As we age, the need for extra help with daily tasks often arises. In-home care is an ideal solution, as this type of care offers assistance while allowing individuals to remain in the comfort of their own homes. But how much does in-home care actually cost? Let’s break it down and help you understand the key factors influencing the costs so that you can make an informed decision.
In-home care provides support to older Australians who need assistance with daily living but wish to continue living at home rather than move into a residential facility. Services can range from personal care, like help with showering and dressing, to domestic assistance, such as cleaning and meal preparation, and even clinical support from nurses.
The primary goal of in-home care is to promote independence while ensuring your safety and wellbeing. The costs for these services depend on the level of support you need, the government funding you are eligible for, and the provider you choose.
Costs will depend primarily on whether you’re relying solely on the Support at Home program or supplementing it with private care.
Full-time, round-the-clock care typically involves multiple carers working in shifts, which falls outside the scope of the government-subsidised Support at Home program. If 24/7 in-home care is needed, families typically need to look at private care options to cover the gap, which would include additional costs.
The cost of in-home care can vary significantly from one person to another. Several key factors determine how much you might pay for the support you receive.
The Australian Government’s Support at Home program, which replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program on 1 November 2025, provides funding based on your assessed level of need. An aged care assessment will determine the amount of support you require.
While the 8 specific funding classifications for the Support at Home program are designed to be more flexible, they are structured to meet different levels of need, from basic assistance to more complex or high-level care requirements. The more support you need, the more funding you will receive in your personalised budget from the government. This budget allows you to access a greater number of service hours and more specialised types of care.
While your eligibility for the Support at Home program is based on your care needs, not your financial situation, your income and when you were assessed for care may affect how much you contribute towards the cost of your care. This contribution is often referred to as a contribution fee.
An income assessment, conducted by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, determines the amount you contribute towards your care. There are annual and lifetime caps on these fees to ensure care remains affordable.
Where you live in Australia can also influence the cost of in-home care services. In some metropolitan areas, provider fees and the wages for care workers may be higher due to greater demand and operational costs. Conversely, if you live in a rural or remote area, you may find that providers incorporate additional travel fees into the delivery of services to your home.
The provider you choose has a significant impact on how much care you receive from your government funding. Different providers structure their fees differently. Traditional, fully managed models often charge higher service fees, which can leave less of your budget for actual hands-on care.
At Homecare My Way, we offer a self-management model that empowers you to take control of your funding and choose from lower service rates. This approach ensures more of your budget is directed toward the care you need.
Choosing a self-managed model with access to lower service fees, like Homecare My Way means your government funding goes further. With lower service fees, more money is available for the care and support services that matter most to you.
Let’s look at how this works in practice. On average, traditional providers may charge 50% more in service fees through inflated prices. With our self-management model, fees are significantly lower. This difference can translate into several additional hours of care each week.
For someone with a budget for intermediate care needs, this could mean an extra 10 to 15 hours of support every month. For those with high-level needs, the savings can be even more substantial, potentially funding an additional 15 to 20 hours of care monthly. This extra time can be used for more personal care, nursing support, domestic assistance, or social activities—whatever you need to live well.
By choosing a self-managed approach, you gain:
The Support at Home program is designed to provide a substantial level of assistance, but it may not cover 24/7, around-the-clock care. Full-time care typically involves multiple care workers covering shifts throughout the day and night.
If your needs require this level of constant support, you will likely need to supplement your government-funded services with privately funded care. Our team can help you understand how to best coordinate your Support at Home budget with private services to create a comprehensive and affordable 24/7 care plan.
Understanding the costs of in-home care can feel like a challenge, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. The Support at Home program offers a fantastic opportunity to receive personalised, government-funded care in your own home. By choosing the right provider and management model, you can make your funding go further and get the most out of every dollar.
If you are ready to explore your care options or want to learn how switching to a self-managed provider can increase your care hours, we are here to help. Contact Homecare My Way today to discuss your needs and find the best solution for your lifestyle and budget.
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