The truth about care in the home costs

Caring for someone isn’t just about equipment. It’s about time, safety, dignity, and the physical and financial toll on everyone involved.

How does Behn® help?

Traditional setups often require multiple carers, multiple devices, and ongoing effort. Behn helps simplify all of that with one intelligent, fully integrated solution,

Streamline care
Save time
Reduce costs

Request a quote

No pressure, just support — get your obligation-free quote and start making care easier.

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Request a Behn quote today

When you request a quote, we’ll reach out to you to discuss your needs and guide you through your options.

Your quote includes:

  • A tailored pricing estimate based on your specific care needs and setup
  • Advice on available funding pathways and flexible finance options
  • Personalised support to help you move forward with confidence
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BY THE NUMBERS

The real cost of care

Upfront, Behn may seem like a premium solution, but when you factor in reduced labour, fewer devices, and lower risk, the picture changes.

Traditional set-up**  

$6,507 per month

Traditional solutions need multiple devices and carers, driving up both costs and complexity.

Separate bed, shower chair, and wheelchair, plus additional equipment
Usually requires two carers for safe transfers or higher risk of injury
Higher monthly labour costs

Traditional set-up**

$78,804 per year

Traditional solutions need multiple devices and carers, driving up both costs and complexity.

Separate bed, shower chair, and wheelchair, plus additional equipment
Usually requires two carers for safe transfers or higher risk of injury
Higher monthly labour costs

* In addition to the Behn® monthly rent cost, a one-off charge is payable to cover the cost of delivery, installation and carer training. Pricing subject to location and can be provided upon request.
** This indicative comparison is based on internal modelling and includes estimated costs for traditional equipment hire and paid carer support, based on publicly available rates as of June 2025, and is provided for general reference only; actual costs may vary.
Download full cost comparison and source table (PDF)

COMPARISON

Behn vs. traditional care*

How does Behn stack up against the usual mix of hospital beds, hoists, slings, shower chairs and care costs?

Here’s a quick comparison of what everyday care may look like:

Behn Client Transfer Solution*

Traditional equipment*

Caregivers required

1 carer: able to complete all transfers and repositioning independently. No manual lifting required. Reduces physical strain and staffing requirements.

2 (or more) carers: transfers and manual lifts often demand two caregivers, adding pressure, coordination challenges, and increased physical strain.

Equipment needed

All-in-one system: an adjustable bed, shower chair and commode—plus the added benefit of converting into a padded day chair for daily use.

Multiple pieces: an adjustable bed, patient hoist, sling, wheelchair, and commode as separate items. Each functions independently and is not integrated, requiring additional space, time, and coordination during care.

Transfer method

Automated slide/shift: Bed and chair connect and move the client in a gentle lateral motion – no manual lifting or sling suspending. The client is always supported on a surface.

Hoisting and manual lifting: Requires rolling the person to attach a sling, then lifting them with a hydraulic or electric hoist (client is suspended in mid-air)​, then repositioning into a chair. Multiple steps with significant handling.

*Insights are based on trials of the Behn system and consultations with healthcare advisors and experienced aged care professionals. Individual care practices and outcomes may vary depending on setting, staff, and client needs.

Smiling male carer in scrubs standing with arms crossed in a bright home, with elderly couple in background
Smiling elderly woman and carer leaning in close, sharing a warm and supportive moment in a care setting
Independence made easier

Care made easier, especially when it’s just you.

Providing care alone can be demanding—but it doesn’t always need to involve multiple devices, complex routines or unpredictable costs.

Behn brings essential daily care functions into one system, supporting safe, dignified transfers by a single carer—at home, in clinical settings, or during a supported return from hospital.

Let's clear things up

Do you have questions?

Is Behn covered by NDIS assistive technology funding?  

Yes, Behn may be eligible for funding or partial funding under the NDIS assistive technology scheme. Your Occupational Therapist, case manager or assessor can guide you through the application and assessment process. We're here to help too — our team can provide supporting documents, quotes, and guidance to make things easier.

Can I access Behn through My Aged Care assistive techology funding?

Yes, Behn may be funded through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme under My Aged Care. Your case manager or Occupational Therapist can help include Behn in your care plan as part of the aged care assistive technology pathway. We’ll support you with the necessary documents, pricing details and step-by-step help throughout the process.

How much does 24-hour care at home for the elderly cost?  

24-hour private care at home costs are variable, but in some scenarios can exceed $15,000 per month. Depending on your situation, Behn may help reduce the need for around-the-clock support by enabling safe, single-carer transfers 24/7—potentially lowering overall care-related costs.

What's the annual price of a nursing home vs at home care?

The annual cost of nursing home care in Australia can exceed $85,000, depending on the level of support required. In some cases, using a solution like Behn may help enable care at home from $47,400 per year—supporting greater independence and offering a more streamlined alternative for some individuals.

What is the typical nursing cost per month?

Retirement home costs in Australia can range from $2,000 to $8,000 per month, depending on care needs and location. In some situations, a solution like Behn may support safe, single-carer transfers at home—offering a more flexible approach that could help manage care more affordably.

Why are nursing home fees so high?

Nursing home prices often reflect the cost of 24/7 staffing, accommodation, equipment, and administration. Many families explore options like Behn to reduce dependence on residential care while still maintaining safe, high-quality support at home.

What contributes to nursing home care cost?

Nursing home and aged care prices include daily care fees, accommodation charges, means-tested fees, and optional services. For many families, these add up quickly. Nursing home prices tend to be fixed and ongoing, with limited flexibility. Home-based solutions like Behn allow for a tailored approach—lowering costs by reducing equipment, labour, and the need for multiple carers.

Is private nursing care in the home a better option than residential aged care?

Private nursing care can offer flexibility, but often comes with significant costs. In some cases, Behn may support greater independence at home by reducing the need for multiple carers or equipment—potentially lowering reliance on more intensive in-home services.

Can I reduce aged care accomodation costs with home solutions?

In some cases, using a solution like Behn may help extend the ability to provide care at home—potentially delaying the need to explore permanent aged care options, while supporting quality care in a familiar environment.