Respite Care Places in Australia: The Complete Facility & Vacancy Guide
Caring for an aging parent, spouse, or family member with a disability is a deeply rewarding commitment, but sustainable caregiving requires planned rest. Finding accredited respite care places across Australia ensures your loved one receives 24/7 professional support, meals, and engaging activities while primary caregivers take time to recharge.
Need Urgent or Emergency Respite Placement?
If you are facing sudden carer illness, unexpected hospitalization, or acute physical exhaustion:
Call Carer Gateway 24/7 on 1800 422 737 for crisis relief, or contact Alliance Care Support on 1300 039 894.
Types of Respite Care Places in Australia
Depending on clinical needs, funding packages, and preferred settings, families can choose between several types of respite facilities:
| Facility Type | Who It Caters For | Stay Duration | Funding Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDIS STA Respite Houses | NDIS participants aged under 65 with disability | Overnight up to 14 days per stay | Core Supports (Assistance with Daily Life) |
| Residential Aged Care Respite Facilities | Seniors aged 65+ (50+ ATSI) | A few days up to 63 subsidized days/year | My Aged Care (ACAT approval required) |
| Community Day Respite Centres | Older adults & individuals wanting social recreation | Daytime business hours (e.g., 9am–3pm) | CHSP, HCP, NDIS, or Private |
| Cottage Respite Homes | Small groups wanting a home-like environment | Overnight or weekend stays | Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) |
What Is Included at a Residential Respite Facility?
- 24/7 Professional Nursing & Personal Care: On-site Registered Nurses and support workers for showering, dressing, and mobility assistance.
- Dietitian-Approved Dining: Freshly cooked meals, morning/afternoon tea, and specialized texture or diabetic diets.
- Medication Management: Secure clinical administration and tracking of all prescriptions via Webster-paks.
- Lifestyle & Social Programs: Music therapy, gentle exercise, arts, board games, and supported community excursions.
- Private Furnished Accommodation: Fully equipped accessible bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, emergency call bells, and TV lounges.
Understanding Respite Costs, Fees, and Subsidies
Government subsidies significantly lower the cost of respite placements across Australia:
- Aged Care Basic Daily Fee: Subsidized residential respite residents pay only the standard Basic Daily Fee (set at 85% of the basic single Age Pension). No accommodation bonds (RAD or DAP) are charged.
- NDIS Short Term Accommodation (STA): Billed as an all-inclusive 24-hour rate covering accommodation, staff, food, and activities, leaving zero out-of-pocket costs for participants with approved Core funding.
- Booking Deposits: Facilities may request a reservation deposit, which is legally capped at either one week's Basic Daily Fee or 25% of the total respite fee.
Step-by-Step: How to Secure a Respite Care Bed
- Confirm Funding Approvals: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for an ACAT assessment approving residential respite, or check your NDIS Core budget.
- Locate Vacancies in Your Local Area: Research accredited aged care homes and NDIS respite providers across your preferred Adelaide suburbs.
- Tour the Property: Check accessibility, bathroom modifications, nurse-to-resident ratios, and leisure spaces.
- Submit Medical Profiles: Provide updated doctor's medical summaries, medication charts, and mobility instructions.
- Sign the Respite Agreement: Confirm admission dates, daily fees, and emergency contact details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Respite Care Places
How do I find subsidized respite care places near me in Australia?
For seniors aged 65+, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange an ACAT assessment approving residential respite care. For NDIS participants, search registered providers offering Short Term Accommodation (STA) or contact Alliance Care Support directly on 1300 039 894 to check current bed vacancies.
How much does a stay at a residential respite care place cost?
Government-subsidized aged care residential respite is capped at the standard Basic Daily Fee (85% of the single basic Age Pension), which covers accommodation, meals, and laundry. No accommodation deposits (RAD or DAP) apply. NDIS-funded STA is 100% covered by plan Core budgets.
How many days can a senior stay in a residential respite care place per year?
Eligible older Australians can access up to 63 subsidized days of residential respite care per financial year through My Aged Care, which can be extended by up to 21 days in special circumstances.
Who do I call for emergency respite care place placement?
For 24/7 nationwide emergency carer relief and immediate respite placement, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Explore Respite Care Places with Alliance Care Support
Looking for modern, accessible Short Term Accommodation (STA), Supported Independent Living (SIL), or in-home care in Adelaide? Alliance Care Support provides compassionate 24/7 care in welcoming, purpose-built homes across South Australia.
Phone: 1300 039 894
Email: [email protected]
Office: 12A Oldfield St, Parafield Gardens SA 5107