A: Paying for in-home nursing care can often feel confusing due to multiple funding options, eligibility criteria, and wait times.
To simplify things, we've outlined the three main options below, along with clear advantages, average wait times, and steps to access each one.

When it comes to paying for in-home nursing care, there are three main options:
1. Private Nursing Care
Private nursing care allows you to directly pay for immediate and tailored nursing support without delays from assessments or funding approvals
Advantages:
- Immediate access (no government wait times)
- Flexibility to choose your preferred nurse or provider
- Fully customisable care tailored to your specific needs
Average Wait Time:
Steps to access Private Nursing Care
- Contact your preferred nursing provider
- Discuss your specific care requirements and request a quote
- Schedule your nursing service at a convenient time
- Pay directly out-of-pocket
2. Support at Home (Government-Funded In-Home Care)
Support at Home is the new national aged care program replacing Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025.
Advantages
- Government subsidies can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Access to comprehensive and coordinated nursing and support services - all under one plan
- Freedom to select your preferred care provider
- Designed to provide coordinated, flexible help for older people needing support to live safely and well at home
Average Wait Time
- After assessment, you may wait several weeks to months, depending on your classification and funding available
- There is a priority system for those with higher or more urgent needs
Steps to access Support at Home Funding
- Contact My Aged Care to request an assessment
- Complete an in-home assessment to determine your support classification
- Receive your assessment outcome and assigned support level
- Enter the national priority queue to await funding availability
- When funding is allocated, select your preferred nursing care provider
3. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP):
CHSP offers entry-level government-funded nursing care and support services for older Australians with minimal care needs.
Advantages
- Faster access compared to Support at Home.
- Subsidised basic nursing and support services.
- Suitable for people needing minimal assistance to remain independent.
Average Wait Time
- 2–6 weeks from assessment to service commencement.
Steps to access CHSP services
- Contact My Aged Care for initial screening
- Undergo a brief home assessment to determine eligibility
- Receive approval and referrals to local CHSP providers
- Contact your referred provider to organise care services
For personalised assistance or further guidance, please contact our team directly on 1800 778 767.