Respite care is a valuable service designed to provide support for both you and your carer during short periods of time. It offers a much-needed break for you and provides an opportunity to socialised and meet new people.
The nature of respite care varies depending on your circumstances. It can be arranged for a few hours, a few days, or even an extended period of time, and can be offered in your own home, within the community, or at an aged care facility.
Respite care is typically scheduled in advance, such as when a primary caregiver needs to take a trip or attend an appointment. However, it is also available for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
If you require emergency respite care, please contact Carer Gateway at 1800 422 737.
How can I access respite care services?
To receive government-funded respite care, the initial step is to assess your eligibility and determine the type of respite services you qualify for.
How can I verify my eligibility?
Simply answer a few basic questions using our eligibility checker tool. If you meet the criteria, you can proceed to apply for an assessment promptly.
Verify your eligibility now.
Emergency respite care
In the event that your primary caregiver is unexpectedly unable to provide care for you, emergency respite care can offer assistance. Situations that may necessitate emergency respite care include:
- the sudden unavailability of a primary caregiver,
- a significant illness affecting the primary caregiver,
- an urgent situation that hinders the ability of your caregiver to attend to your needs.
If you require emergency respite care either in your home or within the community, please reach out to the Carer Gateway at 1800 422 737.
When contacting them, you may be asked to provide some information to ensure that the appropriate type of care can be arranged.
For more details regarding emergency respite care, you can visit the Carer Gateway website.
If you are in need of emergency respite care in an aged care facility, please refer to the information provided under Respite care below.
Care in your home
Flexible respite services are available during the day or overnight, and can be provided either in your home or within the community. This service typically involves a trained caregiver coming to your home to allow your primary caregiver to take a well-deserved break.
Flexible respite services are offered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), ensuring that you receive the care and support you need conveniently and professionally.
Respite care options outside of your home
There are three types of respite care available outside of your home, including center-based respite. This type of respite care is available during the day and offers the opportunity to socialize and engage with others. Typically held at a day center, club, or residential setting, day respite programs often run from 10 am to 3 pm and may even include transportation to and from the center.
Centre-based respite
Center-based respite is a service provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), offering individuals a chance to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities and connect with others in a supportive environment.
Cottage respite
Cottage respite offers individuals the opportunity to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities by staying overnight or over a weekend in aged care accommodation or a community setting. This respite option allows caregivers to have some time for themselves, away from their usual caregiving duties.
Cottage respite can be enjoyed for two to three days at a time, providing a short but much-needed break for caregivers. This service is available under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), ensuring that caregivers have access to support when they need it most.
Residential respite
Residential respite care is provided in an aged care facility and is ideal for individuals who require assistance with most daily tasks. This type of care can range from a few days to a few weeks.
To be eligible for residential respite care, an assessment is required. However, in emergencies where an assessment has not been conducted, individuals may still be able to access this type of care in an aged care facility. In such cases, the care provider can facilitate an urgent assessment.
How does residential respite care function?
When you opt for residential respite care, you are granted access to the same level of care and support services as permanent residents of the aged care facility. This includes accommodations, meals, laundry services, social activities, and personalized care to meet your individual needs.
Upon completion of your aged care assessment, you will be assigned a respite classification. This classification will dictate the level of subsidy your provider will receive, ensuring that you receive the appropriate level of care tailored to your specific requirements.
How much residential respite care can I access?
Residential respite care offers up to 63 days of subsidized care within a financial year, including both planned and emergency stays.
If needed, this can be extended by 21 days at a time with approval from your aged care assessor. There are two ways to arrange an extension:
- If you are currently in respite care and wish to extend your stay, the aged care home can assist you. It is important to communicate with the aged care home before your current respite stay ends.
- If you’re not currently in respite but have already utilized 63 days of respite care and wish to arrange another stay, you can contact:
- the assessment organization that conducted your initial assessment
- or call My Aged Care at 1800 200 422.
How much does respite care cost?
You may be required to cover some of the expenses for your care and services. The amount you are responsible for will vary depending on the specific type of respite care you are receiving.
To gain a better understanding of the various fees associated with respite care, we encourage you to explore the different types available.”
Learn more about the different types of respite care fees.