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Private Nursing Care Costs at Home: The Essential In-Home Care Guide

Read this article to learn everything you need to know about private nursing care costs at home, what it includes, and if it’s the best solution for your loved one.

By
Haisey Home Care
May 23, 2023
•
x min read
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As people age or experience health issues, they may require additional medical care and assistance to continue living comfortably in their homes. Private in-home nursing care is a secure option for those who need ongoing medical attention and help with daily tasks but don't want to go to a nursing home. However, in-home care services come at a cost, which depends on several factors.

If you want to know more about private nursing care costs at home, this article is for you. We'll discuss how you can apply for personal nursing care through a Home Care Package and what these aged care services include. Understanding these factors can help patients and their families make informed decisions about their healthcare options and financial planning.

What Do Private Nursing Care Services Include?

Private nursing services can comprise medical and non-medical services. As part of private home care services, private nursing is provided by qualified nurses and designed for individuals with complex care needs. Elderly Australians who want to live independently in the comfort of their own home can apply for a Home Care Package, which is a government-funded care service program, and receive private nursing services.

Private nursing care can include the following services:

  • Personal care: Assistance with personal care and daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
  • Medication management: Administering medications and monitoring their effectiveness and side effects.
  • Vital sign monitoring: Monitoring and tracking vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
  • Wound care: Providing wound care and monitoring for infections or complications for people recovering from surgery or injury.
  • Rehabilitation support: Assisting with exercises or rehabilitation activities as directed by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
  • Palliative care: Providing palliative care and support for patients and their families.
  • Nursing assessments: Conducting nursing assessments to identify health concerns, develop care plans, and monitor progress.
  • Case management: Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals and providing ongoing care management.
  • Companionship: Providing companionship and social support to patients, which can help improve their overall well-being.

Private Nursing Services Providers

Private nursing services are typically provided by private nursing agencies or independent nurses hired by the patient or their family. This form of in-home care can also be provided by:

  1. A registered nurse
  2. A licensed practical nurse
  3. A certified nursing assistant
  4. A personal care assistant
  5. A home health aid
  6. A government-funded home care provider

The private nurse cost can depend on the healthcare provider you choose for your private nursing services. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to receive personalised medical attention, you can apply for an approved provider that offers private care services.

If you're eligible, you can apply for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) or a Home Care Package provider. CHSP services are designed for older people with short-term care needs, while individuals with complex care needs should apply for a Home Care Package. The federal government covers most of the costs related to these aged care services.

Bear in mind that home care services provided by a private agency can't receive government funding. If you want to receive a government subsidy, you will have to choose from a variety of government-approved providers.

Private Home Care Costs Australia

According to My Aged Care, private nursing in Australia can cost $55 to $120 per hour. These costs are usually higher for night shifts, weekend visits, specialised treatments and medications, as well as for emergency services. Private nurses who provide live-in care and 24-hour presence care charge even more, with $600 to $700 per week, which can double on public holidays.

Additional fees may include an initial assessment fee, ongoing case management fees, and any equipment or supplies needed for the patient's care. These additional costs can vary depending on the nursing agency and the patient's specific needs. It's important to ask questions upfront so you know what will be included in the total cost your care services. 

These are the factors that can determine private home care costs in Australia:

  • The level of required care
  • The location of the patient's home
  • The length of care required (part-time, full-time, or live-in care)
  • The qualification and experience of the private nurse or caregiver
  • The nursing agency or the home care provider

If you want to receive in-home care through a Home Care Package, the full cost may be partially or entirely covered by government funding. The patient must meet certain eligibility criteria for a Home Care Package, which can comprise age, care requirements, and the results of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) evaluation.

Note that you still must pay a certain amount, usually for the Australian government income-tested care fee and/or the basic daily fee for the home care provider. Elderly Australians who have reached their Lifetime Contribution Cap aren't required to pay the income-tested care fee.

Benefits of In-Home Care

If you're unsure whether to hire a private nurse or apply for a Home Care Package, here are some of the benefits of in-home care for older people:

  1. Tailored care: Home care services can be customised to meet the specific needs of the patient, providing a more individualised approach.
  2. Cost-effective care: Receiving care through a Home Care Package is the less expensive option since the majority of the care costs can be covered by the government.
  3. One-on-one attention: Private care typically involves one-on-one care provided by a qualified nurse or a caregiver, ensuring that the patient receives undivided attention.
  4. Increased comfort: Receiving care in the familiar surroundings of your home can provide greater comfort and reassurance to patients, which can't be provided in nursing homes.
  5. Improved quality of life: Private in-home care can help patients maintain their independence, mobility, and quality of life, allowing them to remain at home and participate in activities they enjoy.
  6. Reduced hospital readmissions: With proper care and monitoring, home care providers can help reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions, which can be stressful and disruptive for patients and their families.
  7. Family support: In-home care can also provide support for family members, giving them peace of mind and assistance with the challenges of caring for a loved one at home.
  8. Not only for the elderly: In-home care isn't only for elderly people, but individuals with disabilities and people recovering from surgery or injury.

How to Apply for A Home Care Package?

If you want to receive private nursing services through a Home Care Package, here's how you can apply:

  1. Contact aged care services at My Aged Care.
  2. Go through an ACAT assessment to find out what Home Care Package level you're eligible for.
  3. Undergo a formal income assessment.
  4. You'll be put on a waiting list, after which you will find out whether you're eligible for a Home Care Package.
  5. Choose a home care provider.
  6. Create a care plan with your chosen provider.

Before you apply for a Home Care Package, take the time to do some research about the best home care providers in your area and the services they offer. It will also help you understand Aged Care funding and the different types of services available.

Note that if you want to apply for a home care service, you need to meet the eligibility criteria. Your eligibility doesn't only include your current health condition and financial situation. It can also depend on various personal circumstances.

If you're not sure whether you'd be eligible for a Home Care Package, you can use the My Aged Care eligibility checker.

What Haisey Home Care Has to Offer

Haisey Home Care is a leading provider of private care services. We aim to provide our patients with the quality care they need to live comfortably and independently in the comfort of their own home. With the help of a skilled and compassionate caregiver, seniors can receive the support they need to manage daily tasks, stay healthy and active, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

These are some of the support services Haisey Home Care offers:

  • Specialised nursing
  • Personalised care
  • Companionship care
  • Help with everyday tasks
  • Meal preparation
  • Medication reminders
  • Help with mobility
  • Social support
  • Respite care
  • Light housekeeping and grocery shopping

As a dedicated care partner, we offer a low 23% fee for all four Home Care Package levels. There are no exit fees, daily charges, or hidden fees, which means you can receive the care you need without worrying about making ends meet. We offer completely transparent pricing.

Get the Help You Need

While many elderly Australians can benefit from private nursing care, due to the expensive cost of these services, it isn't an option for many people. That's why many seniors opt for Home Care Packages, which significantly reduce their care expenses and allow them to live more independently. By having a reliable and trustworthy caregiver in their corner, seniors can feel more secure, confident, and connected to their community.

If you have any questions about private nursing care, feel free to contact Haisey Home Care. You can also book an in-home, obligation-free consultation, and one of our trained caregivers will come to your home as soon as possible.