What is respite care and how can it help?
Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful things you can do, but it can also be exhausting. Maybe you’re a full-time caregiver or balancing care with work and family. Either way, the responsibility can feel overwhelming.
Respite care provides a way to step back, recharge and ensure your loved one continues to receive quality care in a safe, supportive environment.
What is respite care?
Respite care is temporary, short-term care designed to give caregivers a break while ensuring their loved one remains safe and supported. It can be provided in different settings, such as at home, in community centres or in residential aged care facilities.
The goal is to provide relief for caregivers while giving seniors access to professional care, social engagement and support tailored to their needs.
It’s a flexible option that can be arranged for just a few hours, overnight stays or even several weeks, depending on the situation. Respite care ensures that caregiving remains sustainable for families while maintaining the wellbeing of older adults who need assistance.
TIP: Book your respite care well in advance to avoid the stress of having to find care at the last minute.
Who needs respite care?
Respite care is for anyone caring for a senior, whether at home or in an assisted living arrangement. It’s often used by:
- Family members providing full-time care who need a break
- Spouses managing their partner’s growing care needs
- Adult children balancing caregiving with work and family life
- Seniors themselves who need temporary support while recovering from surgery or illness
- Anyone who finds themselves in an emergency and needs immediate assistance for their loved one.
Who provides respite care?
Respite care can be provided by family or friends, or by:
- Home care providers
- Adult day care centres
- Community care services
- Local councils
- Aged care homes (also known as residential care facilities or nursing homes)
- Hospice organisations.
The type of provider you choose will depend on the type of respite care you need. Let’s look at what’s on offer.
What types of respite care are there?
There are several different options for respite care. The type you choose can depend on your eligibility, how much support is needed and where it’s provided.
In-home respite care
For many families, keeping care at home is the preferred option. In this situation, a trained caregiver comes to your loved one’s home for a few hours, overnight or even several days, depending on what’s needed.
They can help with daily tasks like:
- Personal care
- Medication management
- Meal preparation
- Getting out and about
- Going to appointments
- Supporting daily routines and activities.
TIP: You can use a Home Care Package to pay for in-home respite care. If you haven’t yet applied, now is the time. Grab our free step-by-step guide to make applying easy.
Centre-based respite
Many community centres, aged care organisations and local councils offer structured respite programs that include meals, activities and social interaction. This type of respite is only available during the day, usually between 10 am and 3 pm. Transport to and from the centre may be be included.
It’s an excellent option for seniors who enjoy getting out and engaging with others while their caregivers take a well-earned break. Activities may include:
- Wellbeing and exercise activities like meditation and dancing
- Cooking classes, movie screenings, arts and crafts
- Mahjong, bingo, trivia and various group-based games
- Celebration of cultural and themed holidays, festivals and seasonal events
- Digital literacy classes to build computer, tablet and smartphone skills.
Cottage care
Cottage respite care is typically provided in a “cottage” or small, home-like setting, offering a more intimate and personal experience than larger facilities. It can be taken for a few hours or a few days.
Cottage respite care can include a range of services, such as personal care, meals, social activities and support for mobility or other needs. It offers a chance for individuals to socialise, develop new skills and participate in activities, while also providing caregivers with a breather.
TIP: Cottage respite care is often provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). Read more about the CHSP here.
Residential respite care
Sometimes, a longer break from caring is necessary if:
- You’re feeling worn out and need an extended period of time to recharge.
- You’re going on a holiday and need someone to keep an eye on your loved one.
- You’ve gotten sick and need a chance to recover.
- Your loved one requires extra support after a hospital stay.
Whatever the reason, residential respite allows seniors to stay in an aged care home for a few days or even weeks. There, they can enjoy the same care and support services as permanent residents of the home, which may include:
- A private room
- Around-the-clock professional care
- Nutritious meals
- Laundry services
- Daily leisure and lifestyle activities.
If you’re eligible, the cost of residential respite care is subsidised by the government for up to 63 days per year, with the possibility of a 21-day extension.
TIP: Have an aged care assessment to see if you’re eligible for subsidised respite care. Grab our free guide to find out how.
Emergency respite
If you suddenly fall ill, have an accident or need to deal with an urgent commitment – you may be able to access emergency respite. This will ensure your loved one receives immediate, temporary care in your absence. Emergency respite could be in-home support or placement in an aged care home.
