Respite care: a break for you and the person who cares for you

What respite is for

Respite gives the person receiving care, and the person caring for them, a break for a short time. It can also be a chance to meet new people. It might be a few hours, a few days or a few weeks, and it can be at home, in the community or in an aged care home. It is often planned in advance, for example around a trip or an appointment, but it can also be arranged in an emergency.

The main kinds

Respite at home, sometimes called flexible respite, usually means a paid carer comes to the home so the usual carer can have a break. Community or centre-based respite takes place during the day at a day centre, club or community space. Cottage respite is available overnight or over a weekend in a centre or community location. Residential respite takes place in an aged care home and suits people who need support with most tasks.

What is available depends on eligibility, needs and services in the area, and the program involved.

Emergencies

If a carer is suddenly unable to care, for example through illness or a death, emergency respite may be available through the Carer Gateway. Residential respite normally needs an assessment, but in an emergency an urgent assessment can often be arranged through the provider.

Planning, cost and fit

Plan ahead where you can. Ask providers what a typical day or stay looks like, what is included, how it is charged and whether it can be arranged on regular dates. Visit first if you can and tell the staff about routines, medication and preferences. A trial stay or session can make the first time easier.

Costs depend on the type of respite and the program. This is general information, not advice about your eligibility.

Making respite work for both people

Respite works best when the person receiving care feels settled. Share routines, medication, likes and dislikes with whoever will be providing it, and consider starting with a short session before a longer stay. Familiar items and a clear explanation of what to expect help.

Carers are entitled to support too. The Carer Gateway offers information and services for carers, so it is worth contacting it even if you are not in a crisis.

Frequently asked questions

What is respite care?

Respite gives the person receiving care, and the person caring for them, a break for a short time. It might be a few hours, a few days or a few weeks, and it can be at home, in the community or in an aged care home. It is often planned in advance but can also be arranged in an emergency.

What kinds of respite are there?

Respite at home usually means a paid carer comes to the home so the usual carer can have a break. Community or centre-based respite takes place during the day at a day centre, club or community space. Cottage respite is available overnight or over a weekend, and residential respite takes place in an aged care home.

What if a carer suddenly cannot care?

If a carer is suddenly unable to care, for example through illness or a death, emergency respite may be available through the Carer Gateway. Residential respite normally needs an assessment, but in an emergency an urgent assessment can often be arranged through the provider.

Keep learning

• Support at Home explained: how in-home aged care works: Support at Home is the program that helps older people stay in their own homes. Here is how it works, from approval to choosing a provider.
• Getting an aged care assessment: what to expect: The assessment is the first step to government-funded aged care. Here is how to apply, what the assessor does and what to do while you wait.
• Aged care costs: what you may be asked to contribute: What you pay depends on the type of care, the provider, your finances and the services you receive. Here is how to make sense of it and what to ask.
• Choosing an aged care provider or home: what to compare: Star ratings are a good start, not the whole picture. Here is how to compare providers on quality, cost and fit.

More in our aged care support guide, our step-by-step guides, or the aged care providers listed on the My Aged Care register.

Official sources

• My Aged Care: Respite care
• My Aged Care: Commonwealth Home Support Program
• My Aged Care: Support at Home program

Source checked 12 October 2026. Rules and guidance can change; verify current details with the responsible agency. How we write and check our guides.