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Types of short-term care
Caring for someone fulltime is physically and emotionally demanding, so from time to time every carer needs to take a break – otherwise known as ‘respite’. Over 500 National Respite for Carers Program (more information) community-based respite services are funded around the country to provide respite opportunities in a variety of settings – at home and in centres.
National Respite for Carers Program
The National Respite for Carers Program offers carers the comfort of knowing that their dependants are well looked after through services that provide respite for several hours, a full day, or overnight.
Access to respite care is offered on a priority and needs basis, as well as on availability. You can contact your nearest Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre to find out about services in your area..
Read more: National Respite for Carers Program
Fees and charges for respite care
Those receiving respite care in an aged care home that is government-funded may be asked to pay a maximum of $29.25 per day, together with a refundable booking fee.
Community-based respite services may charge fees according to the type of service being used and your ability to pay.
Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres (more information)
There is a Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre in each capital city. These centres give carers support and information on their caring role. They also provide a National Carer Counselling service that offers short-term professional counselling to carers relation to their caring role. Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres can be contacted from anywhere in Australia by calling 1800 242 636.
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres (more information)
These centres specialise in helping carers find and use respite services in their local area – they can also arrange 24-hour emergency respite cover. Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres can be contacted anywhere in Australia by calling 1800 059 059.
Home and Community Care (more information) (HACC)
The HACC Program is designed to meet your basic maintenance and support needs at home, helping you sustain your independence and avoid inappropriate admission to an aged care home. If you’re eligible you can access a variety of short-term care options.
Read more: Home and Community Care program
Commonwealth Carelink Centres (more information)
The Commonwealth Carelink Centre nearest to you has local knowledge and links with the people in your community who provide a range of community care services, including respite care, short-term care centres and day therapy centres. Community based services may charge fees according to the type of services being used and your ability to pay.
Transition Care Program
The Transition Care Program, to be established in 2007, has been designed to help you improve your independence and confidence after a hospital stay. The program provides low-intensity therapy and support as part of an ongoing but slower recovery process, giving you time to determine what level of care you will require in the future.
Read more: Transition Care Program
Common questions on this topic:
- My parents live together in an independent living unit in an aged care complex. Dad is quite frail and relies on my mum a lot. We think that he should go into an aged care home for respite to give mum a break from her caring role, but he refuses to go. What can we do?
- I need to arrange respite care for Dad. Who can help me?
- I really need a break but Dad refuses to go into an aged care home or community house for respite care. What can I do?
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