nursing night shifts can be 30–50% higher than daytime.
Qualification Level
Registered nurses and allied professionals command higher fees than support workers. An RN visit is typically 1.5–2× the rate of a personal carer.
Minimum Shifts
Many providers bill a minimum of 2 hours to cover travel/prep time. Short calls still cost at least 2× the hourly rate.
Travel & Area
In-home care providers in Australia cost per-kilometre travel fees. If you live outside metro areas, it adds to the cost. Remote/regional travel or surge demand can increase rates.
Provider Type
Private home care services (especially 24/7 live-in) tend to be premium-priced. Not-for-profits may offer slightly lower 'brokered' rates, but in general, the full hourly charges above include all overheads, compliance, and company costs.
Impact of Government Subsidy
Government-funded wages (via Fair Work) are rising. From Mar 2025, the aged care wage increase has been subsidised by a small HCP funding boost, but providers may still adjust pricing (with notice) to cover higher labour costs.
Government Support: NDIS & Home Care Packages
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
If you have a disability and you are under 65 years of age, the NDIS helps cover the cost of in-home care and support. For 2024–25, standard weekday rates for support workers are limited at $80/hour and $150/hour on weekends.
Cleaning and gardening services are limited at $80–$100/hour in major cities. Travel costs (about $0.97/km) are also covered.
If you are plan-managed or agency-managed, providers must follow these price caps. Self-managed participants can negotiate lower prices with unregistered providers.
How does it work?
Your NDIS funding is allocated in your personalised plan. Providers bill directly from this budget for approved services. If you require additional care beyond your allocated funds, you’ll need to pay privately or explore alternate services.
Why Lifes Good Services & Supports is the #1 Choice for In-Home Care in Australia?
Lifes Good Services & Supports at lifesgoodservices.com.au stands out as a trusted provider of high-quality budgeted in-home care services across Victoria and South Australia. Their team offers NDIS support services with personalised care plans to meet individual needs while maximising the benefits of NDIS funding.
With transparent pricing aligned to government guidelines, Lifes Good ensures affordable, reliable care without compromising quality.
Final Words
In-home care costs in Australia depend on how much care you need. Light assistance might cost a few hundred dollars per week, and many hours of care can run into thousands weekly. However, choosing providers that support government funding (NDIS or Home Care Packages) covers a large share of expenses.
Every situation is different. To understand your out-of-pocket costs, discuss your needs with Life’s Good Services. Our care coordinators can map out the expected hourly rates in your area, explain NDIS funding, and prepare a customized care plan.
