What Is Respite Care? A Family’s Guide to Short-Term Support at Home
Respite care is short-term support that gives a family carer a proper break, while the person they care for continues to receive good-quality care from someone else. It can last a few hours, a few days, or occasionally a few weeks, and it can take place at home, in the community, or in an aged care home.
If you are caring for a partner, parent or family member and you are exhausted, overdue for a holiday, or simply need a weekly few hours to yourself, respite care exists for exactly this reason. This guide explains, in plain English, the different types of respite care available in Australia, how they are funded, and how to arrange respite care at home in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
If you are further along and dealing with guilt about taking a break, or the emotional side of stepping away from caring duties, our companion article, "Respite for Caregivers: Take a Break Without Guilt", covers that in depth. This guide focuses on the practical side: what respite care is, the different types, and how to arrange it.
The Different Types of Respite Care
Respite care is not one single service — it covers several different types, suited to different situations. Understanding the difference helps you ask for the right kind of support.
Respite care at home
A paid carer comes to your home so your usual carer can take a short break, during the day or overnight. This is also called flexible respite, and is the option most families start with, since it keeps their loved one in a familiar environment. It is provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Support at Home programme.
Community and centre-based respite
Your loved one attends a day centre, club, or community space, giving them the chance to interact with other people while you take a break. Day respite commonly runs from around 10am to 3pm.
Cottage respite
Respite that takes place in a centre or community location rather than in your own home, usually overnight or for two to three days at a time.
Residential respite
A short-term stay in an aged care home, best suited to people who need more support with daily tasks. Residents receive the same care and services as permanent residents — a room, meals, laundry, social activities, and help with personal and care needs. Residential respite is available for up to 63 days of subsidised care in a financial year, which can be extended by 21 days at a time with further approval.
Planned respite
Respite arranged ahead of time — for example, when you have a holiday booked, a medical appointment, or simply need a regular weekly break.
Emergency respite
Respite arranged quickly when a carer is unexpectedly unable to continue caring — for example, due to sudden illness or an urgent family situation. For emergency respite in the home or community, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, available at any time.
How Long Does Respite Care Last?
A few hours for a short home visit.
A day, for community or centre-based respite (commonly 10am to 3pm).
Two to three days at a time for cottage respite.
Up to 63 subsidised days per financial year for residential respite, extendable by 21 days at a time with approval.
There is no set minimum — even a few hours a week, taken regularly, can make a genuine difference to a carer’s wellbeing.
How Is Respite Care Funded in Australia?
There are three main funding pathways, and which one applies depends on your situation.
Support at Home and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
If your loved one has been assessed through My Aged Care, respite care at home or in the community may be funded under the Support at Home programme or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Residential respite normally requires a My Aged Care assessment, although in a genuine emergency you may be able to access residential respite before an assessment is completed, with the aged care home arranging an urgent assessment for you.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway can arrange planned respite as part of a tailored support package, and emergency respite when a carer becomes unexpectedly unable to continue. Carer Gateway can be reached on 1800 422 737, and in many cases planned respite through this service is free for eligible carers.
Privately arranged respite
Some families choose to arrange respite privately, either because they want more choice over who provides the care, need support sooner than a government-funded pathway allows, or simply prefer the flexibility. Luxe Care provides private in-home respite across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, with no waitlist and a small, consistent care team.
How to Arrange Respite Care in Melbourne
For government-funded respite at home: contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to check your eligibility and arrange an assessment.
For emergency respite: call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, at any time.
For private in-home respite in Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula, with no waitlist: call Luxe Care on 1300 674 886.
Luxe Care’s respite carers work to your instructions, so your loved one’s routine is not disrupted, whether you need a few hours, an overnight stay, or ongoing weekly support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is respite care?
Respite care is short-term support that allows a family carer to take a break, while the person they care for continues to receive good-quality care from someone else.
How much does respite care cost?
This depends on the funding pathway. Carer Gateway planned respite is often free for eligible carers. Support at Home respite may involve a participant contribution. Privately arranged respite, such as through Luxe Care, is charged directly — call 1300 674 886 for current rates.
Do I need an assessment to access respite care?
Government-funded respite through My Aged Care generally requires an assessment, although residential respite can sometimes be accessed in a genuine emergency before an assessment is completed. Privately arranged respite does not require an assessment.
How quickly can I arrange emergency respite?
Carer Gateway can be contacted at any time on 1800 422 737 for emergency respite. Luxe Care can also arrange private respite care quickly, without a waitlist — call 1300 674 886.
Can respite care be provided at home rather than in a facility?
Yes. In-home respite is one of the most common forms, allowing your loved one to stay in a familiar environment while you take a break.
If you are ready to arrange a break, or simply want to understand your options, call Luxe Care on 1300 674 886 for a confidential conversation about respite care in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
