How can you get respite care for yourself or your loved one? Let’s look at how government-funded short-term residential respite care works.
When you, or the person caring for you, needs a break from your everyday routine, residential respite care might be just what you need.
What is residential respite care?
Residential respite is a short-term stay in an aged care facility or nursing home.
On a short-term residential respite stay, you will get the same care and support services as permanent residents of the aged care facility. This includes meals, laundry, and social activities, as well as the care services you need to meet your everyday needs.
In short, it presents the opportunity for carers to take a well-earned break.
For the person receiving care, it offers the chance to enjoy a change of scenery and make new friends while receiving round-the-clock care. They can also get a taste of what life in a residential aged care facility is like.
Is respite care government funded?
The Australian Government will fund up to 63 days of respite care per eligible person per financial year. This 63-day allocation resets on 1 July each year.
Who is eligible for government subsidised respite care?
Australians aged 65yrs+ (or 50yrs+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), who need assistance with everyday living are likely to qualify.
My Aged Care have a handy eligibility checker on their website. Use this to quickly check whether you or your loved one is eligible for subsidised aged care.
If you don’t fit the standard eligibility but would like to access respite care for whatever reason, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation.
How can I get respite care?
First, you must complete an assessment to determine your eligibility. Assessments are coordinated by My Aged Care – you can get started with this link: How to apply for an assessment | My Aged Care or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
In an emergency you may gain access to respite without an assessment – your aged care provider or GP can arrange an urgent assessment for you.
After your assessment you will receive a respite classification, which will determine the level of subsidy your provider will receive, and ensure you receive the appropriate care for your needs.
Read more about aged care assessments: ACAT Assessment Guide – everything you need to know (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
How much must I pay towards the cost of respite care?
Residential respite fees are not the same as fees for permanent residents in an aged care home. There are no accommodation deposits or bonds that you need to pay.
For a residential respite stay, you will need to pay:
• the basic daily fee, set by the government at 85% of the single basic aged pension.
• a booking fee, which will be deducted from your daily fees during your stay.
• Additional service fees for any extra hotel-type services, such as pay TV. You will need to pay full price for these additional services as these fees are not subsidised by the government.
How do I find a subsidised residential respite care room?
This is where Aged Care Decisions can help.
Tens of thousands of Australian families take advantage of our FREE service that helps them to find respite care options that match the care needs and preferences of their loved ones.
We save time and reduce the stress of finding short term respite care vacancies.
How long can I stay in short-term residential care?
Most residential aged care facilities will allow a minimum of two weeks for a short-term stay. Recipients are eligible for up to 63 days per financial year.
What if I need to stay longer?
You aged care assessor can approve the extension of a short-term stay by up to 21 days at a time.
If you need an extension:
- The aged care home can arrange for an extension DURING your stay. Speak with the Facility Manager before your current respite stay finishes.
- My Aged care, or the assessment organisation that completed your initial assessment, can arrange for additional respite time if you’ve already used up your annual 63-day allocation.
What if I can’t afford to pay?
If you are unable to afford the financial contributions required for respite care, financial hardship assistance may be available.
The government will pay part of all your respite care fees if you qualify for financial hardship assistance.
What if I’m need emergency care?
You can call Carer Gateway in an emergency. This service is available on 1800 422 737, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Can I plan short-term residential care in advance?
Most facilities will allow you to organise a short-term respite care stay a few weeks in advance.
Read more: The benefits of planning respite care services in advance (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
How can I find a vacancy?
Aged Care Decisions’ FREE support service assists tens of thousands of families each month to find respite care options, aged care vacancies and home care providers.
Our dedicated support team use custom-built technology to find the best matched respite care options for you. We will send you a personalised aged care Options Report containing ONLY the respite care options that are currently available and that suit your specific needs.
You won’t waste time calling providers just to find out they have no vacancies or aren’t quite what you’re looking for.
Here’s how our 100% FREE, FAST, and INDEPENDENT service works:
Aged Care Decision brings comfort to families by empowering them in their aged care experience.
