Elder Care -- Frequently asked questions
Everything families and carers need to know about Nest & Nurture Elder Care. Contact us if your question is not here.
For families
What qualifications do Nest & Nurture Elder Care workers hold?
All workers hold a minimum Cert III in Individual Support (Ageing), a current National Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, current First Aid and CPR, and up-to-date flu and COVID vaccinations. Enrolled Nurses hold AHPRA registration and a Diploma of Nursing. Registered Nurses hold AHPRA registration and a Bachelor of Nursing. All qualifications are verified before any worker profile goes live.
Can we meet the carer before booking?
Yes. All families complete an online interview with their chosen carer before any booking is confirmed. Browse profiles, review qualifications and experience, and complete an interview. Only proceed once you are satisfied with the match.
How much does private in-home aged care cost?
Support Worker care starts at $75 per hour with a 2 hour minimum. Enrolled Nurse care is $100 per hour. Registered Nurse care is $140 per hour. Overnight care is a flat $350 per shift (9pm to 7am). All pricing is fixed and confirmed before you book.
Why is Nest & Nurture Elder Care less expensive than other agencies?
Traditional agencies take $50 to $65 of every hour as their margin, paying the worker $30 to $35 while charging families $85 to $115. Nest & Nurture Elder Care takes a flat $20 per hour platform fee. The worker keeps the rest. Families pay less. Workers earn more.
Will we always get the same carer?
Yes. Once you approve a carer as your primary worker, every booking goes to them. A verified backup carer is also assigned from workers in your area in case your primary carer is unexpectedly unavailable.
How do I pay?
Payment is taken in advance at the time of booking for casual sessions. For regular recurring bookings, a weekly charge is made in advance covering that week's scheduled sessions. All payments are processed securely through Stripe. Your carer is paid every Wednesday for the prior week's completed sessions.
Can Nest & Nurture Elder Care help while we wait for a government package?
Yes. The Support at Home program waitlist can be 6 to 18 months. Nest & Nurture Elder Care provides private in-home care with no waitlist, no eligibility assessment and no bureaucracy. Many families use us while waiting for a government package, then continue privately because the consistency suits them.
What types of care are available?
Support Workers provide personal care (showering, dressing, grooming), meal preparation, companionship, light domestic assistance and transport to appointments. Enrolled and Registered Nurses additionally provide medication administration, wound care, clinical assessments and post-hospital recovery support.
Is overnight care available?
Yes. Overnight care runs 9pm to 7am at a flat rate of $350 per shift. Your carer stays at the home and is available through the night for assistance, reassurance and care needs. The family provides a suitable sleeping arrangement for the carer.
Are carers insured?
Every carer on the platform holds their own public liability insurance as an independent contractor. Nest & Nurture Elder Care also carries platform-level cover. You can confirm insurance status on any carer profile before booking.
For carers
What qualifications do I need to join?
Support Workers need a minimum Cert III in Individual Support (Ageing), a current National Police Check (within 3 months), NDIS Worker Screening Check, current First Aid and CPR, flu and COVID vaccinations, and an active ABN. Enrolled Nurses additionally need AHPRA registration. Registered Nurses need AHPRA registration and a Bachelor of Nursing.
How much will I earn?
Support Workers earn $55 per hour. Enrolled Nurses earn $80 per hour. Registered Nurses earn $120 per hour. Overnight shifts pay $280 to you per shift. All rates are fixed and visible before you accept any booking.
When do I get paid?
Every Wednesday, automatically. Clock in and out on the platform for each session. Pay for all completed and verified sessions from the prior week is released every Wednesday with no action required from you.
Do I need an ABN?
Yes. Workers operate as independent contractors and need an active ABN. You can register for free at abr.gov.au. If you are currently registering you can still begin your application.
Can I set my own hours and suburbs?
Yes. You set the days you are available, the hours on each day, and the suburbs you are willing to work in. You are only matched to families whose schedule and location fit what you have set.
Do I have to accept every booking?
No. When a family requests an interview you decide whether to proceed. If the match does not feel right you can decline and remain available for other families.
How does the application work?
The application takes around 15 minutes. You upload your qualifications, police check, NDIS screening, first aid certificate and work history. Everything is verified before your profile goes live. We respond within 5 business days.
What happens after I am approved?
Your profile goes live and families in your area can browse it. When a family wants to book you they request an interview first. You meet online, decide if the match is right, and if both parties are happy the booking is confirmed.
Do I need my own insurance?
Yes. As an independent contractor you are required to hold public liability insurance. Minimum $5 million cover is recommended and typically costs $400 to $600 per year. You will upload your certificate of currency during the application.