Key Takeaways
- Respite includes in-home, centre-based, residential (up to 63 days/year), and emergency options
- Access respite through My Aged Care, including CHSP entry-level pathways that continue through 30 June 2029, NDIS, Carer Gateway, or private providers
- Regular planned breaks help you sustain your caring role long-term
- Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) provides free counselling and emergency respite for all carers
- Using respite is not abandoning your loved one — it's ensuring you can continue caring well
If you're caring for an older family member, a person with disability, or someone with a chronic illness, you already know how demanding it can be. Respite care gives you a break — planned or emergency — while ensuring your loved one continues to receive safe, quality care. It's not a luxury; it's essential for sustainable caring.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is temporary care provided to the person you usually look after, so you can take a break. It can be for a few hours, a few days, or longer — depending on your needs and what's available.
Types of respite include:
In-home respite
A care worker comes to your home so you can leave for appointments, errands, or rest.
Centre-based respite
Your loved one attends a day program with activities, social interaction, and supervision.
Residential respite
Short-term stay in an aged care facility (up to 63 days per year) for planned or emergency breaks.
Emergency respite
Urgent care when something unexpected happens — carer illness, family emergency, or crisis.
Who Can Access Respite Care?
Respite is available through several pathways:
- My Aged Care pathways — CHSP remains an entry-level pathway through 30 June 2029; My Aged Care can explain whether current CHSP, Support at Home or another aged-care option fits your situation
- NDIS — Respite (Short Term Accommodation) for NDIS participants
- Carer Gateway — Free counselling, coaching, and emergency respite for all carers
- Private respite — Self-funded options through private providers
How to Access Respite Care
- Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) or the Carer Gateway (1800 422 737)
- Complete an assessment — Your needs and the needs of the person you care for will be assessed
- Choose a provider — Select a respite provider that suits your situation
- Plan ahead — Book respite in advance where possible, especially for residential stays
For carers: You don't need to wait until you're exhausted to access respite. Regular, planned breaks help you sustain your caring role long-term. Think of respite as maintenance, not emergency repair.
Overcoming Guilt About Taking a Break
Many carers feel guilty about using respite. This is completely normal — but it's important to understand that taking a break is not abandoning your loved one. It's ensuring you can continue to care for them well.
Research consistently shows that carers who use respite regularly:
- Have better physical and mental health
- Provide higher quality care when they return
- Are able to sustain their caring role for longer
- Maintain their own relationships and interests
How CHNSS Supports Carers
CHNSS understands the challenges carers face. We can help you:
- Navigate the respite system and find appropriate options
- Prepare for assessments to ensure you receive adequate support
- Coordinate care during respite periods
- Plan for emergencies so you have backup when unexpected situations arise
Trusted Australian Resources
CHNSS is independent of these organisations. We link to them as trusted Australian resources to support your healthcare journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) to discuss aged-care respite pathways, including current CHSP entry-level support, or Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) for general carer support and emergency respite.
Government-subsidised respite is available through My Aged Care and the NDIS. Carer Gateway provides free emergency respite. Some costs may apply depending on your circumstances.
Up to 63 days per financial year, with extensions possible in special circumstances.
Healthcare Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. CHNSS provides independent nursing consultation and healthcare navigation — not medical diagnosis or treatment.