If you need emergency respite care in your home or in the community, contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
TIP: Even if you haven’t had an aged care assessment, you may still be able to access residential respite care in an emergency. You’ll just need to have your provider arrange an urgent assessment for you.
Looking for a provider to manage your Home Care Package? CareAbout makes it easy, fast – and free!
What are the benefits of respite care?
For carers: Avoiding burnout
The saying “Put your own oxygen mask on first” is important to remember if you ever feel guilty about prioritising self-care. Basically, it means: If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t help others. Caregiving can be incredibly demanding, and neglecting your own needs can lead to burnout, which can negatively impact both you and the person you care for. Taking regular breaks helps prevent burnout, reduces stress and allows you to feel refreshed and more capable.
For seniors: A change of scenery
As people age, their world can feel smaller due to factors like declining health, mobility and social circles. This often leads to a focus on immediate needs and comfort, while also potentially shrinking their social and physical engagement with the world.
Respite care can be a positive experience for seniors by helping them:
- Connect with fresh faces, participate in group activities, and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Experience a change of pace and the chance to try new things, like joining exercise classes, games or outings.
- See what life’s like in an aged care home, which can be helpful if they might need permanent care in the future.
For families: Peace of mind
Many families worry about what would happen if the primary carer was suddenly unable to provide care. Regular, planned respite care ensures there’s a backup plan in place, making transitions smoother in case of an emergency.
What does respite care cost?
The cost of respite care varies depending on the type of care and how long it’s needed.
Residential respite care
You won’t pay the same fees as permanent aged care home residents. The costs for residential respite care will be agreed upon between you and your provider and then set out in a resident agreement. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved in residential respite care:
| Fee | Description |
| Basic daily fee | This covers the cost of daily living expenses (e.g. meals, laundry). The maximum basic daily fee is set by the government at 85% of the single basic age pension. You can find the current rates on the Department of Health and Aged Care website. |
| Booking fee | This secures the period of your respite care. It cannot exceed one week’s fee for respite care or 25% of the fee for the proposed period of respite care. If you cancel more than 7 days before your entry date, the provider must refund it. |
| Additional services fees | Additional services (e.g. wi-fi, hairdressing) are specific to the provider, so they set the fees. They are not subsidised by the government. |
TIP: You can save hundreds of dollars by getting an aged care assessment for residential respite. Grab our free step-by-step guide for how to apply.
In-home and community respite
If you’re eligible, respite at home and in the community can be subsidised through programs like:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for low level needs.
- Home Care Packages Program for more complex care needs.
- Carer Gateway for emergency support.
Organise an aged care assessment to access CHSP and the Home Care Packages Program. Check out our easy-to-follow guide for the simplest way to do this.
Transitioning into respite care
Introducing respite care can sometimes be met with resistance. Seniors may worry about being left alone or feel reluctant to accept help from a stranger. A gradual approach often works best.
- Involve them in the decision-making process.
- Start with short visits to establish familiarity.
- Focus on the benefits, such as social activities or companionship.
- Reassure them that it’s temporary and that you’ll still be involved in their care.
Common questions about respite care
Will my loved one be well cared for?
Quality respite providers ensure seniors receive professional, compassionate care tailored to their needs. Many families find that their loved ones enjoy the experience once they settle in.
What if my loved one refuses respite care?
It’s common for seniors to resist the idea at first. Start with small, positive experiences – like a few hours of in-home care – before transitioning to longer stays. Emphasising the benefits (social opportunities, new activities) can also help.
Can I use my Home Care Package to pay for respite care?
Yes, you can use your Home Care Package to pay for in-home respite care, provided you have sufficient funds available. It cannot be used to pay for residential respite as the government already subsidises this cost.
What if I can’t afford to pay for respite care?
You may be eligible for financial hardship assistance if you meet certain criteria. Read more about financial hardship assistance here.
How do I find the right respite care provider?
Look for providers who are transparent about their fees, have positive reviews and conduct regular quality assessments. Your assessor may be able to refer someone, or you can use the Find a provider tool on the My Aged Care website.
Take the first step
Caring for a loved one is an incredible act of love – but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Respite care offers a way to maintain balance, ensuring that both you and your loved one receive the support you need.
To save money on respite care fees, organise an aged care assessment as soon as possible and consider applying for a Home Care Package.
If you’ve already got your package, our expert Care Advisers can help you find the right provider based on your specific preferences and needs.
