The most expensive home care services revealed

If you’re receiving a Home Care Package through Australia’s Home Care Packages Program, it’s important to know how your funds are being used — especially when it comes to higher-cost services. Some services are more expensive than others and understanding where your money goes can help you make smarter choices about your care.

Here’s a breakdown of the most expensive types of services, what they include and what to watch for.

1. Personal care

What it includes
Help with showering, dressing, grooming, toileting and mobility support.

Why it’s expensive
Personal care is a hands-on, high-frequency service that often requires trained and experienced staff. If you’re receiving this help once or twice a day, costs can add up quickly — especially for weekend or after-hours visits.

→ Ask providers if they charge different rates on weekends or public holidays, because this can impact your budget significantly.

2. Nursing services

What it includes
Medication management, wound care, continence care, catheter changes and clinical assessments by a registered nurse.

Why it’s expensive
Nursing is performed by qualified health professionals (RNs or ENs), so it typically has a higher hourly rate. Even short visits can cost more than longer personal care sessions due to the skill level required.

→ Learn more about clinical services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Home Care Packages Program through My Aged Care.

3. In-home respite care

What it includes
A support worker stays with you while your usual carer, like a family member, takes a break.

Why it’s expensive
Respite is often longer in duration than other types of care — sometimes several hours — and may include more complex support. In some cases, overnight or extended respite care is offered, which significantly increases costs.

→ Some carers may be eligible for subsidised respite through the Carer Gateway.

4. Allied health services

What it includes
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology, dietitian services and more.

Why it’s expensive
These services require specialist clinicians. Fees vary, but even a single session can cost over $150. Equipment, prescriptions and follow-up appointments can also add to the cost.

→ Ask if a care plan from your GP (through Medicare) can help cover part of the cost. This is often possible if allied health services relate to a chronic condition.

5. Home modifications and equipment

What it includes
The installation of handrails, ramps, bathroom modifications, adjustable beds, lift chairs, walkers or mobility aids.

Why it’s expensive
These are one-off or infrequent purchases, but they’re typically the highest individual costs in a care package. A simple handrail might cost a few hundred dollars, but major modifications, like a bathroom overhaul or stairlift, can cost thousands — often requiring approval from your assessor or provider.

→ To find out more about home modifications, as funded through a Home Care Package or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, check out My Aged Care.

→ Providers must get quotes and ensure the product or service is appropriate for your care needs. You can’t use your Home Care Package funding to pay for home modifications or capital items that do not relate to care needs.

6. Management and administration fees

What it includes

• Care management
  Care management involves preparing and reviewing a person’s Home Care Agreement, along with their care plan — including their individualised budget
• Package management
  Package management involves handling funds, monthly statements, compliance and submitting claims to Services Australia.

Why it’s expensive
These fees don’t go towards direct care but they can take up to 20 – 35 percent of your total package budget, depending on the provider.

Package management fees, charged at a fortnightly or monthly rate, are capped at a maximum of 15 percent of the care recipient’s Home Care Package level.

Care management fees, charged at a fortnightly or monthly rate, are capped at a maximum of 20 percent of the care recipient’s Home Care Package level.

Providers must publish prices for care management as a dollar figure, so care recipients can easily understand and compare prices. Providers can publish a different amount for self-managed care recipients. 

→ Always compare providers’ fee structures before signing up. Use the My Aged Care comparison tool to see what each provider charges for management.

How to make the most of your funding

To avoid running out of funds or paying out of pocket:

• review your monthly statements and question unexpected charges;
• ask your provider for a care plan review if your needs or goals change;
• compare other providers if fees seem too high — you have the right to switch; and
• look into additional support, like Medicare-subsidised services or community transport.

Need help?

• My Aged Care
  1800 200 422 | myagedcare.gov.au
• OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network)
  1800 700 600 | opan.org.au
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
  1800 951 822 |  agedcarequality.gov.au
  

→ Understanding which services cost more in your Home Care Package can help you stay in control and ensure your funding is spent where it matters most.

Not sure if you’re getting the best value from your provider?
Take charge of your care — use AgedCareGuide.com.au to compare home care providers in your area. Check services, fees and reviews to find a provider that truly meets your needs and budget.

→ Start comparing now and make your Home Care Package work better for you.