Independent home support for older people

Older people and their adult children, usually paying privately. Some clients may use government-funded packages, which can have extra requirements.

An hourly rate per visit, often with a minimum visit length. Regular weekly clients build steady income, and higher rates may apply for evenings and weekends.

• Patience and kindness
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Basic personal care or a care qualification
• Clear communication with families

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and check whether your cover includes personal care
• Check with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission whether you need registration to deliver any government-funded services
• Police check and worker screening requirements for your state or territory
• Check whether you are a genuine contractor or could be treated as an employee if you work through other platforms or agencies
• Physical and emotional demands, so set clear limits on what you can safely do (for example lifting and clinical tasks)
• Written service agreements covering fees, cancellations and what is and is not included

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on your insurance, training, equipment and screening checks. Your own costs will vary, so get insurance quotes and check what personal care cover includes before you budget.

Check with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission whether you need registration to deliver any government-funded services. Also check police check and worker screening requirements for your state or territory, and whether your insurance covers personal care.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many hours you work, how many clients you have and the fees you set. The idea assumes at least about 10 hours a week.