Understanding respite care: How it works, where it’s delivered and how to pay for it
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. – Oscar Wilde
All of us at CareAbout deeply appreciate the vital role that carers play in our communities, especially those unpaid carers who give so much of themselves. The good news is that the government recognises this too, offering respite care to help carers take a well-deserved break while ensuring their loved ones are well looked after.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary relief for carers, giving them a chance to rest, recharge or attend to their own needs, knowing their loved ones are in safe hands. Whether you need a few hours or a few days of support, respite care is designed to ease the burden on carers.
Where can respite be delivered?
In-home respite: Services come to you, allowing carers to take a break while their loved one stays at home, even overnight. This can be funded through a Home Care Package or paid for privately.
Day centres: Care recipients attend programs during the day, giving carers time to focus on their own health and wellbeing. Day centres typically operate from 10 am to 3 pm, and transportation may be included. Government subsidies are available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program or your Home Care Package.
Cottage-style accommodation: For overnight stays, community-based respite is provided in a homely, cottage-style environment with 24-hour support.
Residential care: Temporary stays in an Aged Care Home are available for planned or emergency situations. Up to 63 days of subsidised care are available each year, with an option to extend by 21 days if necessary.
How to pay for respite care
Residential respite: If approved by My Aged Care, the government covers most of the fees. Carers are responsible for a contribution, which is currently set at 85% of the single basic age pension. As of October 2024, this equates to a maximum daily fee of $63.57.
Some providers may offer additional services, such as premium meals or streaming options, which are not covered by the government. Be sure to check for any extra charges before entering into respite care.
Private respite: In some situations you may wish to use your Home Care Package funds to cover the full cost of respite in an Aged Care Home with no other government subsidies applied. However, this may affect your package budget for future care services, so it’s important to discuss this with both your Home Care provider and the Aged Care Home to work out if this is right for you.
Cottage respite: Overnight care in a community setting provides flexible, short-term options. Costs are mostly subsidised by the government with customer contributions varying by provider.
Emergency respite: If your carer is suddenly unavailable, emergency respite can be arranged through Carer Gateway. Call 1800 422 737 or visit www.carergateway.gov.au to explore your options for immediate support.
Taking time to care for yourself as a carer is not just necessary – it’s vital for both you and your loved one. Respite care offers peace of mind, so you can take a break while knowing they’re well cared for.
Need guidance?
CareAbout can help you find a Home Care provider who understands the importance of caring for the carer and can help everyone stay well-cared for. Give us a call today at 13 13 00 and speak to one of our friendly advisors.
My expectations were exceeded with the quality of help, support and continuous phone call follow ups to make sure I found an aged care facility for my dad. Billy made the process so easy and took the stress out of finding a suitable aged care facility. Extremely thankful and grateful. I strongly recommend CareAbout services if you’re looking for a nursing home.
Thanks! I am looking for Nursing Homes for myself in...Thanks! I am looking for Nursing Homes for my mother in...Thanks! I am looking for Nursing Homes for my father in...Thanks! I am looking for Nursing Homes for my partner in...Thanks! I am looking for Nursing Homes in...
Please select from the dropdown below
Why we need your postcode/suburbSo we can find providers in your area
Please select an option from the dropdown.
Thanks! I need to find a Nursing Home…Thanks! I need to find a Nursing Home for my mother…Thanks! I need to find a Nursing Home for my father…Thanks! I need to find a Nursing Home for my partner…Thanks! I need to find a Nursing Home…
Please enter your details below to find the right Nursing Home for you.Please enter your details below to find the right Nursing Home for your mother.Please enter your details below to find the right Nursing Home for your father.Please enter your details below to find the right Nursing Home for your partner.Please enter your details below to find the right Nursing Home for their needs.Why do we need this? So we can get in touch and help find you nursing homes for your needs.
Thank you,
A CareAbout expert will contact you shortly to assist you with your Nursing Homes options.
A CareAbout expert will contact you shortly to assist you with your Nursing Homes options.
A CareAbout expert will email you shortly to assist you with your Nursing Homes options.
A CareAbout expert will email you shortly to assist you with your Nursing Homes options.
If you require immediate assistance you can call us on 13 13 00
My expectations were exceeded with the quality of help, support and continuous phone call follow ups to make sure I found an aged care facility for my dad. Billy made the process so easy and took the stress out of finding a suitable aged care facility. Extremely thankful and grateful. I strongly recommend CareAbout services if you’re looking for a nursing home.
