How long can someone stay in respite care in Australia?

What is respite care?

Respite care is short-term support for people who temporarily need extra help – such as during recovery from a hospital stay or when a regular caregiver is not available. It can be delivered at home, in the community, or in a residential aged care centre. 

It’s often fully funded for people who meet government eligibility criteria, can be planned in advance, and is available for emergencies.

When is respite care useful?

• In emergency situations: If a regular caregiver is unexpectedly unavailable, emergency respite care can fill the gap.
• To give regular caregivers a break: It’s important for caregivers to take breaks from time to time to avoid burnout when caring for a loved one.
• To ease the transition to residential aged care: Spending time in respite care can be beneficial if you may need to go into residential aged care in the future. It offers the chance to meet other residents and get to know the care team, which can make a future transition to full-time care easier.

Where can I receive respite care?

Respite care is flexible and can be tailored to suit individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. It can be delivered at home, in the community, or in a residential setting.

• In-home respite care: Support is provided within your own home, allowing you to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving assistance.
• Day respite care: Ideal if you need daytime support only – such as when your carer is working or needs time during the day for other commitments.
• Residential respite care: Short-term stays in an aged care centre, offering 24/7 support, are ideal for higher care needs or when regular carers are away.

How long can someone stay in residential respite care?

Government-subsidised residential respite care can be accessed for up to 63 days per financial year. This can be extended by an additional 21 days if approved by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), bringing the total to 84 days per year. 

Residential respite care is often planned in blocks (e.g. two weeks) but can be spread across multiple shorter stays depending on individual circumstances and care requirements.

How much does respite care cost per day and per week? 

Respite care costs in Australia vary depending on the type of care, the provider, and the level of support required. You may be eligible for government-subsidised respite care, which is very helpful. Additional charges may apply if you need extra services or have specific care needs.

Because every situation is unique, the best way to find out how much respite care costs per day or per week at Ryman is to contact us directly by calling your local village. 

We’ll help you explore your options and provide clear information tailored to your needs.

Who pays for respite care in Australia?

There are two main ways to pay for respite care in Australia: either through government subsidies or private payment. If you receive a subsidy, you may still have to pay a portion of the cost.

Government subsidies

The Australian Government may provide you with financial support for respite care if you’ve been assessed as being eligible for a care subsidy. This will be paid directly to your residential care provider. 

Personal contribution

Even with subsidies, people accessing respite care may still need to pay:

• A basic daily fee of up to 85% of the single basic Age Pension (for residential respite care). 
• A booking fee to reserve a place. This may be refundable.
• Service fees for optional extras that are not covered by the government subsidy.

Private payment

If you’re not eligible for government support, you can choose to pay privately for respite care. Your costs will vary depending on the type of care (in-home, residential, centre-based), your location, and the duration and level of support required.

What are the disadvantages of respite care?

Although respite care offers valuable support for caregivers and people needing care, there may be challenges for some people.

• It can take time to adjust: Some people need time to adapt to unfamiliar environments, routines, and caregivers. This can be especially difficult for those with cognitive impairments or anxiety.
• Sometimes there is limited availability: Depending on where you live, there may not be many respite care options available, especially in rural or high-demand areas. Respite care may also be harder to access in peak periods such as the holiday season.
• There could be extra costs: While government subsidies cover basic respite care, additional services such as outings, therapies, or private rooms may incur extra fees. To avoid unexpected costs, it’s important to understand what’s covered by the government subsidy.

Government-subsidised respite care: eligibility and access

Respite care is often available to:

• Australians aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
• People needing help with daily living activities.

To find out if you or a loved one is eligible for subsidised respite care, you’ll need to get an assessment.

How to get an assessment for respite care

• Contact My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting their website to use the eligibility checker tool to see if you qualify.
• If you meet the requirements, you can apply for an assessment right away.
• Once you’ve been assessed, you’ll receive a respite classification, which determines the level of subsidy and care type.

Make an informed decision about respite care

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it does come with challenges for both caregivers and those receiving care. 

If you are a caregiver, taking regular breaks is essential for your wellbeing. We encourage you to explore available respite care services and consult with healthcare professionals to find respite care solutions that fit your unique needs and circumstances.

To learn more, contact Ryman Healthcare Australia on 1800 314 425 or book a tour to see how our respite care can provide trusted support when you need it most.