How much does help at home care cost?

If you are investigating help at home for the first time, the most common question you may have asked is, ‘well, how much does it cost?’ 

Like many things in aged care, the answer isn't always straightforward. It depends on the type of support you receive, how your care is funded and your individual circumstances.

I have received approval for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The Australian Government heavily subsidises our Commonwealth Home Support Program services, helping keep them reasonable and affordable. 

Generally, your contribution to help cover the cost of services is approximately $15 per hour or $7.50 per half hour for each service you receive from us.

Under CHSP, there are no exit fees or other fees to worry about. 

Find out more information about the Commonwealth Home Support Program here.

I have received approval for Support at Home funding

If you've been approved for Support at Home funding, it’s helpful to understand how government funding and client contributions work.

Under Support at Home, the Australian Government provides quarterly funding based on your assessed care needs. 

There are eight funding levels under the program. Your approved funding level, along with any client contributions, will be outlined in your My Aged Care assessment outcome and funding letter. 

Your funding is designed to help you access approved services that support you to remain safe and independent at home. 

These services fall into three categories: 

• Clinical care 
• Independence 
• Everyday living 

Clinical care services, such as nursing and allied health, are fully government funded.

Depending on your income and assets, you may be asked to contribute towards some independence and everyday living services. Your individual contribution will be confirmed in your funding letter. 

A 10% care management allocation is also set aside from your quarterly budget to support care planning, coordination and ongoing support. 

If you'd like to learn more about Support at Home funding and how it works, you may find these articles helpful:

• Support at Home pricing and contributions 
• Understanding the different levels of care available 
• What services are available under Support at Home 

I would like to pay privately for home care

Some clients prefer to pay for the services they receive, rather than pay through Government funding or subsidies. Paying privately can be a good option if you:

• Would like to receive help at home straight away.
• Are waiting for your funding to be approved.
• Are not eligible for government funding.
• Need access to short-term services.

If you choose to pay privately for home care, it will be on a fee-paying basis. Much like when you book with any other medical professionals, you will pay for the service directly. We will send you an invoice at the end of each month, and you will be able to pay through your preferred payment method.

For the latest information on privately funded services and pricing, click here.

[1] The government contribution changes on 1 July every year, these figures are up to date as of 1 July 2023.

[2] The Income tested care fee changes with indexation on 20 March and 20 September every year and are up to date as of 20 March 2023.