Home Care Package Costs and Fees

Home care package costs and fees, explained simply

Home Care Packages are now the Support at Home program, and most in-home care is still government funded. Many families are entitled to more than they realise.

Our Care Managers walk you through what applies to you, what you're entitled to, and exactly what you'll pay, with no cost and no obligation.

Home care package costs and fees, explained simply

What the government pays toward your care each year

Level 1 — low needs
$10,731
Level 2 — low to moderate
$17,718
Level 3 — moderate
$24,586
Level 4 — moderate to high
$31,573
Level 5 — high
$38,561
Level 6 — high
$47,516
Level 7 — high to complex
$56,471
Level 8 — complex
$78,106

What decides what you pay

An assessment places you in one of the eight funding levels above, which sets your annual government budget. From there, three things shape the cost of your care. None of them are as complicated as they first look, and we walk you through all of it.

Your funding level

Your classification sets your government budget, similar to the old package levels 1 to 4. Higher needs mean a higher budget, up to $78,106 a year. Extra pools exist for restorative care, end-of-life care and home modifications.

The services you choose

Clinical care like nursing and physiotherapy is fully government funded, costing you nothing. For everyday living and independence services, a contribution may apply depending on your circumstances.

Your means, not your suburb

Any contribution is based on your income and pension status. Full pensioners pay the least, and there are caps so costs never run away from you.

The fees Nexia never charges

Your funding should go toward the people who provide your care, not a list of hidden fees. Here's what you will never find on a Nexia statement.

No brokerage fees

We deliver care with our own team. No middleman, no clip on the way through.

No entry or exit fees

Nothing to join, nothing to leave. If Nexia isn't right for you, walking away costs nothing.

No 15-minute billing traps

Proper visits with time to do the job well, not care carved into billable slivers.

Home care services and what they actually cost

Home care services and what they actually cost

A simple guide to what you're entitled to, what you'll pay, and how to get started.

  • A worked example: a typical week of care and what it actually costs
  • What Nexia charges for each service
  • All 8 government funding levels, explained
  • The 5 steps to getting started

Testimonials

In their words

“They think outside the box and their fees are fair and reasonable compared to other providers... This is our 3rd provider and I am extremely happy for the first time. Nexia makes everything easy.”
MMaryGoogle review
“They have taken so much pressure off me by knowing their job and putting things into place for me... My mums carers are both amazing and Mum really looks forward to their visits. I highly recommend Nexia.”
SLSharon LanteriGoogle review
“They helped make a difficult move for our Dad, Barry with their warmth, attention & personal care. He so enjoyed the activities & genuine warmth from everyone.”
SHSue HockingsGoogle review

The best care starts before the fall

Most falls happen when someone is quietly doing too much alone. Reaching too high, carrying too far, pushing through jobs that have grown too big. An extra pair of hands takes those risks off the table, so the fall never happens and home stays home.

Good care is pre-emptive, not reactive. Start early and the choices stay in your hands, with the same Nexia team beside you as needs change.

What your funding pays for at Nexia

Most families need more than one kind of home care service. Personal care today, nursing visits and meal support next month, transport and gardening ongoing. Nexia covers a broad range of services under one care plan, so you're not juggling multiple providers.

Personal Care icon

Personal Care

Domestic Assistance icon

Domestic Assistance

Transport icon

Transport

Restorative Care icon

Restorative Care

Companionship & Community Connection icon

Companionship & Community Connection

Allied Health & Nursing Services icon

Allied Health & Nursing Services

Health Monitoring icon

Health Monitoring

Gardening & Maintenance icon

Gardening & Maintenance

Care Management & Clinical Oversight icon

Care Management & Clinical Oversight

Map of Melbourne's west and north showing Nexia's in-home care region, the towns of Sunbury and Bacchus Marsh, and the Gisborne and Footscray residential aged care homes

Where we provide care

Nexia Aged Care proudly provides in-home care services across Melbourne’s western and northern metropolitan regions, including the Cities of Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham and Hobsons Bay, the Macedon Ranges Shire, the City of Hume (Sunbury only) and Moorabool Shire (Bacchus Marsh only).

Our local team members live and work in the area, so you’ll always be supported by people who understand your community.

In your home

Melbourne's western and northern suburbs

Our Support at Home team comes to you across Melbourne's western and northern metro suburbs.

In ours

Our Gisborne residence

Residential aged care in Gisborne, including Lorikeet Lane, our purpose-built dementia care household.

Explore our Gisborne residence

In ours

Our Footscray residence

Residential aged care in Melbourne's inner west, with a multilingual team and strong local community ties.

Explore our Footscray residence

Getting answers is simpler than you think

Three steps, and the first two cost you nothing.

Step 1

Talk it through

Book a confidential chat or a free home visit. No cost, no obligation, no pressure. You'll come away knowing exactly where you stand.

Step 2

Get the numbers on the table

A comprehensive clinical assessment at no additional cost, plus a clear, simple walkthrough of your funding. What you're entitled to, what you'll pay, no surprises.

Step 3

Start with the right plan

Care shaped around your routine and your budget begins when you're ready. As needs change, your care changes with it. Same team, same faces.

Tell us a little about your situation

Let's work out what you're entitled to, at your pace.

(Looking for work at Nexia? We'd love to hear from you, apply via our "Work with us" page instead.)

Prefer to talk? Call us on 1300 384 004

Frequently asked questions

Funding and costs

How much does aged care cost?