Oliver B.
July 2024, Trustpilot
12345
Highly recommend CareAbout service
I would recommend the CareAbout service. Veronica was very quick to provide support based on our needs. What is already a confusing process, I am grateful to have stumbled onto CareAbout to help me navigate.
Dee L.
July 2024, Trustpilot
12345
Billy is an asset to CareAbout
I dealt with Billy Bennett who was a fantastic help in finding my mum Betty L. respite at Doutta Gala Avondale Heights. Billy was very knowledgeable and gave me the right advice as I had no experience in placing a loved one into an aged care facility. I would definitely recommend Care About and especially Billy to anyone wanting the same assistance in the future.
Jan
July 2024, Trustpilot
We’re here to help
Advice you can trust
Independent advice from experts who know, understand and care.
Quality Care Partners
Not all care is created equal. We help you find the right services delivered by reliable, quality partners.
Thousands of families helped
Every day we help people like you find the care they need.
Thanks! What is the status of your Home Care Package?Thanks! What is the status of your mother’s Home Care Package?Thanks! What is the status of your father’s Home Care Package?Thanks! What is the status of your partner's Home Care Package?Thanks! What is the status of their Home Care Package?
Thanks. What is your Home Care Package Level?Thanks. What is your mother's Home Care Package Level?Thanks. What is your father's Home Care Package Level?Thanks. What is your partner's Home Care Package Level?Thanks. What is their Home Care Package Level?
Thanks. Have you received a Home Care Package letter from My Aged Care?Thanks. Has your mother received an Approval Home Care Package letter from My Aged Care?Thanks. Has your father received an Approval Home Care Package letter from My Aged Care?Thanks. Has your partner received an Approval Home Care Package letter from My Aged Care?Thanks. Have they received an Approval Home Care Package letter from My Aged Care?
Thanks! Where do you live?Thanks! Where does your mother live?Thanks! Where does your father live?Thanks! Where does your partner live?Thanks! Where do they live?
Please select from the dropdown below
Why we need your postcode/suburbSo we can find providers in your area
Please select an option from the dropdown.
Thanks. You’re almost done!
Please enter your details below to find the right Home Care provider for you.Please enter your details below to find the right Home Care provider for your mother.Please enter your details below to find the right Home Care provider for your father.Please enter your details below to find the right Home Care provider for your partner.Please enter your details below to find the right Home Care provider for their needs.Why do we need this? So we can get in touch and help find you a care provider for your needs.
Thank you,
A CareAbout expert will email you shortly to assist with your Home Care options.
A CareAbout expert will contact you shortly to assist with your Home Care options.
A CareAbout expert will email you shortly to assist with your Home Care options.
A CareAbout expert will contact you shortly to assist with your Home Care options.
If you require immediate assistance you can call us on 13 13 00
I could not recommend CareAbout more highly. They are very professional in their approach of your needs and are so willing to assist in every way possible. The staff are extremely pleasant and understanding. Nothing is too hard or difficult for them. Forever grateful for their assistance with a very daunting task for myself and family. Thank you Guy
Guy B
July 2024, Trustpilot
12345
Friendly and Professional
I would like to congratulate and give thanks to the Consultant Claire, who treated me as a person not a number, was very helpful and professional in giving me advice, and arranging through all the providers, ones that were suitable for my needs. Thank you, and I would suggest all people looking for home care packages, first go to CareAbout, to save time and stress. Thank you again.
Wayne S
July 2024, Trustpilot
12345
Top service and care
Rishi gave us real comfort in helping find my elderly mum services she required. He was very easy to talk to knowledgeable and took the time to listen . He really eased our minds as it can be a very daunting experience. Searching for the right care for your loved ones. Highly recommend.
Stella R.
July 2024, Trustpilot
12345
Terrific guidance
The terrific guidance I received over the phone was incredibly helpful. The staff will call you back when they say they are going to. They speak clearly & kindly, they listen, empathise & have amazing advice to offer.
Linda
July 2024, Trustpilot
12345
Real and prompt customer service.
I've finally found a group who actually work at what your needs are and begins to fulfill them almost immediatelyThank you to CareAbout
S. Rosewall
July 2024, Trustpilot
We’re here to help
Advice you can trust
Independent advice from experts who know, understand and care.
Quality Care Partners
Not all care is created equal. We help you find the right services delivered by reliable, quality partners.
Thousands of families helped
Every day we help people like you find the care they need.