Respite Care
Respite for carers - Roseanne's experience
Benefits of Respite Care
For carers, respite care provides time to rest, attend to work or family, or take a holiday. It helps prevent burnout and supports caring relationships. Knowing your loved one is receiving professional support brings valuable reassurance.
For the person staying on respite, the experience can lift quality of life through social engagement, nutritious meals, meaningful activities and access to clinical support. It can aid recovery following hospitalisation and offers an opportunity to try Care Community living in a supportive setting.
Our approach includes personalised care plans, regular wellbeing check-ins and a focus on choice and independence. We provide dementia-friendly environments where needed, evidence-informed care practices and support for people’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing during a short stay.
Our Respite Services
Respite services at Opal HealthCare typically include:
- 24/7 registered nurse oversight and medication management
- Allied health support as needed
- Freshly prepared meals and refreshments
- Lifestyle and activities program
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Many of our Care Communities offer companion or private rooms, with ensuites in selected locations, subject to availability, across metropolitan and regional Australia. Our Care Communities feature landscaped surroundings and welcoming spaces for family visits.
Services vary by location, but all uphold the same commitment to safety, dignity, and warmth. Please contact your nearest Care Community to ask about availability and room options.
Respite Care Steps
- Enquiry — Call your local Opal HealthCare Care Community to discuss dates, care needs, and room preferences.
- Assessment — For government‑subsidised respite, an Aged Care Assessment is usually required. Opal Healthcare can guide you through this process.
- Fees — Clear fee information is provided based on subsidy eligibility, room type, and length of stay.
- Booking — Confirm dates, check availability, and complete the admission paperwork.
For some families, a short-term break through respite care is enough to recharge. For others, permanent care, as in Margaret's experience with her husband, becomes the safest and most sustainable choice.
Hear about our resident Jean's experience in Respite Care
Commonly asked questions about Respite care
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Respite care is a lifeline for caregivers, offering a helping hand when you need it most. Our experienced nurses and support staff step in to provide expert assistance, allowing you to focus on your own health and peace of mind. This service not only supports you but also enriches the lives of your loved ones by introducing them to new experiences and fostering their independence.
Understanding the significance of respite care is essential for families seeking flexible support, especially during moments when you need to attend to personal matters or family events. Whether you choose in-home care or a temporary stay with us, rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest quality of support and companionship.
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Stays can range from a few days to several weeks, subject to availability and any government subsidised day limits. We'll work with you to confirm suitable dates and duration.
If you are eligible for respite care, you can access up to 63 days of subsidised respite care in a financial year in an Opal HealthCare Care Community where respite is available. You will only need to pay the Basic Daily Care Fee, which is set by the government at 85% of the single-age pension.
If you don’t qualify for subsidised care, you may be required to pay for respite care. This is called ‘self-funded’ respite and the fees will vary between Care Communities.
After you have completed 63 days in Respite Care, it is advisable to move to permanent care.
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In order to receive government-subsidised respite care, you need to have a face-to-face assessment with a qualified assessor to determine your care needs. This can be organised via the My Aged Care Regional Assessment Service. You can also apply for an assessment online or by calling 1800 200 422.
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Fees vary by subsidy, eligibility, room type and duration. We'll provide clear information before admission and can assist with understanding government funding and any contributions for respite services.
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If you don’t qualify for subsidised care, you may have to pay for respite care yourself. This is called ‘self-funded’ respite and fees will vary between Care Communities.
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Yes. Many Care Communities offer environments and approaches tailored for people living with dementia, with trained team members and structured routines to support comfort and orientation.
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Comfortable clothing, labelled personal items, current medications, mobility aids and any favorite items such as photos or a familiar blanket. Linen, basic toiletries, and all meals are provided. Check more on our Moving in page.
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Yes, you can enjoy respite care in any Opal Healthcare Care Community that has an availability and can meet your care needs.
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Respite is intended to provide short-term care to older Australians when their carer is away or unavailable, or for those who need a little extra care after a hospital stay. However, sometimes people take up respite in our Care Communities because they are not quite ready to commit to long-term care and want the opportunity to experience life in residential aged care before making a more permanent move.
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Day respite is the option to enter residential aged care for a day (without an overnight stay). We offer day respite on a planned or ad-hoc basis in some of our Care Communities and may be possible multiple times a week, month or as needed. Day respite residents enjoy the full range of food, care and activity options as do our permanent residents. To find out if a Care Community you are interested in does Day Respite please fill out our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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Yes, where capacity allows. Contact your nearest Opal HealthCare Care Community to check if respite care is available when you need it.
5 Steps into Residential Aged Care