It depends on the type of care and your financial circumstances. Government funding covers a significant portion for most people. Before anything starts, our Care Managers walk you through exactly what you're entitled to and what you'd pay, in simple terms.

Support at Home

Who is eligible for Support at Home (SAH) funding?

If you’re aged 65 or over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) and need help to stay independent at home, you may qualify for government-funded support through My Aged Care. Your eligibility is determined through an assessment, which looks at your health, mobility, and daily living needs. Our Care Managers can guide you through registration and assessment, step-by-step.

What is the Support at Home (SAH) program?

The Support at Home program is the Australian Government’s new model for in-home aged care. It will replace Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). This reform aims to make it simpler for older Australians to access coordinated, flexible, and high-quality care at home.

How do I apply for funding?

You can apply by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visiting their website. They’ll organise an ACAT/ACAS assessment to understand your needs and determine what level of support you qualify for. If you’d like help, Nexia Aged Care can walk you through the process and liaise with My Aged Care on your behalf.

What services can be included in my care plan?

Your care plan is completely tailored to your needs and may include:

- Personal Care (e.g., showering, grooming, dressing)

- Domestic Assistance (e.g., cleaning, laundry, meal prep)

- Nursing and Allied Health (e.g., wound care, physio, OT, podiatry)

- Social and Transport Support (e.g., appointments, community activities)

- Home and Garden Maintenance (e.g., minor repairs, lawn care)

- Mobility aids or home modifications (e.g., ramps, rails, bathroom safety)

Your Care Manager will work closely with you to identify what best supports your health, safety, and lifestyle.

What is Care Management — and why does it matter?

Care Management means having a dedicated professional who oversees and coordinates your care. They make sure your services are aligned with your goals, regularly reviewed, and updated when your circumstances change. This approach ensures: consistent, high-quality care, no gaps or duplication in services, confidence that your wellbeing is being monitored

For families, it also means peace of mind, knowing someone is always keeping an eye on the big picture.

Can I choose my carers?

Yes — your comfort and connection matter most. We’ll match you with carers based on your language, culture, personality, and preferences, and keep your team consistent, so you get to know and trust the same familiar faces.

What if my needs change?

Your care plan evolves with you. If your health or situation changes, your Care Manager will review and adjust your supports to keep them aligned with your goals and wellbeing. We’ll check in regularly to make sure everything still feels right for you.

Are there hidden fees?

No — we’re fully transparent. Before you begin, we’ll clearly explain:

- What’s covered by your government funding

- Any personal contributions (if applicable)

- A breakdown of service costs in your monthly statements

You’ll always know where your funds are going, with no surprises or hidden fees.

How soon can services start?

That depends on your assessment, funding approval, and care plan. Once your package is in place, we strive to begin services as quickly as possible.

If you’d like to start receiving support while waiting for your package, we also offer self-funded (private) services, which can start almost immediately.

What happens if I’m not eligible for government funding?

You can still access our care privately. Many clients choose to begin with self-funded services, this gives you immediate access to the same quality care, with flexibility to transition to government-funded support later once approved.

How do I switch to Nexia Aged Care?

Switching is simple and supported.

We’ll guide you through three easy steps:

- Contact us – we review your care needs and explain the process.

- Coordinate transfer – we liaise with your current provider to ensure no disruption.

- Start with Nexia – your care continues seamlessly.

If you need help, our Care Manager can handle the process with you for a smooth transition.

What if I’m not yet approved for funding, but need support now

You don’t have to wait to receive care. Nexia offers private (self-funded) services that can start immediately, while you’re waiting for your funding to be approved.

What is the Income Tested Care Fee (ITCF)?

If you’re not a full pensioner, you may be asked to contribute an Income Tested Care Fee. This amount is determined by Centrelink, based on your income, and reviewed quarterly.

To estimate your contribution, visit the My Aged Care fee estimator (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/fee-estimator)

Are there lifetime ITCF contribution caps?

Yes — there are government-set caps that limit how much you’ll pay in ITCF fees over your lifetime. These caps stay with you, even if you move to another care provider or change package levels. Centrelink will notify you when you reach your cap.

What is a Referral Code and why do I need it?

Your Referral Code is a unique number from My Aged Care that activates your funding. It lets your chosen provider (like Nexia Aged Care) access your assessment and begin services.

If you’ve misplaced it or are switching providers:

- New clients: Find it on your My Aged Care letter.

- Existing clients: Call 1800 200 422 (tel:1800200422) to reactivate your code.

Once your code is active, we can start your care straight away.

General

What's the difference between Support at Home (SAH) and Residential Aged Care (RAC)?

Support at Home brings care to you in your own home, from help with cleaning and shopping through to personal and clinical care. Residential aged care means living at one of our homes, in New Gisborne or Footscray, with care, meals and community around the clock. Nexia provides both, so you can start with one and move to the other without changing providers.

How do I get started with My Aged Care?

You don't have to work it out alone. Call us first and we'll guide you through registering with My Aged Care and arranging your assessment, step by step. If you're already registered, we can pick things up from wherever you're at.

Can we start with help at home and move to residential care later?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest reasons families choose Nexia. Because we provide both services, your care can change as your needs change. Same team, same faces, and no starting again with a new provider.

What is the free clinical assessment?

Every new client receives a comprehensive clinical assessment at no additional cost. Our clinical team builds a clear picture of your health and support needs, so your care plan starts from facts rather than guesswork.