Respite care

IRT offers short-term accommodation and care in a number of our aged care centres throughout NSW, Qld and the ACT.

Respite residents are cared for 24/7 by our compassionate and experienced staff, allowing carers to enjoy a well-deserved break.

What is respite care?

Professional respite care is a form of support that gives both the carer and the person being cared for a break for a short period of time. It allows the carer to look after their own mental health, refresh and recharge and enjoy a well deserved break while their loved one continues to receive the support they need.

Respite care can be provided for a few hours, days, weeks or months depending on the needs of the carer and their loved one, eligibility and the type of care required.

Types of respite care services

There are various respite options available, and respite care can be accessed in the home, in a wellness centre or in an aged care centre.

Residential respite care

Respite residents live alongside current aged care residents and experience being part of our community. Respite residents will move into a suite at one of our aged care centres, with access to all the benefits and high-quality care that our 50 years’ of experience provides.

Residential respite care is usually planned in advance, for instance if you are planning a trip away, have family caregiving or other commitments scheduled and you need your loved one taken care of.

Permanent residential care is also available at IRT if family members or carers are unable to provide the level of ongoing support your loved one needs.

Emergency respite care

Sometimes you might need to access emergency respite care if, for example, you get sick, injured or need to go to hospital. In these situations, emergency respite care will provide short-term care for your loved one.

Emergency respite care admission is subject to availability and suitability.

Home respite care

If you are looking to take a short break, you can access respite care at home which provides the same professional, personalised care for your loved one.

Our experienced staff will come and visit for a few hours or take your loved one on a social outing to places they enjoy, like the local café, shops or a nearby park.

Centre-based day respite care

Centre-based respite is a day program offers that offers seniors the opportunity to participate in group activities for cognitive, physical and social stimulation – while allowing their carers a well-deserved break.

Participants get the opportunity to join in group activities for cognitive, physical and social stimulation. Activities can include things like trivia, cooking, bingo, gardening, movies and bus outings. We can also offer transport to and from the centre.

Benefits of residential respite care

Residential respite care can provide clear benefits to both you and your loved one:

A respite break can give you time to refresh and rejuvenate, deal with stress and look after yourself and your general health and wellbeing.
It allows you to tend to your personal responsibilities, and gives you the opportunity to visit friends, go on a holiday or simply have some time to yourself.
Residential respite care lets your loved one access and enjoy the benefits of modern, comfortable living at on of our aged care centres.
Your loved one has the opportunity to engage with other residents and enjoy daily activities such as bus trips and outings and wellbeing programs.
It helps your loved one experience residential aged care, should they require permanent care some time in the future.

How long can someone stay in residential respite care?

Residential respite care can range from one week, through to a few weeks at a time.

If you are eligible, respite services will be subsidised by the Australian Government for a maximum of 63 days in any financial year. This can be extended by up to 21 days if the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) approves it.

To find out if you are eligible, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Respite care admission is subject to availability and suitability.

How much does residential respite care cost?

Respite residents pay a daily fee for each day of their stay, which is capped by the Australian Government at 85% of the single basic Age Pension. Because the stay is temporary, there is no accommodation charge or bond.

There may be additional costs, depending on the provider and aged care centre you choose.

Why is IRT right for you and
your loved one?

We’re the aged care providers you can trust. With 50 years’ experience, we know what it takes to provide professional care with a personal touch:

IRT offers a wide range of options giving carers the time to recharge while our compassionate staff provide personalised care for your loved one
We can arrange respite care ranging from social and community activities to short stay accommodation in one of our purpose-built aged care centres
Whether you need to arrange respite care for a few hours a week or a month-long stay, we offer the right care to suit.

4 easy steps to respite care:

Step 1

Get an ACAT assessment

Find out whether your loved one is eligible for government-funded services using My Aged Care.

You can enquire online or call 1800 200 422. You may need a member of ACAT to visit your loved one at home to assess their eligibility.

Step 2

Talk to our aged care team

Submit an enquiry below, and one of our friendly team members will call you to discuss you and your loved one’s needs and preferences.

We will then determine availability at your preferred IRT aged care centre.

Step 3

Take a tour of our community

Once a tentative booking is made, you will receive paperwork detailing your loved one’s move-in date and length of stay.

You and your loved one will then meet the Care Manager at your selected aged care centre for a tour.

Step 4

Confirm your booking

Once the Care Manager approves the booking, we will be in contact with you to confirm arrangements with you and your loved one regarding their stay.

Then it’s simply a matter of preparing for the respite care in the selected IRT aged care centre.

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