Aged Care Options – What is Respite Care?
Respite care is short-term care designed to give you and your carer a break for a short period of time. It can be regular (for example a few hours each week), a block of time (such as if your carer was going away for a weekend), or in emergencies (for example if your carer had an accident and was hospitalised).
Respite care is important for both you and your carer. It means your carer can balance caring for you with other commitments in their life such as work, their own family and their social life. It also helps them to avoid carer fatigue/burnout, as having a short break can alleviate stress and allow them to recharge.
Is respite care unlimited?
No, you are entitled to up to 63 days of respite care per financial year. Should you need care for a longer period than this, it may be an indication that permanent residential care should be considered.
Do I have to go to an Aged Care facility to have respite care?
Not necessarily. It is possible for you to receive respite care in a facility, in your home or in the community. You can access respite care if you are receiving a Home Care Package or Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). There are numerous providers that offer this care in the community.
Will I be charged for respite care?
Yes. You will usually be required to pay the Basic Daily Care Fee (BDCF) of $52.25 per day for the duration of your respite care if in an Aged Care facility.
The fees payable if you receive respite care in the home or community will depend on your provider.
What if I am a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) cardholder?
You may be entitled to additional benefits when it comes to your care needs if you are a DVA cardholder. For example, often the DVA will fund up to 28 days of respite care for eligible cardholders.
Exactly what you may be eligible for depends on what your DVA status is and can be very complex. We recommend contacting the DVA to ask about any entitlements that may be available to you which could help you fund or gain access to respite care. Alternatively, get in touch with our Newcastle Aged Care team and we can help you with advice.
How do I access respite care?
You will need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to be able to access respite care if you are in a Residential Aged Care facility or you are receiving a Home Care Package in your home.
You will need to be assessed by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) to be able to access respite care if you are in the community, or you are receiving the Commonwealth Home Support Program in your home.
These assessments will determine the level of care you require.
Our team of Aged Care specialists are here to help
Navigating Aged Care yourself or assisting a loved one can be an emotionally charged, overwhelming and complex time so it is important to find the right person to guide you through the process.
To ensure you are equipped with an understanding of how to access respite care, get in touch with the Newcastle Rethink Aged Care team for our personalised aged care advice. Contact us on 4962 4440.
Figures are current at the time of writing and are subject to legislative change.