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Can I have a break?
You can take a holiday away from your aged care home at any time, for up to 52 nights in a financial year. You will continue to pay your usual fees while on leave but, this means you can stay overnight or longer with family or friends without paying an extra fee. This is called social leave, and only counts if you stay away at least overnight.
The government continues to pay the various subsidies to your aged care home on your behalf. If you stay away for more than 52 nights in a financial year, the government will not pay a subsidy for the extra time, so your home might ask you to pay the amount equal to the subsidy for that period.
If you have to go to hospital, your absence will not be counted as leave. But you will have to pay your normal fees and charges while you are away.
If you have any questions about fees and charges please contact the Aged Care information line (more information) on 1800 500 853.
Common questions on this topic:
- My parents are thinking of moving into an aged care home. Will they be able to share a room?
- If I go to hospital, will I have to pay hospital fees as well as fees to the aged care home?
- Do I need to let the home staff know whenever I go out for the day or can I just go?
See all common questions