Aged Care, Home Care and Retirement Living

Understanding Respite Care

Respite care is a type of short-term aged care service that provides temporary support for older Australians and relief for their regular carers. It allows family members or friends who provide full-time care to take a break while ensuring their loved one continues to receive the support and supervision they need.

Respite care is also an excellent option for older individuals who have recently been discharged from hospital but aren’t yet ready to return home independently.

Types of Respite Care

Respite care can be flexible and tailored to suit different needs. It may last for a few hours, overnight, several days, or a few weeks, depending on the situation.

You can access respite care in two main ways:

1. Home-Based Respite Care

Professional carers come to the individual’s home to provide personal care, household assistance, or companionship. This option allows the person to remain in familiar surroundings while their carer takes a break.

2. Residential Respite Care

Many aged care homes (nursing homes) offer short-term accommodation where an elderly person can stay temporarily. During this time, they receive the same level of care and services as permanent residents, including meals, personal care, and social activities.

Benefits of Respite Care

Respite care supports both carers and the person receiving care. Some of the main benefits include:

• Prevents carer burnout by giving family members time to rest and recharge.

• Improves wellbeing for both carers and loved ones.

• Supports recovery after hospital stays or illness.

• Offers social engagement for the person in care through activities and interaction.

• Provides peace of mind knowing that professional support is available when needed.

How to Arrange Respite Care

Arranging respite care can be straightforward if you know the steps:

1. Assessment: Contact My Aged Care for an aged care assessment to determine eligibility for government-subsidised respite services.

2. Choose a Care Type: Decide whether home-based respite or residential respite is best for your situation.

3. Find a Provider: Search for local aged care homes or home care agencies offering respite services.

4. Book in Advance: Especially for residential care, booking ahead ensures availability during busy times (e.g. holidays).

5. Confirm Funding Options: Some care may be subsidised, while others may be privately funded.

Respite Care Options: Home vs Residential

Cost and Funding Options

Respite care may be government-subsidised through My Aged Care if the person is eligible, making it more affordable. Fees vary depending on the type of care, the provider, and the duration of the stay. Private respite care is also available for those who prefer not to go through government assessments.

Finding Respite Care Near You

If you’re considering respite services, it’s important to compare options in your local area. Many families search for:

• Respite care in Melbourne
• Respite care in Sydney
• Respite care in Brisbane
• Respite care in Adelaide
• Respite care in Perth

Using a trusted directory like Aged Care Online makes it easy to find and compare providers based on location, services, and availability.

Next Steps

Respite care is a valuable service that supports both carers and the people they look after. Whether you’re looking for short-term in-home help or a temporary stay in a residential aged care home, respite care provides flexibility, peace of mind, and professional support when you need it most.

Search for residential aged care respite in:

Article posted:Sep 7, 2019
Category: Finding care