If you are arranging support at home for yourself or a loved one, one of the first questions is usually how much it will cost.
The short answer is that there is no single hourly rate for aged care support at home. Costs can vary depending on the type of support needed, the worker’s experience, whether the support is privately arranged or funded, how often support is delivered, and whether the role includes personal care, transport or overnight help. Under Support at Home, providers continue to set their own prices, and from 1 July 2026 those prices will be subject to government price caps.
What kind of support is usually included?
Aged care support at home can include a wide range of help with day-to-day living.
That may include personal care, domestic support, transport, companionship, respite and other practical support at home or in the community. My Aged Care describes personal care as help with bathing, hygiene, dressing, mobility and communication, and Support at Home guidance groups services into categories such as clinical, independence and everyday living supports.
Why costs vary
Aged care support is not one single service, so pricing is not one-size-fits-all either.
Someone looking for a few hours of companionship or help around the house may be comparing a very different type of support from someone who needs regular personal care, transport to appointments or overnight support. Timing also matters. Regular weekly support may look different in cost from short, irregular or urgent shifts. From 1 July 2026, Support at Home prices must be all-inclusive, reasonable and transparent, and providers cannot charge separate travel or administration fees on top.
Private support and funded support are not always priced the same
Private care and funded care do not always work in the same way.
If you are arranging support privately, there is usually more flexibility in how rates are discussed and agreed. On Careseekers, workers are independent, set their own rates and you can negotiate directly with them.
If support is funded through Support at Home, the pricing framework is different. Users may need to contribute towards the cost of some services based on the type of service and their income and assets, but they do not contribute to clinical support costs. Under Support at Home, you only contribute for services you actually receive.
What should you look at besides the hourly rate?
Hourly rate matters, but it should not be the only thing you compare.
It also helps to look at:
- the type of support included
- whether personal care is involved
- whether the arrangement is regular or occasional
- whether weekend or overnight support is needed
- the worker’s experience and qualifications
- whether the worker feels like the right fit
Sometimes a slightly higher rate makes more sense if it gives you the consistency, flexibility and confidence you need.
How we help you compare options clearly
On Careseekers, you can browse worker profiles, view rates and speak directly with workers before deciding what feels right for you.
If your support is being paid by a third party, such as a provider, invoices can be forwarded through the platform for payment once the hours are approved. That makes it easier to compare support options clearly while still keeping payments and documentation in one place.
How to think about value, not just price
The right support arrangement is not only about finding the lowest rate.
It is also about finding someone who can provide the help you need, in a way that works for your routine, your preferences and your budget. For many families, things like flexibility, continuity and direct choice matter just as much as the hourly cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one standard hourly rate for aged care support at home?
No. Costs vary depending on the type of support, the worker’s experience, the timing of the support and whether the arrangement is private or funded.
Can I negotiate rates directly with a worker?
Yes. On Careseekers, you can negotiate directly with workers to agree on a rate that suits the arrangement.
Can I use funding to pay for support at home through Careseekers?
Where a third party is paying through Careseekers, invoices can be forwarded for payment once hours are approved.
Do Support at Home participants always pay the full cost themselves?
No. Under Support at Home, participants contribute towards some services based on the service type and their income and assets, while the government pays the full cost of clinical supports.
Do providers set their own prices under Support at Home?
Yes. Providers set their own prices, but from 1 July 2026 those prices must stay within government price caps and be reasonable and transparent.
Ready to compare aged care support at home?
If you are looking for flexible support at home, we make it easier to compare workers, understand rates and choose the arrangement that feels right for you.
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