A holiday, an appointment or a regular afternoon off. Respite care lets someone else provide care while the usual carer takes a break. It can also give the person receiving care opportunities to meet people, join activities or experience a different setting. Respite can happen at home, in the community or in an aged care home, for anything from a few hours to a few weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Respite gives carers time for other commitments while the person they care for continues receiving support.
- Options include care at home, day centres, overnight cottage stays and residential respite.
- Transition care after hospital is a separate program, not another name for respite.
- Costs, minimum bookings and availability depend on the service and funding arrangements.
Why Choose Respite?
Your usual care arrangements may work well, but there will be times when something different is needed. A carer might be going away, attending appointments or making time for their own interests.
Respite provides another care arrangement for that time. Depending on the service, it can also offer social activities and a change of setting for the person receiving care.
Taking a Break
A respite break does not have to mean a stay away from home. A care worker can visit for a few hours while the usual carer goes out, attends an appointment or spends time with friends.
For a longer break, overnight care or a short stay in an aged care home may be an option. The right arrangement depends on the care needed and services available.
Arranging Care After Hospital
Residential respite may be an option when someone is ready to leave hospital but needs temporary care before returning home.
However, respite is not a rehabilitation program. Transition care is a separate service that supports recovery after a hospital stay.
If recovery support is needed, speak with hospital staff about suitable services before discharge. An assessment for transition care needs to happen while the person is still in hospital.
Experiencing Life in an Aged Care Home
A residential respite stay can also give someone experience of day-to-day life in an aged care home before considering a permanent move.
It provides an opportunity to get to know the setting, staff and routines during a temporary stay. Respite remains a short-term care arrangement, rather than a commitment to move permanently.
Can You Arrange Respite When a Carer Goes on Holidays?
Yes. Respite can be planned around a carer’s holiday, whether care is needed for a day, overnight or several weeks.
Depending on care needs, eligibility and availability, options include:
- Informal care from family or friends.
- In-home flexible respite, where a care worker comes to the person’s home during the day or overnight.
- Centre-based day respite, with opportunities to socialise and join activities.
- Cottage respite, providing overnight or weekend care in a centre or community setting.
- Residential respite, providing a temporary stay and care in an aged care home.
Government-subsidised residential respite generally requires an aged care assessment. In an emergency, care may be able to start before an assessment, with the provider arranging an urgent assessment.
If a carer unexpectedly becomes unable to provide care because of illness, injury or another urgent situation, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. Emergency respite assistance is available through this number at any time of the day or night.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?
Some respite services are free. Others involve a contribution or private fees. What you pay depends on the type of care, provider and funding arrangements.
For government-subsidised residential respite, fees can include a basic daily fee and a booking fee. An optional higher everyday living fee may apply for agreed services above the required standard. Providers cannot charge accommodation costs or means-tested contributions for this type of respite.
Check the full cost before booking, including what is covered and which services are optional.
Check the current respite care fees and charging rules.
Who Can Access Government-Subsidised Respite?
Eligibility depends on care needs and circumstances, as well as age. A person with care needs may qualify for an aged care assessment if they are:
- Aged 65 or over.
- An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or over.
- Aged 50 or over and homeless or at risk of homelessness.
An aged care assessment determines which services the person is eligible for. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss an assessment.
Will Carer Payments Continue During Respite?
A carer can generally continue receiving Carer Allowance or Carer Payment for up to 63 respite days each calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December. If your carer receives Carer Allowance or Carer Payment, they must tell Services Australia within 14 days of starting a break from caring.
This is separate from the financial-year allowance for government-subsidised residential respite. The two rules cover different things: one concerns the carer’s payment, the other concerns subsidised care.
Is There a Minimum Respite Stay?
There is no single booking length that applies to every type of respite. Check the provider’s minimum booking and available dates before making plans.
As a guide:
- In-home flexible respite can be for a few hours or overnight.
- Centre-based day respite often runs from 10am to 3pm and may include transport.
- Cottage respite generally provides care for two to three days, including overnight or weekend stays.
- Residential respite can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the arrangement.
Eligible people can generally access up to 63 days of government-subsidised residential respite each financial year. Extensions of 21 days at a time require assessor approval. Different arrangements apply through some specialist aged care programs.
Approval does not guarantee a vacancy. Confirm that the home can meet the person’s care needs and has a place available for the dates required.
What Are the Benefits of Respite?
The most useful respite arrangement is one that fits both people: the carer has time away from their usual responsibilities and the person receiving care has suitable support.
For carers, respite can provide time to:
- Take a holiday or attend events.
- Keep medical and other appointments.
- Spend time with family and friends.
- Enjoy hobbies or attend to personal matters.
For the person receiving care, opportunities may include:
- Meeting and socialising with different people.
- Joining activities or outings.
- Enjoying a change of setting.
- Experiencing daily life in an aged care home.
These opportunities vary between services. Ask what a typical day includes, rather than assuming every provider offers the same activities.
What Should You Discuss Before Respite Starts?
Share the person’s usual routines, care needs and preferences with the respite provider. Include the person receiving care in these discussions wherever possible.
Before care starts, confirm:
- Medication and personal care arrangements.
- What to bring and which documents the provider needs.
- Activities available during the stay.
- Who to contact if plans or care needs change.
- Whether a visit can be arranged before the booking.
Residential respite fees and arrangements should be set out in the service agreement.
How Our Free Service Helps
Aged Care Decisions can help you compare residential respite options based on care needs, location, preferences and availability. Our service is free for families.
We can help you identify suitable aged care homes and understand the options available, without contacting each home individually.
