Respite & short-term care at home
Explore Local Home Help guidance about respite, short-term support and giving carers a planned break while care continues safely.
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Can I use a Home Care Package to arrange emergency or overnight respite?
Support at Home can fund planned overnight respite when it is approved and affordable within the budget. For a sudden breakdown in unpaid care, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for emergency respite options. Residential respite is a separate aged care service with its own approval and annual day limit.
Read answer →Services You Can Use at HomeCan Support at Home provide respite for family carers?
Yes. Respite may be available to give an unpaid carer a break while the older person remains safely supported.
Read answer →Family, Memory & Difficult ConversationsWhat help is available for a family carer supporting someone with dementia?
Support may include respite, personal care, social support, education, allied health and help coordinating services.
Read answer →Navigating the System & EligibilityCan I speed up the process if it's an urgent or crisis situation?
Yes, you can speed up the process in some situations. Contact My Aged Care promptly, describe the specific risks and ask for urgent consideration but use emergency health, hospital or respite services when the person needs help immediately.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeWhat services can I actually pay for with Support at Home?
Support at Home funding can pay for services that are approved in your support plan and included on the official service list. These may include nursing and allied health, personal care, respite, transport, domestic assistance and home maintenance.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeWhat is residential respite care, and how many days can I use per year?
Residential respite is a temporary stay in an aged care home. Eligible people receive up to 63 subsidised days each financial year, with possible 21-day extensions approved by an assessor.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeWhat is a secure memory support unit (MSU) for dementia?
A secure memory support unit is a specialised part of an aged care home for people with dementia who need additional supervision and a safer environment. The best units combine security with skilled dementia care, meaningful activity, familiar routines and the least possible restriction on the person’s freedom.
Read answer →Specialised Care: Dementia, Respite & PalliativeHow are staff trained specifically to manage advanced dementia behaviors?
Support at Home providers may use employees or contractors, but the registered provider remains accountable for ensuring every worker is trained, competent, briefed and supervised. For advanced dementia, families should look for demonstrated dementia-specific experience, consistent workers, an individualised support plan and access to specialist clinical or behavioural advice.
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