Respite care is a short-term stay in a residential aged care home to provide caregivers with a break from caring when they need it. Respite can range anywhere from a single day to a number of weeks in care.

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.

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 to an opportunity to experience life in residential aged care before making a more permanent move.

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 all our Care Communities and it can be enjoyed multiple times a week, month or as needed. Day respite residents enjoy the full range of food, care and activity options as permanent residents.

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 at 85% of the single age pension.

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.

Yes, you can enjoy respite care in any Opal Care Community that has availability and can meet your care needs.