How Long Can You Stay in Respite Care in Australia? (Quick Answer)
In Australia, you can generally stay in residential respite care for up to 63 days per financial year, with possible extensions. Other types, like in-home or day respite, usually have no strict annual limits.
Length of Stay by Respite Type
Residential Respite Care
- Standard limit: 63 days per financial year.
- Extensions: Possible in increments of up to 21 days, depending on assessed needs.
In-home Respite Care
- Typically no annual limits; hours depend on your funded support plan.
Centre-based Day Respite
- No strict annual limit, but visits are usually capped to a certain number of hours per day or week.
Cottage & Overnight Respite
- Generally ranges from 1–2 weeks, depending on availability and need.
Emergency Respite
- Short-term by nature, often lasting from a few days to weeks, based on individual circumstances.
Understanding the 63-Day Rule for Residential Respite
How it Works
Each person eligible for government-subsidised residential respite care can stay up to 63 days in a financial year (July 1 to June 30). These days can be used consecutively or spread across multiple short stays.
Extensions and Exceptions
If additional care beyond the 63 days is required, extensions of up to 21 days at a time can be granted following a reassessment of care needs through My Aged Care. Extensions are typically for recovery or if the carer’s circumstances significantly change.
NDIS Respite: How Long Can You Stay?
Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
Under the NDIS, respite (STA) is generally funded for up to 28 days per year, but individual plans can vary based on assessed needs and funding.
Limits Based on Individual NDIS Plans
Each NDIS participant receives a personalised budget, and respite durations depend on the individual's approved plan and support requirements.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Respite Limits
The CHSP provides flexible respite services without strict annual limits. However, availability can vary by location and provider, typically offering regular short breaks rather than extended stays.
Home Care Packages (HCP) Respite Guidelines
Under an HCP, respite care duration depends on allocated budget and care plan details. Typically, regular short-term respite breaks (weekly or monthly) are encouraged rather than long-term residential stays.
Scenario Examples: Typical Respite Stay Durations
Short-term Residential Stay
- 1–2 weeks while carers travel or manage short-term responsibilities.
Long-term Scenario
- Up to 63 days per year, often used consecutively in recovery scenarios or spread throughout the year for regular breaks.
Frequent Short Breaks
- Regular centre-based or in-home visits, typically weekly, with no annual cap but restricted by hourly service availability.
Can You Extend Your Respite Stay?
How to Apply for Extensions
To extend residential respite beyond the initial 63-day allocation, contact My Aged Care for a reassessment. An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will determine eligibility based on ongoing care needs.
When Might Extensions Be Denied?
Extensions may be denied if reassessments indicate reduced or stable care needs, availability constraints, or if other suitable support options become available.
Impact of Respite Duration on Carer Payments and Benefits
Short-term respite care generally doesn't impact Centrelink Carer Payments or Allowances. However, exceeding residential respite limits or transitioning to permanent care can affect these payments. Always consult Centrelink for precise details related to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is residential respite renewable each year?
Yes, the 63-day allowance resets each financial year (July 1).
Can respite care become permanent?
Yes, respite care can transition to permanent care with a reassessment and approval from My Aged Care.
Do day respite visits count toward annual residential limits?
No, only residential respite overnight stays count towards the 63-day residential respite limit.
Is there a lifetime maximum for respite care?
No, there's no lifetime cap; eligibility resets annually.
