Respite care is available to both individuals who receive Government funded home and community aged care packages, as well as those paying privately. It can be short term, a few hours or days, or longer – from a few weeks to a few months.

Depending on your needs, you may choose to have an agency arrange the respite care you need or use a referral service that matches you with local providers. Either way, it’s a good idea to visit several places and ask plenty of questions. It’s also worth checking that the provider is registered with the Department of Health and Ageing as an approved provider of aged care services.

Home respite care: Usually involves one or two paid care workers visiting your home to provide assistance with daily tasks, and can be done during the day or overnight. This type of respite can also be arranged to help with medical treatments and medication management.

Residential respite care: Often takes place in an aged care home and is ideal for people who need carer assistance with most or all of their daily activities. It can be a few days through to a few weeks at a time and is generally subsidised. Eligible people can access 63 days of planned or emergency residential respite each year, and this can be extended up to 21 days at a time with further approval from your aged care assessor.

There are different types of residential respite, including short stay, shared room and group respite. Short stay offers a few nights or weeks of accommodation in an aged care home, with you living alongside other residents and enjoying meals cooked by the home’s chef. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, make connections and feel part of a community.

Group respite is similar to residential respite but with smaller groups of people and the option of having more choice in activities. The home’s activities team can plan a range of fun and stimulating group experiences, or you can come up with your own.

Both options allow you to experience the benefits of social engagement while retaining your independence and privacy. You can still enjoy the same high standard of care as you would in a residential setting and you’ll have the option to visit with your own family and friends.

When you receive respite care near me, you’ll need to pay a basic daily fee. This is set by the Government and changes each March and September in line with increases to the single basic aged pension. It doesn’t include an accommodation charge or means tested care fees for services, like Sapphire Services.