Respite care

Respite care is an essential service offered by many Australian aged care homes, providing short-term care to older Australians when their usual caregivers need a break. 

Whether it’s a few days, weeks or longer, respite care ensures that seniors continue to receive the support they need while their family carers rest or manage personal commitments. 

This guide explores the definition of respite care, eligibility criteria, costs and how to find aged care homes with respite care vacancies.

What is respite care?

Respite care is temporary care provided to older people in an aged care home, allowing their primary carers to take a break. This service is also ideal for older people recovering from illness or injury and needing additional support. Respite care can be provided in-home or residentially in an aged care facility and can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.

This service allows families and carers to rest, recharge or attend to other responsibilities, knowing their loved ones are well-cared for in a professional environment.

Who is eligible for respite care?

An Aged Care Assessment Team/Service (ACAT/S) assessment determines the eligibility for residential respite care. 

An ACAT/S team will evaluate an individual’s health, care requirements and living situation to determine if they are eligible for respite care. This assessment is also required to determine the level of care needed, whether it be for in-home respite or care within an aged care facility. 

Older Australians receiving a Home Care Package or other aged care services may also be eligible for respite care as part of their ongoing care plan.

What does respite care cost and what does the government pay?

The cost of respite care depends on the length of the stay and the individual’s care needs. However, government-subsidised respite care helps cover most of the costs for eligible individuals. People typically only pay a basic daily fee, capped at 85 percent of the single Age Pension. A full schedule of fees and charges for care is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

The government subsidises up to 63 days of respite care per financial year, with the possibility of an extension if more time is needed due to health conditions or carer availability. 

In some cases, additional fees may apply if the aged care home offers extra services or premium accommodations. If affordability is a concern, financial hardship assistance may be available to help reduce costs.

Can you access respite care post-hospital discharge?

Accessing respite care post-hospital discharge depends on whether the individual already has an ACAT/S (Aged Care Assessment Team/Service) assessment. 

While respite care is available to help older Australians recover after a hospital stay, it is important to note that ACAT/S assessments are usually not conducted while a patient is in the hospital, as they primarily assess for permanent residential care rather than short-term respite. Therefore, if you are seeking respite care post-hospital, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Without a pre-existing ACAT/S assessment, it may be difficult to access government-subsidised respite care immediately after discharge. In such instances, individuals may need to explore alternative funding or care arrangements while awaiting assessment.

What’s the difference between respite care and convalescence care?

The terms respite care and transition care are often confused, but they serve different purposes:

• Respite care provides temporary relief for carers and is generally available for older Australians who live at home but need short-term care in an aged care home. It is typically funded by the government through a capped number of days per year (63 days) and requires an ACAT/S assessment.
• Transition care primarily supports patients transitioning from hospital care to an aged care home. This form of care focuses on rehabilitation and recovery after an illness or surgery.

Understanding these differences is crucial when arranging care post-hospital discharge, as transition care may be more appropriate if the focus is on recovery after surgery or illness. Meanwhile, respite care is often the solution when the goal is to provide temporary support while giving carers a break.

Which aged care homes offer respite care?

Many aged care facilities across Australia offer both permanent aged care and residential respite care. These homes provide short-term care, where individuals can stay temporarily and receive professional support. You can find aged care homes offering respite services by searching the AgedCareGuide.com.au directory or contacting the aged care homes directly. 

The Aged Care Guide provides a convenient way to compare aged care providers, including those offering respite care services.

How do you know if aged care homes have respite care vacancies?

Since availability can fluctuate, especially during peak periods like holidays, it’s important to confirm respite care vacancies before planning a stay. Many aged care homes offer vacancy updates directly, but you can also use the Compare Provider feature on the Aged Care Guide website. This feature lets you easily check current respite care vacancies in real time.

If you or a loved one is considering respite care, finding the right facility with current vacancies is crucial. Check out our Compare Provider feature, which highlights aged care homes with available respite care services across Australia.