Caring for a loved one is rewarding, but respite breaks for carers are key. Learn more about respite care and how it can help.
Caring for an ageing loved one is a rewarding experience, but it also has its challenges. To keep up with the demands that caring for a loved one has, it’s important you look after your own health and take some time to refresh and recharge.
Respite breaks for carers with the help of a relative, close friend or through an aged care provider is beneficial for both yourself and the person you care for.
In 2020-2021, over 82,000 Australians entered into residential respite care. And according to the Australian Government's Institute of Health and Welfare this number is increasing every year, with a 31% jump since 2011-2012.
Respite care services provide temporary support to a person over a short period of time to help carers take a break from their caring role. Respite care can include your loved one visiting an aged care centre or enlisting the help of a carer at home, so you can take some time out with peace of mind knowing your loved one is well taken care of. They can enjoy a change of scenery, meet new people and have access to engaging activities they may be unable to do at home.
Finding respite care services is easier than you think and there is a range of flexible respite care options available that can be tailored to to suit the needs of the individual.
Many home care providers like IRT provide respite services to new and existing customers. A care worker will come and visit for a few hours or take your loved one on an outing to places they love to visit, like the local shops or a nearby park.
Don't be afraid to ask friends or family for a helping hand. If you need to run an errand or go to an appointment it might be ideal to have a family member or close friend stay at your home with your loved one while you're out.
A short stay in a residential aged care centre is available to anyone who needs help caring for a loved one – whether it’s to go on a holiday, for a medical reason, or because you simply need a break. It can also be a way to trial whether longer-term accommodation and care is a suitable option.
If you have an emergency such as a sudden admission into hospital, you're able to access emergency respite at short notice. To find out more, contact your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres.
The Australian Government program Carer Gateway also provides free services and support for carers, including access to emergency respite if you are suddenly unable to provide care.
Eligibility for government-subsidised respite care depends on a person’s age, health needs, and the circumstances of their carer. You will need to complete an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment to access residential respite care through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or other government funding schemes. This assessment helps determine the level of care required and what services are available.
Learn more about the benefits of respite care.
Respite care can be provided for a few hours, days, weeks or months depending on you and your loved one's needs, eligibility and the type of care required.
Respite care services can range from free to being completely privately funded. The Australian government offers funding to older Australians and their family to access respite care services. Residential respite care is subsidised by the government for a maximum of 63 days in any financial year, subject to availability and suitability. For older people looking for respite care at home, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme helps older people to live independently in their homes and provides respite services to give carers a break.
Example estimate:
For short-term respite stay in a standard room, a person may pay around $61.96 per day (as of July 2025) for the basic daily care fee, which is 85% of the full Age Pension. This fee covers meals, laundry, cleaning, and personal care.
It may feel like accessing residential respite care in an aged care centre is a daunting process, so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
If you’re not already approved for respite care, phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and arrange for an aged care assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for your loved one in your own home.
Once they have been assessed, you can choose to access paid respite care as often as you like, with 63 days each financial year being subsidised by the government. To find out what subsidies you may be eligible for contact My Aged Care.
If you’re interested in respite care with IRT, submit an enquiry through our website or call 134 478, and one of our friendly Customer Service team members will discuss with you your needs and preferences, plus determine availability at an IRT aged care centre near you.
IRT offers short-term accommodation and care in a number of our aged care centres throughout NSW, the ACT and Queensland. There’s bound to be a convenient location near you.
A tentative respite booking will be made for you and your loved one to take a tour of your preferred aged care centre. You’ll also meet with the Care Manager, to discuss your needs in more detail.
Once your booking has been confirmed, finalise your paperwork, which will confirm your loved ones’ move in date and length of stay, and prepare for their stay in your selected IRT aged care centre.
At IRT we offer compassionate 24/7 care for your loved one from our experienced team. Most of our centres offer respite care, and you can stay for a few hours, days, weeks or months. Respite residents at IRT are cared for 24/7 by our compassionate and experienced staff, allowing carers to enjoy a well-deserved break.
Find out moreNo, Home Care Package (HCP) funds cannot be used to pay for residential respite care. Residential respite is typically funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or other government schemes following an ACAT assessment. However, HCP funds can be used for in-home respite services to give carers a break. Respite care is not generally free, but it may be partly or fully subsidised depending on your eligibility and the type of care. Subsidies are available through government programs like CHSP or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but you may still pay a basic daily fee or other out-of-pocket costs. The cost is typically shared between the government and the individual. If you're eligible, the government covers the bulk of the fee through CHSP or after an ACAT assessment. Families or individuals usually pay a basic daily care fee and any additional service fees requested by the provider. To access subsidised respite care, you usually need to be an older person with care needs, or a carer requiring short-term support. Most older Australians will need an ACAT assessment to qualify for residential respite under government-funded programs. Respite care workers provide temporary support so a regular carer can rest. In home settings, they assist with personal care, meal preparation, and companionship. In residential settings, they offer 24/7 supervision, help with daily tasks, and social activities for the person receiving care. No, respite care also supports people with disability, chronic illness, or mental health conditions, as well as their carers. While much of the government funding is directed toward older Australians, younger individuals may access respite through NDIS or state-based programs.Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Home Care Package pay for residential respite?
Is respite care free in Australia?
Who pays for respite care in Australia?
How to qualify for respite care?
What do respite care workers do?
Is respite care only for older people?
Ask ChatGPT
As our parents get older, even if they are completely independent, it’s possible they will need help with some tasks.
At some point in our lives, we’ll all experience what it’s like to grieve the loss of someone or something we love and care about.
