What does 24-hour care at home cost?

When you or your loved one needs support around the clock, the first question is often what it will cost each month. This guide explains how 24-hour care at home is arranged, what drives the price and which funding may help.

There's no standard figure for what 24/7 in-home care costs per month. It depends on how many hours of hands-on support you need, the type of care, and how it's arranged. The only reliable number is a written quote based on your needs.

Three ways to arrange 24-hour care at home

Round-the-clock care doesn't necessarily mean someone is awake and working every hour. Most arrangements fall into one of three types, and each is priced differently.

Live-in care

A support worker stays in the home for an agreed period, with set breaks and time to sleep. This can suit you or your loved one if you need someone nearby, but not hands-on help through the night.

If you're comparing live-in carer costs, ask whether the rate is daily, weekly or hourly. Also ask what happens if you need help during rest breaks.

Shift-based care

Support workers rotate through shifts, so someone is awake and on duty through the day and night. This suits you if you need regular help overnight, such as repositioning or personal care.

Because every hour is active work, shift-based care is likely to cost more than live-in care. Ask each provider to explain the difference.

Overnight support

Some people only need help at night. A sleepover shift means the support worker sleeps on site and is there if you need them. An active night means they stay awake for the whole shift.

What affects the monthly cost

Each provider sets its own prices, but these are the main things that change the total.

• Active hours: how many hours a day need hands-on support

• Type of care: personal care, nursing and everyday help are priced differently

• Clinical needs: support from a registered nurse or allied health professional

• Weekends and public holidays: these often have higher rates

• Two-person support: some tasks, like certain transfers, need two workers at once

• Length of care: short-term care after hospital or an ongoing arrangement

To work out a monthly figure, ask the provider to price a typical week, including the weekend. Multiply it by about 4.3, then ask how public holidays change the total.

Funding that can help with 24-hour care

Government funding can help with part of the cost, so it's worth checking how far it stretches before you plan.

Support at Home

Support at Home is the government's in-home aged care program. Its highest ongoing level (Level 8) provides about $80,000 a year, including care management, according to My Aged Care. Ask your provider how many hours that budget would cover at their prices, and what you'd pay privately on top.

Under Support at Home, you don't contribute to clinical supports such as nursing. Since 1 October 2026, approved personal care has also been fully funded. You contribute to other services based on your income and assets.

To check your eligibility for aged care, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

End-of-Life Pathway

For older people who are expected to live for three months or less, the End-of-Life Pathway provides about $25,700 over 12 weeks to support comfort, dignity and time together at home. It's for people aged 65 or older, or 50 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A doctor or nurse practitioner completes a form, and you can then request a high-priority assessment.

Transition care

After a hospital stay, transition care can provide short-term support for up to 12 weeks. Ask the hospital team to arrange an assessment before you leave.

NDIS

If you're an NDIS participant with higher support needs, your plan may include Supported Independent Living (SIL). It covers help with daily tasks, including overnight support. Talk to the NDIS about what your plan can fund.

Questions to ask about 24-hour care

Before you agree to anything, ask each provider:

• Which type of 24-hour care do you recommend, and why?

• Can you price a typical week, including weekends?

• What's included in a live-in or sleepover rate?

• How do you cover breaks, leave and sick days?

• How will you keep my family updated?

• What will my funding cover, and what will I pay privately?

Ask for the answers in writing, so you can compare providers on the same basis.

Talk to us about 24-hour care

At HomeCaring, we'll work with you to plan 24-hour care that fits your needs and budget. We offer round-the-clock care in shifts, and live-in care where a support worker stays overnight.

As a guide, our price list starts at $122 an hour for a support worker during weekday hours. Weekday evenings and nights are $135 to $140 an hour, and weekend and public holiday rates are higher. These are our private rates from 1 August 2026, and the same prices apply under Support at Home.

Our sleepover rate is $360 an hour, on any day, including public holidays. Ask how any help during the night is charged.

We offer a free in-home assessment. We'll explain the options, give you a written quote and talk you through how funding might help. Availability depends on the support involved, your location and the times you need. Reach out to our Care Specialists on 1300 875 377.