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Costs of respite care
There is no charge for the assistance provided by Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (more information). But if you use a service referred by a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, individual services fees may apply.
Community-based respite services charge fees according to the type of service being used. These can vary from a sessional fee for a morning or afternoon in a day care centre, to an hourly rate for in-home respite.
Fees for respite in an aged care home
People who enter and receive respite in aged care homes funded by the Australian Government can be asked to pay a maximum of $32.05 per day. In this case, a booking fee may also be charged to assist in securing a place. This is a pre-payment of respite care fees and not an additional payment. Moreover, it cannot be more than a full week’s fee, or 25 per cent of the fee for the entire stay, whichever amount is the lowest. Respite residents in government-funded aged care homes do not pay an accommodation charge or accommodation bond – nor do they have to pay any additional income-tested charges.
Fees for respite at home or in a day care centre
People who receive respite services in their own home or at a day care centre pay fees according to the type of service they receive. The amounts can vary, from an hourly rate for in-home respite, to a sessional fee for a morning or afternoon in a day care centre.
Financial support for carers during respite care breaks
Financial assistance is available to eligible carers by means of the Carer Payment (more information) or Carer Allowance (more information).
If you’re a carer receiving either of these payments, you can continue to receive the payments for up to 63 days each calendar year if the person you care for is receiving respite or temporarily in hospital.
If in hospital, the person you care for must be intending to return home, unless they’re receiving terminal care, in which case, you need to continue your caring role during their stay in hospital if you intend to continue claiming this type of financial assistance. You can visit Centrelink for more information or call them on 13 27 17.
Read more: About financial support for carers
Common questions on this topic:
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