Respite care provides a temporary break for carers and the older Australians they support. It is designed to help you or your carer take time off from the usual daily routine, ensuring both of you maintain your health and wellbeing. Depending on your care needs and assessment outcome, respite can be delivered for a few hours in your own home, during a day out in the community, or as a short stay in a residential aged care home. The government subsidises these services, meaning eligible people only pay a basic daily fee or a small co-contribution.
Key Takeaways
- Respite care offers a short break for carers and older Australians.
- Services are delivered at home, in the community, or in an aged care home.
- You can access up to 63 days of subsidised residential respite per financial year, which can be extended by 21 days if approved.
- An aged care assessment is required to access subsidised residential respite.
- Support at Home and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme fund in-home respite.
In Australia, short-term care options play an important role in supporting families. They provide the space needed to rest while ensuring older Australians receive safe and continuous support.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a government-subsidised service that provides a temporary break for carers and the people they support.
It is used when your carer needs a break from their usual routine or when you need additional short-term support. Respite care can also give families time to prepare for a loved one to enter permanent aged care. The services are flexible and can be arranged for a few hours, overnight or for several weeks.
If you are looking for respite care or if you’re a carer looking for a break, Aged Care Decisions can assist you in finding residential respite care suited to your needs. We have experienced aged care specialists who can answer your questions, offer advice and help you find respite care options near you. Click here to access our free service.
What Other Types of Short-Term Care Options Are There?
Respite care is one of several short-term aged care options available in Australia. There are also two other types of support designed to help older people with different care needs and life situations.
Short-Term Restorative Care
Short-term restorative care helps individuals who are beginning to require help with everyday tasks. It is designed for people who want to improve their mobility and delay the need for long-term support. Since November 2025, restorative care is funded and delivered under the Support at Home program. A team of health professionals will develop an individualised plan to promote your independence.
Transition Care
Transition care offers support and specialised care following a hospital stay. It assists in recovery and helps you regain your independence sooner. The care is delivered in your own home, in the community, in an aged care home, or a combination of these. Transition care helps you reach the goal of returning safely to everyday life.
What is Residential Respite?
Residential respite refers to a short stay in an aged care home, most commonly for several weeks.
It is a practical option if there is a need for ongoing, continuous support for most daily tasks. Along with a room and services such as meals, laundry, and social activities, you receive care to meet your personal needs during your stay.
While you receive the same level of care as a permanent resident, you do not need to sign a long-term contract or pay a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD).
To determine your eligibility and ensure you receive the right care, an aged care assessment organised through My Aged Care is required. This assessment approves you for residential respite and sets your classification so providers receive the correct subsidy.
Eligible people can access up to 63 days of subsidised respite care in a financial year. If more time is required, it is possible to extend this by 21 days at a time with approval from your aged care assessor.
What is Community and In-Home Respite?
Community and in-home respite are available during the day, overnight, or for the weekend.
They are aimed at those who need occasional support to manage daily tasks while allowing their carer to take a break. Depending on your needs, this type of respite may be funded through the Support at Home program or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). The CHSP provides entry-level services and will transition into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
To determine your eligibility, you will have an in-home or phone assessment organised through My Aged Care using the Single Assessment System.
You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to check your eligibility and request an assessment.
What is Emergency Respite?
Emergency respite is available when care cannot be planned in advance.
Situations where emergency respite might be needed include the death or major illness of a primary carer, or an urgent situation that makes it difficult for your carer to look after you safely.
For further information or to arrange emergency support, contact Carer Gateway.
Does the Government Contribute Towards My Respite?
Yes, the Australian Government subsidises the cost of approved respite care, though you may be asked to pay a contribution.
For residential respite, you pay a basic daily fee, which is set nationally at 85% of the single basic Age Pension. Providers may also ask you to pay a booking fee to secure your place.
For community or in-home respite under government-subsidised programs, you pay a small contribution toward the cost of your services based on what you can reasonably afford. Your provider must explain all fees before you start.
To see the current basic daily fee amounts, check our schedule of fees and charges page.
How Do I Find Respite Vacancies?
When seeking a short-term residential respite stay, Aged Care Decisions can prepare a customised list of suitable options in your area.
We use Australia’s largest aged care vacancy database to match you with providers based on your care needs, budget, preferred location and timeline. Our service is 100% free and independent, and we support families from their first call to placement.
Contact us today for your FREE personalised list of respite provider options.
FAQs About Respite Care
Do I need an assessment before I can access respite care?
It depends on the type of respite you need. To access subsidised residential respite, you generally need an aged care assessment organised through My Aged Care. For community or in-home respite, eligibility is also assessed through My Aged Care using the Single Assessment System.
How long can someone stay in residential respite care?
Eligible older Australians can access up to 63 days of subsidised residential respite care in each financial year. If more time is needed, an aged care assessor may approve extensions of up to 21 days at a time.
How much does respite care cost?
The cost depends on the type of respite care you receive. For residential respite, you may be asked to pay a basic daily fee and sometimes a booking fee. You can find the current basic daily fee on our schedule of fees and charges webpage. For in-home or community respite under government-subsidised programs, providers may ask for a small contribution based on your circumstances.
What should I do if I need emergency respite care?
If your usual carer suddenly becomes unavailable due to illness, an urgent family situation, or another unexpected event, emergency respite may be available. In these situations, you can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for help arranging support quickly.
How do I arrange respite care or find a place?
You can start by contacting My Aged Care to check your eligibility and organise an assessment if needed. If you are looking for a short-term residential stay, speak one of our aged care specialists who can help you find a suitable place.
