Table of Contents
In Australia, home nursing care cost typically range from $80 to $189+ per hour for weekday visits, depending on the type of nurse and care required. For a full day of around-the-clock nursing, families can expect to pay $600 or more. Government-funded programs like the Support at Home (SAH) scheme can significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket.
If you landed here searching for a clear breakdown of what home nursing actually costs, you’re in the right place.
What Is Home Nursing Care?
Home nursing care is when a qualified nurse visits your home to provide clinical or health-related support. Whether someone is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or living with a disability, a home nurse brings professional care directly to the person’s door.
This is different from a support worker, who helps with showering, meal prep, or housekeeping. A home nurse handles clinical tasks, such as:
- wound dressings
- medication management
- catheter care
- continence planning
- IV therapy
- palliative support
Home Nursing Care Cost: Hourly and Daily Breakdown
Here’s what you can generally expect to pay in Australia as of 2025–2026:
1. Registered Nurse (RN) — Weekday
$100 to $189 per hour
RNs handle complex care, including wound management, IV therapy, and medication reviews.
2. Enrolled Nurse (EN) — Weekday
$80 to $140 per hour
ENs carry out many nursing tasks under RN supervision and are a more affordable option for moderate care needs.
3. Support Worker / Personal Care Worker
$50 to $76 per hour
These are not nurses, but they assist with bathing, dressing, meals, and domestic tasks.
Evening and Night Shifts:
Rates rise to approximately $170 per hour after hours.
Weekend Rates:
Saturday visits range from $140 to $240 per hour, while Sunday rates can reach $170–$300+ per hour. Public holidays attract the highest rates.
Live-In or 24-Hour Care:
Full-time live-in nursing care can cost $600 to $700+ per day under private arrangements, and up to $20,500 per month for around-the-clock support.
Most agencies also charge a minimum visit time of 1 to 2 hours, even for shorter tasks, to cover travel, documentation, and clinical handover.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Home Nursing Care?
Level of Care Required
Basic personal care is more affordable than clinical services. For example, a quick injection costs far less than ongoing wound care or IV therapy; the more specialised the care, the higher the rate.
Frequency and Duration
One-off visits are priced differently from daily care. While long-term arrangements may offer slightly reduced hourly rates, the total cost over months or years can be substantial.
Location
Major cities like Sydney or Melbourne generally have higher rates due to demand and cost of living. Regional areas may be cheaper per hour, but can include travel fees.
Nurse Qualifications
Registered nurses cost more than enrolled nurses. Highly specialised nurses, such as those trained in palliative or complex care, charge higher rates.
Consumables and Equipment
Items such as wound dressings, catheters, or medical supplies may be included or billed separately. Always confirm this in advance with your provider.
Time of Day and Day of the Week
Evenings, weekends, and public holidays carry higher rates due to penalty rates under Australian workplace laws.
What Does It Cost Through Government Funding?
The cost of nursing home care looks very different when government programs are involved.
Support at Home Program (from 1 October 2026)
Clinical nursing care is expected to be fully funded or heavily subsidised under Support at Home, depending on an individual’s approved budget.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Under CHSP, nursing services are priced at around $125 to $149 per hour, while clients usually pay a small contribution of about $4.70 to $11.15 per hour, depending on the provider and circumstances.
NDIS
For Australians under 65 living with a disability, the NDIS may fund nursing and personal care supports depending on an individual’s plan.
Private Health Insurance
Some private health insurance policies cover a set number of home nursing visits per year. It is worth checking your policy details, as coverage varies considerably between funds and tiers.
Veterans’ Entitlements
Eligible veterans may access dedicated funding pathways that reduce out-of-pocket nursing costs.
Private Nursing Care Costs at Home vs Residential Care
| Aspect | Private Nursing Care at Home | Residential Aged Care |
| Cost Structure | Pay per hour based on care needs | Fixed daily fees + additional charges |
| Typical Cost Range | $50 – $190 per hour | From ~$66.80/day + extra fees |
| Annual Cost Estimate | Varies widely depending on the hours required | ~$70,000 – $100,000+ per year |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible; choose hours and services | Limited flexibility; fixed care setting |
| Living Environment | Stay at home in familiar surroundings | Move into a care facility |
| Level of Personalisation | One-on-one, tailored care | Shared staff across multiple residents |
| Independence | Higher | More structured daily routines |
Private nursing care at home costs may seem higher on an hourly basis. Still, it often offers greater flexibility, independence, and personalised support, making it a strong option for many families.
Tips for Managing Home Nursing Costs
- Start early, as funding programs often have waiting lists
- Request for an itemised quote, including hourly rates and extra fees
- Review your care plan regularly to avoid unnecessary costs
- Combine services (e.g., nurse + support worker) to reduce expenses
- Adjust care hours based on changing needs
- Ask about package deals for ongoing care
- Check eligibility for government funding options
Ready to Explore Your Home Nursing Options?
If you or someone you love needs professional, compassionate support at home, the team at Burdel is here to help. We offer a full spectrum of home support services tailored to your individual needs with transparent guidance on funding and costs.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs and find out what support is available to you.
Rates are indicative only and vary by provider, location, and care needs. Always confirm current rates directly with your care provider.
FAQs
Does Medicare cover home nursing care in Australia?
Medicare does not fund ongoing home nursing care but may support short-term care through GP care plans or state-funded community services.
What is the difference between a home nurse and a support worker?
A home nurse is a registered or enrolled nurse who provides clinical care. A support worker assists with daily living tasks but is not medically trained. Many people make use of both support services.
Can family members get paid to provide nursing care?
In most cases, immediate family members are not funded as paid carers. Although some circumstances under the NDIS or carer support programs may allow exceptions, depending on eligibility.
How do I access funded home nursing care?
If you’re 65+, start with My Aged Care. For those under 65 with a disability, apply through the NDIS. Both require an assessment.
Is overnight or 24/7 home nursing care available?
Yes. Live-in and around-the-clock care is available, though it is significantly more expensive. Government-funded programs can sometimes contribute toward extended hours for eligible individuals with high care needs.
