If you are a carer, planning respite care around the holiday season can feel overwhelming, but with the right information and a clear plan, it becomes much more manageable.
If you are considering residential respite this summer, it’s best to book 6–8 weeks in advance. Holiday periods fill quickly, and early planning gives you the best chance of securing a place that suits your family’s needs.
Whether you’re seeking a break to travel, rest or attend to other commitments, knowing your options and how to book will help you approach the holidays with confidence.
What respite options are available?
Respite care provides carers with much‑needed breaks while offering short‑term support for their loved ones. The main options include:
- In‑home respite: Support workers visit your loved one’s home for a few hours, overnight, or several days.
- Centre‑based or day respite: Social and recreational activities in community or day centres, typically during business hours.
- Cottage or community respite: Short stays ranging from one night to a few days in aged care accommodation or community settings.
- Residential respite: Short stays in aged care homes with full access to staff, meals, personal care and activities—usually for a minimum of two weeks.
If you’re looking for residential respite care, Aged Care Decisions can assist.
Our service is 100% free, independent and personalised. We’ll work with you to find options that fit your loved one’s care needs, location and budget, simplifying the process and making it easier for your family.
Why choose residential respite over the holidays?
Residential respite offers 24/7 professional care in a supportive environment, with staff trained to meet diverse needs. This option is especially suitable for longer breaks of two weeks or more, providing carers peace of mind that their loved ones are safe and well cared for during their absence.
Eligible older Australians can access government-subsidised residential respite for up to 63 days each financial year, with the allowance resetting every 1 July.
If additional time is required, extensions of up to 21 days can be requested with approval from an aged care assessor.
Residential respite can also:
- Support recovery after hospital stays or illness
- Help you assess whether permanent residential aged care may be the right choice in the future
- Provide access to allied health services and lifestyle programs
- Offer social connection in a home-like setting
A short residential respite stay can also serve as a gentle way to explore whether a particular aged care home feels like the right fit before considering a permanent move.
Because holiday periods are peak times for respite, residential beds can fill quickly. It’s wise to begin exploring options as early as possible.
How government‑funded residential respite works
Booking residential respite requires your loved one to have an aged care assessment that includes approval for respite care.
After approval, you will pay a basic daily fee (give dollar amount here) and possibly a booking fee to secure the placement. There are no accommodation bonds or lump‑sum deposits for respite stays. Optional extras, such as pay TV or premium services, may incur additional charges.
If financial concerns arise, hardship assistance may be available to reduce or cover fees based on individual circumstances.
When should you book holiday residential respite?
Given the high demand during summer, planning early is crucial.
- Book early – Aim to secure your respite dates 6–8 weeks in advance.
- Confirm aged care assessments – Ensure your loved one has a current assessment that approves residential respite.
- Search for available options – Reach out to aged care homes directly or use Aged Care Decisions’ free placement service.
- Verify all details – Confirm paperwork, fees and transport logistics before finalising your booking.
Early booking helps ensure that the respite care you choose aligns with your family’s preferences and needs during busy holiday seasons.
What to expect during a residential respite stay
Services and facilities will vary between providers, but typically your loved one will receive the following care and support during a residential respite stay:
- Private or shared accommodation with essential amenities, sometimes with ensuite
- Three daily meals, plus morning and afternoon teas
- Assistance with personal care such as showering, dressing, and mobility support
- Opportunities for social activities, entertainment and outings
- Medication management and nursing support
- Laundry and housekeeping services
Many facilities also offer allied health services like physiotherapy or occupational therapy, alongside recreational activities such as music therapy, gardening or arts and crafts. It’s worthwhile to inquire about these when booking to ensure a good match for your loved one’s preferences.
Preparing for a residential respite stay
To make your loved one’s transition as smooth as possible, prepare the following in advance:
Essential documents:
- Current care plan if receiving in home care from a Home Care Provider
- GP and medical summaries
- Updated list of medications
- Emergency and family contact details
Personal items:
- Comfortable clothing for the duration of the stay
- Toiletries and grooming products
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures or other assistive devices
- Personal comfort items such as photographs, books or a cherished blanket
Label all personal belongings clearly to avoid loss or mix-ups.
Communication with staff:
Provide staff with a summary of your loved one’s routines and preferences, including:
- Preferred wake and sleep times
- Dietary preferences or restrictions
- Personal care support needs and methods
- Communication tips, particularly if memory or hearing issues exist
Confirm arrival and departure times with the facility and clarify how you’d prefer to receive updates during the stay. Many carers find reassurance in regular check-ins from staff in the first few days.
Benefits of planning respite care in advance
Thoughtful advance planning offers multiple benefits:
For carers:
- Genuine, guilt-free breaks
- Opportunity to rest, travel, or catch up on other commitments
- Reduced risk of burnout; renewed energy for caring
For your loved one:
- Engaging social opportunities
- Professional care in a safe, nurturing environment
- A chance to enjoy new experiences and develop confidence
For future planning:
- Establish trusted relationships with respite providers
- Build a safety net for unexpected needs
- Inform future aged care decisions with real experience
Planning rather than rushing respite arrangements leads to enhanced wellbeing for all.
How Aged Care Decisions supports your residential respite planning
Finding the right residential respite for a two-week stay can be challenging, especially during peak holiday periods.
Aged Care Decisions offers a free, independent, and personalised service to help families quickly find and compare available aged care homes that suit their loved one’s care needs, location, and budget.
We handle the research, clarify costs and guide you through next steps, making the process easier and giving you confidence in your choices.
If you’re planning residential respite for the holidays, contact Aged Care Decisions on 1300 775 870 or complete our online enquiry form below to receive tailored support and secure quality short‑term residential care.
Here’s how our 100% FREE, FAST, and INDEPENDENT service works:
