Respite Care – CareCaddie

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care provides temporary, short-term care for an older person so that their regular carer — whether a family member, partner, or friend — can take a break. Caring for a loved one is deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Respite care exists to protect the health and wellbeing of both the carer and the person receiving care.

Respite can be planned in advance for holidays or regular breaks, or arranged at short notice in an emergency. It can be delivered at home, in a residential facility, or in a dedicated respite cottage.

Types of Respite Care

In-Home Respite

A trained support worker comes to the home so the primary carer can have time away. Services can include personal care, social support, and supervision. This is the least disruptive option for the person receiving care as they remain in their familiar environment.

Centre-Based Day Respite

The older person attends a community centre or day programme during the day — participating in activities, social interaction, and meals — while the carer has time for themselves. Most centres offer transport to and from the venue.

Residential Respite

Short-term accommodation in a residential aged care facility for up to 63 days per financial year under government subsidies. Residential respite is ideal when the carer needs a longer break — for a holiday, hospitalisation, or to recover from illness.

Cottage / Overnight Respite

A home-like setting where the older person stays overnight or for a short period. Cottage respite aims to provide a more relaxed, residential experience compared to a larger aged care facility.

Emergency Respite

When a carer has a sudden health crisis or emergency, respite support can be arranged at short notice through the Carer Gateway service. Emergency respite ensures the person being cared for is not left without support.

Government Funding for Respite Care

The Australian Government subsidises several forms of respite to support carers:

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) — includes centre-based and in-home respite for carers who need occasional support. Recipients usually make a small co-contribution.
Support at Home Program — may include in-home respite as part of a participant's overall care plan, based on assessed needs.
Residential Respite Subsidy — the Government pays a subsidy directly to approved residential facilities for up to 63 days of short-term respite per financial year. A Basic Daily Fee applies.
Carer Gateway — a national service providing practical support, counselling, and emergency respite coordination for carers. Call 1800 422 737.

Tip: If you are a carer looking for respite, contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 — they can help you find and coordinate the right type of respite quickly, including in an emergency.

Accessing Respite Care

For government-funded in-home or residential respite, register with My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting myagedcare.gov.au. An assessment confirms eligibility.
For emergency respite at short notice, contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Many providers also offer private respite care arrangements without requiring a government assessment.

Benefits of Respite Care

Respite care benefits everyone involved:

For carers: rest, reduced stress, time to attend to their own health and relationships, and the ability to sustain caring for longer.
For the person receiving care: social interaction, new activities, professional care, and a change of environment.
For the relationship: both the carer and the person being cared for often report that respite improves the quality of their relationship by reducing strain and burnout.

How CareCaddie Helps

CareCaddie can help you find accredited providers who offer respite services — whether you need in-home support, day programmes, or a short-term residential placement. Our free service helps families compare options in their area so they can arrange care with confidence and minimal stress.

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