Looking into 24-hour care at home for yourself or a parent? Here’s a clear guide to what 24-hour care means, how to get 24-hour care at home, how much 24-hour care in the home may cost, and how it keeps you living in your element.

TL;DR

24-hour care at home means continuous day-and-night support in your own home from a consistent team, help with personal care, mobility and daily tasks, with either active (awake) or inactive (sleepover) overnight care.
Choose rotational shifts (3 × 8–12 hours) for active nights or a live-in model (24 hours with sleepover) for lighter nights. A Service Manager builds and reviews a personalised plan.
24-hour care is perfect for older Australians who want to stay at home, those with high or complex needs (dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, palliative), falls risk, or families needing dependable cover.
24-hour care is usually priced in daily blocks; rotational/active nights are hourly. Pricing varies by day vs night/weekends/public holidays, and any registered nurse inputs.
Call Acquaint on 03 9267 9090. We assess your needs, provide a clear quote, carefully match your team and set a schedule that adapts as things change.

What does 24-hour care mean?

24-hour care at home means continuous support across the day and night in your own home. A consistent team of experienced carers provides help with personal care, mobility, and daily living activities. Depending on your care needs, support can be active care (awake and working throughout the night) or inactive overnight care (a sleepover with the carer on hand if needed).

In short, it’s constant supervision and ongoing support delivered where you’re most comfortable, at home.

How 24-hour care works

Staffing models and shift patterns

There are two common ways to arrange round-the-clock support:

Rotational shifts (intensive): Carers each work 8-12hour shifts across the 24 hours. This suits people who need active care overnight, frequent turns or transfers, or support for medical needs at set times.
Live-in model (traditional): One care worker stays for a 24-hour period with inactive overnight care (a sleepover). Another staff member rotates in the next day. This can be more relaxed if night-time support is light and mainly for reassurance.

Both options give you on-call help, constant support, and a consistent team. We’ll recommend the model that best fits your care required, daily patterns, and preferences.

Your personalised care

Every client has a Service Manager who leads the process and regularly reviews your care. We start with a thorough conversation about your goals, health history, medications, routines, and equipment required (if any). Then we create personalised care and services that may include:

Personal care: showering, grooming, dressing, continence care.
Mobility and falls prevention: transfers, safe walking practice, short walks.
Community access: appointments, shopping, social outings.
Companionship: conversation, hobbies, staying connected with friends and family members.

We keep open communication with your care team and family. If your needs change, your care changes with you.

Know our premium and passionate 24 hour home care services

Who is 24-hour care best suited to?

People who want to remain living at home rather than moving to a nursing home
Those with high care needs, dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke after-care, palliative care, or frequent night support
People at risk of falls, wandering, or missed medications
Families needing dependable cover during travel or busy periods

If you value your routine, pets, garden, and neighbourhood, and prefer trusted help from the same person/people, 24-hour support at home with Acquaint fits well.

How to get 24-hour care at home (step-by-step)

Call the friendly team at Acquaint on 03 9267 9090 to discuss your situation. We’ll listen to your goals and outline options, including at home aged care services during the day and night.
Your Service Manager reviews current routines, health conditions, medications, risks, and your preferences. We can speak with your GP or healthcare professionals if helpful.
Receive a personalised quote that reflects the care needs and shift model.
We carefully match staff to your clinical requirements, personality, interests, and routines.
We begin with an agreed schedule (rotational or live-in) and check-ins from your Service Manager.
We regularly review care and adjust services as needs vary depending on health, mobility, or preferences.

How much does 24-hour care cost?

You’ll see two main charging styles:

Daily blocks for live in care with inactive overnight care (the carer sleeps and wakes if needed).
Hourly care for intensive rotational shifts (e.g., three 8-hour shifts or two 12-hour shifts) and for active overnight support.

Your home care cost will vary depending on:

Daytime vs night-time, and whether the overnight period is active or inactive
Weekdays, weekends, and public holidays
Mix of carers and any registered nurse visits
Travel time, parking, and location

24-hour care at home vs a nursing home

Home care keeps you in familiar surroundings with your own schedule, favourite chair, and neighbourhood close by. You’ll have a consistent team rather than a roster of different faces, which often feels calmer and more personal. Families appreciate regular updates and the ability to visit freely.

Residential aged care may suit those who want an on-site setting with communal spaces, but many people prefer the comfort and control of staying at home. If your needs increase, your care can scale, extra hours, a shift change, or registered nurse inputs, without uprooting your life.

Why families choose 24-hour care with Acquaint

Peace of mind knowing someone is there at all times
Open communication with updates you can trust
A dedicated team that understands your routines and preferences
The ability to keep pets, hobbies, and community connections
A service that adapts as needs change

Arrange 24-hour care at home

Let’s make home the centre of your care. Call Acquaint on 03 9267 9090 and our Service Manager will design personalised care with a consistent team so you can stay living in your element day and night.

Send us a message to know more

_{Last updated: September 2025}