Respite gives caregivers, and those being cared for, a break from their usual arrangements and includes anything from emergency carers to a short stay in care accommodation to help at home on a regular basis.

There are a few options for respite and help for carers:

• Respite centres: Offering day respite, including outings in a social environment.
• Home respite: Overnight at your home or weekend care in a cottage or with a host family
• Residential respite: Short-term stays in an aged care home are a great option if your regular carer has to be away for a longer period of time, or are ill themselves.

Your care costs may include:

• The basic daily fee, a booking fee, additional services fees for any extras that you have agreed to receive, an extra service fee if you occupy an extra service room.
• If you are eligible for subsidised care from the government, you can receive up to 63 days of respite care per year, depending on your circumstances, with an opportunity to extend.

If you are an older person who requires support, or who has a carer to help you with your day-to-day care needs, you may be eligible for community respite.

Your eligibility will be assessed during a face-to-face assessment organised through My Aged Care. You can arrange the assessment by calling 1800 200 422.

You’ll continue to receive high-quality care and support, and your carer can recharge their batteries and return with renewed energy.

Some people also find value in respite care as it gives them a chance to see how life works in residential aged care. While being away from home can be disruptive, having a ‘try before you buy’ attitude to thinking about the future can make the situation more fruitful.

Home-based respite care is available to support you and your regular carer. If you receive care from a friend or family member, respite care means that – for a short period of time – somebody else takes on the caring duties. You get temporary care in your home.

This can be an extra help and allows your regular carer to take a break; whether that be just for a few hours, more regularly so they can work, or even to allow them to take a holiday.

Respite, in an aged care home, gives carers the opportunity to take a break, go on a holiday, get back to work, recover from illness or tend to other family needs. It can be a great support for carers of people with dementia.

Some people also find value in respite care as it gives them a chance to see how life works in residential aged care. While being away from home can be disruptive, having a ‘try before you buy’ attitude to thinking about the future can make the situation more fruitful.

When staying in residential aged care respite, it is important to bring:
Labelled clothing to last your stay, all medications in a Webster/blister pack, and depending on the length of your stay, don’t forget to bring any books, devices such as mobile phone or tablet or other small hobbies and interests.

Read on for our respite checklist and questions to ask before booking.