Respite can be planned or on an emergency basis and can be used for up to 63 days in a financial year. It can be planned in advance for example if a carer has personal needs and commitments or is planning a trip.
We offer day respite and short and long-term care. Longer-term respite care can be a good way to manage recovery from illness and give residents the opportunity to access reablement services. We have a registered nurse on shift, every day and night.
We welcome day visitors for respite care to spend the day enjoying our care and services and to give carers some flexibility to attend to personal needs and commitments.
Our day program runs from Monday-Friday and includes morning and afternoon tea, as well as a nutritious lunch cooked by our in-home chef.
As there is limited availability, we ask that you book ahead.
All carers need the opportunity for time off and a break from looking after loved ones. We offer short-term care in many of our Care Communities.
Longer-term respite can be a good way to manage the recovery from illness and gives residents the opportunity to access reablement services.
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 and can be the result of an emergency situation or a planned period of time.
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.
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.
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 (currently $52.71).
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.
Make sure the person requiring care has had an ACAT assessment.
Search for a residential aged care home suitability located.
Understand the costs associated with aged care.
Ensure you have all the relevant paperwork.
Check out our moving checklist to ensure the smoothest move possible.
