The short answer
Most people start between $160 and $500 a week.
That range covers a few hours of practical help through to a daily personal care visit. Nursing, overnight support and 24-hour care sit well above it. The number that matters is the hours you actually need, not the hourly rate in isolation.
| Support | From | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Personal care | $85 / hour | Showering, dressing, grooming, continence support. |
| Domestic assistance | $83 / hour | Cleaning, laundry, linen and tidying. |
| Meal preparation | $82 / hour | Planning, cooking, portioning and clean-up. |
| Shopping and errands | $83 / hour | Groceries, pharmacy and putting things away. |
| Gardening | $85 / hour | Mowing, pruning, weeding and paths. |
| Transport | $40 / trip | Door-to-door for appointments and outings. |
| Social work | $163 / hour | Service navigation, applications and advocacy. |
| Nursing | $125 / hour | Wound, medication, catheter and stoma care. |
| Registered nurse | $144 / hour | Where the clinical need calls for an RN. |
Three realistic weeks
These are illustrative combinations using our from-rates. They are not quotes. Your plan may be smaller, larger or shaped differently.
| A week of support | Hours | From |
|---|---|---|
| Two personal care visits and one clean | 3 hrs care + 2 hrs domestic | $421 |
| Five morning personal care visits | 5 hrs | $425 |
| One clean, one shop, two meal preps | 4 hrs | $331 |
| Daily personal care plus a weekly clean | 7 hrs care + 2 hrs domestic | $761 |
| Two nursing visits and three care visits | 5 hrs | $675 |
What changes the number
The length of the visit. A one-hour minimum is common because travel and handover take time. Two one-hour visits cost more than one two-hour visit.
The day and the time. Weekends, public holidays and evenings can attract a higher rate. Ask before you book.
The skill level. Nursing and social work cost more than domestic help because the qualification and the risk are different. Using a nurse for a task a carer can do is an expensive habit.
Travel and parking. If you are outside the service area, or the visit needs parking, ask how that is charged. We confirm it before the first visit.
Cancellations. A late cancellation usually still costs the provider the shift. Ask for the policy in writing before you start.
How funding changes what you pay
If you are self-managed under the NDIS, you pay us and claim from your plan. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your budget, not your bank account.
If you are plan-managed, your plan manager pays us from the plan budget. You still see the rate, and you should still check it against the plan.
If you are aged care funded, your contribution depends on the program and your income assessment. The provider's rate and your contribution are two different numbers. Ask for both.
If you are paying privately, the rate on this page is what you pay, plus any agreed extras.
Ask for a weekly estimate, not an hourly rate
An hourly rate tells you what one hour costs. A weekly estimate tells you what the arrangement costs. Ask any provider to put the weekly figure in writing, including travel and cancellation terms.
Where people overspend
- Buying a nurse for personal care.
- Booking short visits that are mostly travel.
- Paying for standby time they did not agree to.
- Keeping hours they no longer need because nobody reviewed the plan.
Review the plan every three months. Needs change, and so should the invoice.
Common questions
Is there a minimum visit length?
Ask when you book. Short visits carry proportionally more travel and handover time, so many providers set a minimum.
Do you charge more on weekends?
Ask for the current rate card. Weekend and public holiday rates can differ, and we confirm yours in writing before the first visit.
Are there joining or admin fees?
Ask. We confirm all fees before the first visit, including anything that is not in the hourly rate.
Can I get a quote for a specific week?
Yes. Describe the tasks and the times and we will put the estimate in writing.
What if I cancel?
Ask for the cancellation policy before you start. Late cancellations usually incur a charge because the shift cannot be refilled.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.