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Overview of respite care
Government programs offering respite care
The Australian Government provides support for respite care for older people and their carers, through the following programs:- the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program (more information), and
- the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) (more information), which administers:
- Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (more information),
- the National Carer Counselling Program, and
- Respite care services at home, in a day care centre, or another community setting.
There are Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres in metropolitan, rural and remote areas. These provide advice on the different types of respite care available and can help arrange care for a few hours or even a few days. These centres can also arrange 24-hour emergency respite care. For more information, call 1800 200 422 during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, call 1800 059 059.
Respite care in an aged care home
Short-term respite care is also available for older people who need care in an aged care home. It may be used on a planned or emergency basis to help with carer stress, illness, holidays or any other time when your carer is unable to help out. You can also seek respite care for yourself.Some older people who have been approved for permanent care in an aged care home may be able to delay moving into the home by using respite care services.
Initial points of contact
For information about respite services, contact 1800 200 422 or look at the 'Age Page' in most telephone directories.State and territory contacts
The table below lists the carers’ associations in each state and territory and their contact numbers.| State/Territory | Association | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Carers’ Association of NSW | 02 9280 4744 |
| Victoria | Carers’ Association of Victoria Inc | 03 9396 9500 |
| Queensland | Queensland Council of Carers Inc | 07 3900 8100 |
| Western Australia | Carers’ Association of WA | 1300 227 337 24 hr carer counselling line 1800 007 332 |
| Red Cross HACC Carer Support | 1800 441 014 | |
| South Australia | SA Carers Association | 08 8291 5600 or 1800 815 549 (free call) |
| Tasmania | Carers’ Association of Tasmania | Hobart:
03 6231 5507 Launceston: 03 6334 9917 |
| Northern Territory | NT Carers’ and Consumer Association | 08 8944 4888 |
| Australian Capital Territory | Carers’ Association of ACT Inc | 02 6122 9900 |
Government contacts
The table below lists the government departments responsible for aged care in each state and territory and their contact numbers.| State/Territory | Department | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care | 02 8270 2000 |
| NSW Health | 02 9391 9000 | |
| Victoria | Department of Health | 03 9096 0000 |
| Queensland | Queensland Health | 1300 135 513 |
| Western Australia | Department of Health | 08 9222 4135 |
| Department for Communities | 08 6217 8700 | |
| South Australia | Department for Families and Communities | 08 8226 8800 |
| Department of Health | 08 8226 6000 | |
| Tasmania | Department of Health and Human Services | 1300 135 513 |
| Northern Territory | Department of Health and Families | 08 8999 2400 |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Health | 13 22 81 |