Respite care gives carers a much-needed break while ensuring the person they care for is safe, supported, and cared for. Government-funded options are available — up to 63 days of residential respite per year.
There are four main types — each suits different situations.
In-home respite
A carer comes to your home so the regular carer can take time off. Can be arranged for a few hours, days, or longer.
Residential respite
Short-term stay in an aged care facility. Government-funded up to 63 days per year. Often used during carer illness or holidays.
Day respite (centre-based)
Activities and care at a day centre — social connection for the care recipient while giving the carer time during the day.
Emergency respite
When the regular carer is suddenly unavailable due to illness, accident, or crisis. Can be arranged urgently through My Aged Care.
Up to 63 days/year
Government-funded residential respite days per financial year. Can be split across multiple stays.
Around $60/day
The basic daily fee you pay for residential respite (2025-26). The government covers care costs.
ACAT approval required
You need an ACAT assessment approving you for residential respite before accessing this funding.
63 days resets annually
Your 63-day entitlement resets each financial year (1 July). Unused days do not carry over.
Contact My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422. They will determine if an ACAT assessment is needed or if interim respite support is available.
Get assessed
An ACAT assessor confirms your eligibility for residential respite, in-home respite, or both.
Find a provider
For residential respite: contact aged care facilities directly or ask WithSally for help. For in-home: arrange through your existing home care package provider.
Book and plan
Confirm the dates, care needs, and any personal preferences with the provider before the stay.
There are several funded pathways for respite care in Australia — understanding each one helps you access the right support at the right time.
Residential respite
Up to 63 days per financial year in a government-approved aged care facility. You pay a basic daily fee of approximately $60/day (2025–26 rate, subject to change — Source: Services Australia). The government funds the remainder of the care costs. You need ACAT approval for residential respite, and unused days do not carry over to the next financial year.
In-home respite through a home care package
There is no fixed day limit — respite hours are funded from your overall package budget. A paid support worker comes to your home so the regular carer can rest, work, or attend appointments. This is one of the most flexible respite options because it happens in the care recipient's own home.
Emergency respite through Carer Gateway
Free emergency respite is available through Carer Gateway (13 43 79) when the regular carer is suddenly unable to provide care due to illness, injury, or crisis. This operates independently from My Aged Care and home care packages — you do not need a package in place to access it.
Transitional care respite
Short-term support after a hospital discharge — helping older people recover and regain independence before returning home. This can include a period in a care facility or in-home support. It is separate from ongoing home care packages.
CHSP respite access
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides some respite access for people who are not yet package-eligible. This is typically lower-level support — a few hours of in-home care or access to a day centre — but it can provide meaningful relief for carers.
| Type | Who funds it | How to access | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-home respite | Home care package | Through your existing package provider | Regular, flexible carer breaks at home |
| Day respite (centre) | CHSP or home care package | My Aged Care — 1800 200 422 | Daytime relief + social connection for care recipient |
| Residential respite | Government (63 days/yr) | ACAT assessment via My Aged Care | Extended carer leave, carer illness, or holidays |
Good respite planning reduces stress for everyone — the carer, the person receiving care, and the family. Whether the need is planned or sudden, knowing your options in advance makes an enormous difference.
Planned respite
Planned respite — for a holiday, family event, or regular carer break — should be booked well in advance. Residential respite beds are limited, and popular periods (school holidays, summer, Christmas) book out months ahead. Contact facilities directly and confirm availability early.
For in-home respite, discuss your planned dates with your home care package provider as early as possible — they need to roster appropriate staff and may need to adjust your care plan temporarily.
Unplanned / emergency respite
If the regular carer becomes suddenly unable to provide care — due to illness, accident, or a family emergency — Carer Gateway has an emergency respite line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 13 43 79. Carer Gateway coordinators will help arrange emergency care at short notice — in the home or at a facility — depending on availability and the person's needs.
A little preparation makes the transition much smoother — for the person going into respite, for the facility or worker, and for the carer who is taking the break.
Consistency matters — especially for people with dementia
If your loved one uses residential respite regularly, try to use the same facility each time. Familiarity with the environment, the staff, and the routines reduces the disorientation and distress that can come with being in an unfamiliar place. Over time, a person can become genuinely comfortable in their respite facility — which makes each subsequent stay easier for everyone.
WithSally helps families find residential respite placements and in-home respite providers. Free, independent guidance — no pressure.
Get help — free