Respite Care - Help for You and Your Carer
Overview
Respite care services provide temporary relief for primary caregivers. Government-funded respite is available for eligible individuals.
Eligibility
- Use the eligibility checker tool to assess if you qualify for respite services.
- Alternatively, contact My Aged Care by phone at [1800 200 422](tel:1800 200 422) for assistance.
Types of Respite Care
1. Emergency Respite Care
- Purpose: Support when a carer is suddenly unable to provide care.
- Common Situations:
- Death or major illness of the primary carer.
- Urgent situations impairing the carer’s ability to provide care.
- Contact for Emergency Respite: Carer Gateway at [1800 422 737](tel:1800 422 737).
- Additional information available on the Carer Gateway website.
2. Care in Your Home
3. Care Outside Your Home
a. Centre-Based Respite
- Daytime care for social interaction at centers, clubs, or residential settings.
- Typically runs from 10 am to 3 pm and may include transportation.
- Provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
b. Cottage Respite
c. Residential Respite
- Takes place in an aged care home.
- Suitable for those needing significant support.
- Requires an eligibility assessment.
How Residential Respite Works
- Offers same services as permanent residents (room, meals, laundry, social activities).
- Care aligned with personal needs based on an aged care assessment.
Access and Duration
- Up to 63 days of subsidized care per year, with extensions possible.
- Extensions up to 21 days with assessor’s approval.
Arranging Residential Respite
- Extending Stay: If already in respite, coordinate with the aged care home.
- Additional Stays: Contact initial assessment organization or My Aged Care on [1800 200 422](tel:1800 200 422) for arrangement.