What is Respite Care?
Respite care is short-term, temporary care provided to an individual so that their primary carer can take a break. It ensures the person receiving care continues to be supported while giving carers time to rest, attend to personal needs, or manage other responsibilities. In Australia, respite care is a vital part of the aged care and disability support systems, helping prevent carer burnout and improving overall wellbeing for families.
Whether it’s for a few hours, a weekend, or several weeks, respite care offers a crucial safety net—especially when caring responsibilities become overwhelming or when carers need to tend to their own health and commitments.
Why Respite Care Matters
Benefits for Carers
- Physical and mental recovery: Caring full-time is exhausting. Respite allows for vital rest.
- Reduced burnout: Regular breaks reduce long-term stress and emotional exhaustion.
- Time for appointments or personal matters: Many carers neglect their own needs—respite gives them space to catch up.
- Improved carer-patient relationship: Time apart can actually strengthen relationships by providing perspective and renewal.
Benefits for the Person in Care
- Social interaction: New environments and caregivers can be stimulating and enjoyable.
- Safety: If a carer is unavailable or unwell, respite ensures continuity of care.
- Access to specialist services: Many respite providers offer activities and therapies not available at home.
Types of Respite Care in Australia
Australia offers a diverse range of respite options tailored to different needs, settings, and durations.
In-home Respite Care
A support worker visits the person’s home, allowing the primary carer to leave or take a break while care is provided in familiar surroundings.
Best for: Carers needing a few hours off, clients with dementia or mobility issues.
Centre-based Day Respite
Offered by aged care centres or community organisations, this provides structured group activities in a safe environment, typically from morning to afternoon.
Best for: Older Australians seeking social interaction or light supervision during the day.
Community Access Respite (Social Respite)
This involves community outings and engagement—such as attending a concert, movie, or group excursion—supported by a care worker.
Best for: Adults with disability or ageing Australians who enjoy social outings.
Cottage & Overnight Respite
Clients stay overnight in a dedicated cottage or home-like setting, sometimes for several days.
Best for: Medium-length breaks, weekend coverage, or trialling overnight care.
Residential Respite Care
Short-term stays in an aged care facility, where all meals, care, and activities are provided. Funded through My Aged Care, it can be used for up to 63 days per financial year, with potential 21-day extensions.
Best for: Carers going on holidays, recovering from illness, or managing a crisis.
Emergency Respite
When unforeseen situations arise—such as a carer being hospitalised or facing a personal emergency—Carer Gatewayor local services can arrange rapid placement.
NDIS-Funded Flexible Respite
People with disability under the NDIS can use Core Supports or Capacity Building budgets to fund respite. This might be a support worker visit, overnight stays, or short-term accommodation.
Who Is Eligible for Respite Care?
Eligibility depends on the person’s age, health condition, and support framework:
- Older Australians (65+ or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people): May be eligible for respite through My Aged Care under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Packages (HCP).
- People with disability: Those with an approved NDIS plan may access respite through Core Supports.
- Carers: Eligibility can also depend on the carer’s needs—especially in emergencies. Carers registered with Carer Gateway can access subsidised support.
A formal assessment is usually required, either through My Aged Care or the NDIS planning process.
How to Access Respite Care in Australia
There are several ways to arrange respite care, depending on the situation:
1. Through My Aged Care
- Call 1800 200 422 or apply online to start an assessment.
- Services available via:CHSP: One-off or occasional support.HCP: Regular, coordinated support including respite.
- CHSP: One-off or occasional support.
- HCP: Regular, coordinated support including respite.
2. Through Carer Gateway (Emergency or Planned)
- Carer Gateway provides a single access point for emergency respite.
- Call 1800 422 737 (24/7), especially for urgent needs.
3. Through the NDIS
- Work with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator.
- Respite may fall under:Short Term Accommodation (STA)Assistance with Daily Life
- Short Term Accommodation (STA)
- Assistance with Daily Life
4. Privately or Through Not-for-Profit Organisations
Some families opt to self-fund respite or use services like:
- BaptistCare
- HammondCare
- Life Without Barriers
- Benetas
Costs & Funding Options
Costs vary depending on the provider, funding source, and service type.
Government Subsidies
- Residential respite: Subsidised by the Australian Government, but you may pay a basic daily fee (up to 85% of the Age Pension).
- CHSP services: Generally low cost—$10 to $20 per hour.
- NDIS services: Funded under your approved budget.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Varies based on means testing (for aged care) and provider type.
- Private respite can cost $150–$350/day, depending on care needs and location.
Carer Payment & Allowance Considerations
If you’re receiving a Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, short-term respite won’t usually affect your eligibility, but extended stays might. Check with Services Australia.
How Long Can You Use Respite Care?
For residential aged care respite:
- 63 subsidised days per financial year (can be broken up across stays)
- Extension of up to 21 days at a time available if assessed as necessary
For NDIS or private respite, duration is determined by your funding allocation or budget.
Respite Care Planning & Booking Checklist
Before arranging care:
- Complete an assessment through My Aged Care or NDIS.
- Choose the right type: Centre-based, in-home, or residential?
- Check availability early—especially for holiday periods.
- Prepare documentation:Medical history and medicationsEmergency contactsDaily routines or behavioural needs
- Medical history and medications
- Emergency contacts
- Daily routines or behavioural needs
- Visit the facility (if possible) or arrange a video tour.
- Discuss the plan with the person in care to reduce anxiety.
- Confirm out-of-pocket costs and subsidies.
Quality & Safety Standards
All government-funded services must meet national standards:
- Aged Care Quality Standards: Person-centred care, dignity, safety, clinical care.
- NDIS Practice Standards: Safeguards for disability services including staff qualifications and risk management.
You can check provider compliance on:
Pros & Cons of Respite Care
Pros:
- Essential breaks for carers
- Social and mental stimulation for clients
- Can help delay full-time residential care
- Can help families trial aged care before committing
Cons:
- Availability is limited in rural/regional areas
- Some clients may experience anxiety in new environments
- Short stays can cause confusion for those with dementia
- May involve fees even with subsidies
FAQs
Is respite care free in Australia? No, but it is heavily subsidised. You may need to pay a basic daily fee unless you have full funding through NDIS or My Aged Care.
Can you use respite care for dementia patients? Yes. Many services are trained in dementia support. Residential care homes often have secure dementia wings.
How quickly can you get respite? Emergency respite can be arranged within hours through Carer Gateway.
Does respite affect the carer’s Centrelink payments? Not usually, unless the person in care stays longer than 63 days or moves into permanent care.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- Respite care is a critical service supporting carers and those they care for.
- A wide variety of options are available, including in-home, day, overnight, and residential care.
- Government subsidies exist through My Aged Care, the NDIS, and Carer Gateway.
- Planning ahead and assessing eligibility early can help ensure access when needed.
Ready to find services near you? Visit [Respite Care Finder] to browse and compare local providers today.
Need help navigating respite care in your area? Our team at Respite Care Finder Australia is building a national directory to help carers access support quickly. [Contact us] for more information or partnership opportunities.
