The short answer
From $85 an hour, with a one-hour visit as the usual starting point.
Most people start with one or two visits a day, or a single longer morning visit. A daily one-hour visit is about $595 a week at the from-rate. Your exact rate and visit length are confirmed before the first visit.
| Support | From | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Personal care | $85 / hour | Showering, dressing, grooming, toileting and mobility support. |
| Registered nurse | $144 / hour | Where a clinical assessment is needed. |
What one hour actually covers
An hour is usually enough for a shower, dressing, grooming and a safe transfer, with time to spare. It is not enough for a shower plus breakfast plus medication plus a hair wash, unless the person is quick and independent for most of it.
A realistic morning for one person often looks like this: 10 minutes to arrive and check in, 30 to 35 minutes for the shower and dressing, 10 minutes for grooming and the room reset, 5 minutes for handover notes. That is an hour.
If two carers are needed for a hoist or a two-person transfer, the cost doubles because two people are working.
Weekly arithmetic
| Pattern | Hours a week | From |
|---|---|---|
| One morning visit a day | 7 | $595 |
| Morning and evening visits | 14 | $1,190 |
| Three visits a week | 3 | $255 |
| One longer visit, five days | 7.5 | $638 |
What changes the rate
- Weekend and public holiday work. Ask for the current loading.
- Evening or early morning starts. Some providers apply a time-based rate.
- Two carers. Required for some transfers and bathing setups.
- Travel. Outside the service area, or a visit that needs parking.
- Complexity. If the visit needs a nurse, the nursing rate applies.
What is included without extra charge
Planning, handover notes, a service agreement and a clear invoice. Those are part of running a professional service, not an add-on. If a provider charges for them separately, ask why and get the total.
Funding
Personal care can be funded through an NDIS plan, an aged care package or private payment. The rate is the same; what changes is who pays and what paperwork is needed.
If you are contributing to an aged care package, your contribution is separate from the provider's rate. Ask for both numbers.
A cheaper hour is not always cheaper care
A very low rate can mean a shorter visit, a less experienced worker, or a charge hidden elsewhere. Compare the total weekly cost and the continuity of staff, not just the hourly figure.
Common questions
Is $85 an hour the total cost?
It is our from-rate for personal care. Weekend loadings, two-carer visits, travel and any agreed extras are confirmed separately before the first visit.
How long should a personal care visit be?
An hour is typical for one person. Some people need 45 minutes, some need 90. We agree the length with you.
Do I pay for travel time?
Ask when you book. It depends on where you are and how the roster is built. We confirm it before the first visit.
Can I claim personal care on my NDIS plan?
If self-care is in your plan and the support is reasonable and necessary, it may be claimable. Ask your plan manager or support coordinator.
What if I only need help twice a week?
That is fine. There is no minimum number of visits, though a minimum visit length may apply.
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.