Respite vs permanent aged care.
Respite is a short stay. Permanent care is a home to move into. They are funded and booked differently, and knowing which you need, or starting with respite to find out, can take a lot of pressure off a hard moment.
| Respite care | Permanent residential care | |
|---|---|---|
| How long | Short stays, up to 63 subsidised days a year, extendable in some cases | Ongoing, for as long as the person lives there |
| Why families use it | Recovery after hospital, a trial of a home, or a break for a carer | Care needs are ongoing and home is no longer the answer |
| Booking | Often available within days, subject to a bed being free | Requires a My Aged Care assessment for permanent residential care |
| Cost | A basic daily fee for the stay, with the government funding the care | Basic daily fee, means-tested care fee, and an accommodation payment |
| Commitment | None. You go home at the end of the stay | You can still leave, and accommodation deposits are refunded under a government guarantee |
In a hurry?
If someone is leaving hospital soon or a carer has run out of road, respite is often the fastest safe option. Our urgent care guide covers how to arrange it in days.
Common questions
Can respite care become permanent?
Yes, and it often does. A respite stay is a low-pressure way to try a home. If it is the right fit and a permanent place is available, many families convert the respite stay into a permanent one. It is one of the calmest ways to make a big decision.
How quickly can I arrange respite care?
Residential respite can often be arranged within days if a home has a bed free, which makes it a genuine option in an urgent situation such as a hospital discharge or a carer who suddenly cannot cope. You still need a My Aged Care assessment that approves respite, but care can begin quickly.
Does using respite affect getting a permanent place later?
No. Respite and permanent care are assessed and funded separately, and using respite does not count against you. If anything it helps, because you and the home both learn whether it is a good fit before anyone commits.