Skip to main content
For information on COVID-19, scheduled website maintenance and other important news, see News and updates.
My Aged Care Home My Aged Care
  • Home
  • Types of care
    • Where to start?
    • Learn about types of care
    • Am I eligible?
    • Help at home
    • Short-term care
    • Aged care homes
  • Assessment
    • The assessment process
    • How to apply for assessment
    • Prepare for your assessment
    • After your assessment
    • When to get re-assessed
    • Apply for assessment online
  • Find a provider
    • Search for a provider
    • Compare providers
    • What to consider
    • Understanding costs
    • Setting up services
  • Manage my services
    • How to make changes
    • Arranging someone to support you
    • Access your Online Account
  • Contact us
    • How to contact us
    • Accessible services
    • About My Aged Care
    • Complaints process
  • News
    • News and updates
    • Improving Australia's aged care system
Languages

Breadcrumb

  1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: Respite care and carers

Facebook Twitter Email Copy

Questions about respite care and carers

Open all Close all
I’m caring for an older person. What support is available for us?

Looking after your health and wellbeing is important. If you’re caring for an older person there are many services and resources available to support both of you. These include respite care, counselling, information, and advocacy.

You can also visit Carer Gateway to learn more about the carer specific support services that might be available to you.

Read more about caring for someone

How can I get respite care?

If you need respite care, you will first need to apply for an assessment through My Aged Care. After your assessment you will find out if you’re eligible, and what type of respite you are eligible for.

Read more about respite care

I need to organise emergency respite care. What do I need to do?

If you need emergency respite care, you can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. You may have to provide some information when you call, to make sure the right type of care can be provided.

For more information, you can also go to the Carer Gateway website.

Read more

My carer helps me with some day-to-day tasks at home. What respite care is available?

If you only need help with some everyday tasks in your home, then respite care is available under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). It usually involves a paid carer coming to your home so that your usual carer can take a short break.

Read more

My carer supports me with most tasks. What respite care is available?

If you need help with most tasks all the time, then residential respite is best suited for you. Residential respite in an aged care home is available for a few days, or up to several weeks at a time.

If you receive residential respite in an aged care home, you will receive the same care and support services as permanent residents. This includes a room, meals, laundry and personal care.

Read more

I care for someone who has moved into an aged care home. Can I still provide care for them?

Yes, you can and it’s helpful if you do. You will need to work together with the aged care home’s health professionals, but you are still an important source of support and care.

Read more

Return to FAQ topics
Back to top

Further information

  • For health professionals
  • For service providers
  • For carers
  • Support and advocacy
  • Non government-funded providers
  • Quality
  • Aged care reforms
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • News and updates
  • Resources

Tools

  • Apply for assessment
  • Income and means assessments
  • Eligibility checker
  • Fee estimator
  • Non-compliance checker
  • Make a referral
  • Find a provider
  • Help explorer
  • My guide to aged care

Contact us

1800 200 422 (Freecall)

Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

More contact options
Accessible for all
Complaints
About us

Footer site info links

  • Terms of use
  • Privacy
  • Glossary
  • Sitemap
© Commonwealth of Australia.
Site Version: c4cab08d-master