Caring for an older loved one is one of the most meaningful things you can do — but it’s also demanding, and everyone needs a break sometimes. That’s exactly what aged care respite is for. Yet many families don’t know what respite is available, how to access it, or what it costs. This guide explains aged care respite in Adelaide clearly: the types, how to access them, the costs, and how to get help — including in an emergency.
- Respite gives carers a break — while your loved one is well cared for.
- There are several types — from in-home help to a short stay in an aged care home.
- Most respite needs an assessment — usually through My Aged Care.
- Emergency respite is available — through Carer Gateway, without prior assessment.
What is aged care respite?
Aged care respite is temporary care for an older person, designed to give their carer a planned or emergency break. It can be provided in the person’s own home, at a day centre, or through a short stay in an aged care home — and can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
Importantly, respite isn’t only for carers who are at breaking point. It’s a normal, healthy part of sustainable caring — a chance to rest and recharge so you can keep caring well, for longer. Taking a break isn’t stepping back from someone you love; it’s making sure you can keep showing up for them.
Carers who take regular breaks tend to care for longer, and more happily. Respite protects carer wellbeing and prevents burnout — and it can benefit your loved one too, through new experiences, social contact and a change of scene. A rested carer is a better carer.
Types of aged care respite
There are several kinds of respite, so you can choose what suits your situation:
In-home (flexible) respite
A paid carer comes to the home, during the day or overnight, so the usual carer can take a break — in familiar surroundings.
Centre-based / day respite
Your loved one attends a day centre for activities, meals and company, giving you time off during the day.
Cottage respite
A short overnight or weekend stay (often 2–3 days) in a homelike community setting — a longer, restful break.
Residential respite
A short stay in an aged care home with care available around the clock — for a proper stretch of time off.
Residential respite has a hidden benefit: it’s a low-pressure way to introduce your loved one to residential care, if that might be on the horizon one day. A respite stay lets them meet the staff, settle into the routines, and see how they feel — all without the weight of a permanent decision. Many families find it makes any future transition far easier.
How to access aged care respite
For most government-subsidised respite, the first step is an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. Here’s the path:
1. Contact My Aged Care
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (or apply online) to register and arrange an assessment.
2. Have an assessment
An assessor determines eligibility and the level of respite that suits your loved one’s needs.
3. Find a provider
Once approved, you can choose a respite provider and arrange the care that fits your situation.
4. Book your break
Arrange the respite — and it’s wise to book ahead where you can, especially for residential respite.
In-home respite can often be funded through Support at Home (which replaced Home Care Packages in November 2025), while residential respite is accessed separately through My Aged Care. Our guide on applying for a My Aged Care assessment walks through the process.
If your caring situation changes suddenly — illness, a hospital stay, or another crisis — emergency respite is available, and you don’t need a prior assessment. Contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, the national carer support service, which can help arrange urgent respite. In a genuine emergency, care can often be organised quickly.
Aged care respite in Adelaide
Our Adelaide team can help you understand your respite options and arrange caring, reliable support — so you can take the break you need with peace of mind.
What does aged care respite cost?
The reassuring news is that government-subsidised respite is far more affordable than many families expect. The costs depend on the type:
- Residential respite — you pay a basic daily fee (set at 85% of the single age pension, indexed each March and September), with the government covering the rest. Importantly, there’s no means-tested care fee and no accommodation deposit for respite — unlike a permanent move into care.
- In-home and community respite — costs vary by service and provider, often with a modest co-contribution.
- No means assessment needed — you don’t have to complete an income and assets assessment to access respite.
Aged care fees change with indexation and reforms, so we’ve kept exact dollar figures out of this guide. For the current basic daily fee and up-to-date cost information, the best source is My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au or 1800 200 422). Financial hardship assistance is also available if you’re worried about affording respite.
How long can respite last?
For residential respite, eligible people are entitled to up to 63 days of subsidised care per financial year (1 July to 30 June). This can be taken as one block or spread across the year as you need it. If you need more, an aged care assessor can approve extensions of up to 21 days at a time. In-home and community respite generally have no fixed annual limit, depending on funding and needs.
Humanity Care provides caring, person-centred respite care across Adelaide, and can help you understand your options and arrange support that suits your family. We look after your loved one with warmth and respect, so you can take your break with genuine peace of mind. Because carers deserve care too.
Frequently asked questions about aged care respite
What is aged care respite?
Aged care respite is temporary care for an older person, designed to give their carer a planned or emergency break. It can be provided at home, at a day centre, or through a short stay in an aged care home, and can last from a few hours to several weeks. It’s a normal, healthy part of sustainable caring — not just for carers at breaking point.
What types of aged care respite are there?
The main types are in-home (flexible) respite, where a carer comes to the home; centre-based or day respite at a day centre; cottage respite for a short overnight or weekend stay; and residential respite, a short stay in an aged care home with around-the-clock care. Emergency respite is also available for sudden, unexpected situations.
How do I access aged care respite?
For most government-subsidised respite, start with an aged care assessment through My Aged Care (call 1800 200 422 or apply online). Once assessed and approved, you can choose a provider and arrange care. In-home respite can often be funded through Support at Home, while residential respite is accessed separately. Booking ahead is wise where you can.
How do I get emergency respite?
If your caring situation changes suddenly, emergency respite is available without a prior assessment. Contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, the national carer support service, which can help arrange urgent respite. In a genuine emergency, care can often be organised quickly, whether in the home, community, or an aged care home.
How much does aged care respite cost?
Government-subsidised respite is more affordable than many expect. For residential respite you pay a basic daily fee (85% of the single age pension), with no means-tested care fee or accommodation deposit. In-home and community respite costs vary, often with a modest co-contribution. No means assessment is needed. Check My Aged Care for current figures, and financial hardship help is available.
Does Humanity Care provide respite care in Adelaide?
Yes. Humanity Care provides caring, person-centred respite care across Adelaide, and can help you understand your options and arrange support that suits your family. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about giving yourself the break you need, with your loved one in good hands.
Care for the carer, too
Respite care exists for a simple, important reason: carers matter, and everyone needs a break. Whether it’s a few hours at home, a day at a centre, or a longer stay in an aged care home, respite lets you rest and recharge — while your loved one is safe and well cared for. It’s not a sign of failing; it’s a sign of caring wisely and sustainably.
If you’d like help arranging aged care respite in Adelaide, our friendly local team is here to support you and your loved one.
Arrange aged care respite in Adelaide
Talk to our local team about respite options for your family — caring, reliable support so you can take your break, with no obligation.
