What Are Respite Home Care Services in Australia?

Caring for an ageing loved one is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Between daily care, work and family commitments, finding time for yourself isn't always easy.

Respite home care gives family caregivers a much-needed break while ensuring their loved ones continue receiving support at home. Whether it's a few hours of help or overnight care, it can make sharing caregiving responsibilities easier.

In this guide, we’ll explain how respite care works. We’ll cover available services, government funding, costs, and how to find support for your family.

What Are Respite Home Care Services?

Respite home care provides temporary support for older people while their usual family caregiver takes a break. A professional care worker steps in to help with daily activities, giving family members time to rest, attend appointments or manage other responsibilities.

Unlike regular home care, respite care is arranged for a limited period. It may involve a few hours of support, daytime visits or overnight care, depending on the person's needs and the provider's availability.

For example, if a daughter regularly cares for her ageing mother, a respite worker can step in while she attends appointments or takes some time for herself.

Respite care can be provided at home, in community settings or in residential aged care homes. You can learn more through My Aged Care.

What Services Can In-Home Respite Care Include?

The services provided during a respite visit depend on the older person's needs, the care arrangement and the provider's capabilities.

Common services may include:

• Personal care: Assistance with showering, dressing, grooming and other daily activities.

• Companionship: Conversation, reading, hobbies and meaningful social activities.

• Meal preparation: Help preparing meals and drinks and supporting established mealtime routines.

• Everyday assistance: Help with agreed household tasks and daily routines.

• Mobility support: Assistance moving safely around the home, where appropriate.

• Overnight support: Temporary assistance during the night when offered by the provider.

  
  

Not every provider offers all these services. Families should discuss their loved one's requirements beforehand to ensure the available support is appropriate.

For example, an older person who lives independently but spends much of the day alone may benefit from companionship and meal preparation. Someone who requires assistance with personal care may need a different level of support.

My Companionship offers home care services, including respite care and overnight support in Perth, subject to individual needs and service arrangements.

What Are the Different Types of Respite Care in Australia?

Respite care is available in several settings. The most suitable option depends on the older person's preferences, care requirements and the length of time their caregiver needs away.

1. In-Home Respite Care

In-home respite allows an older person to receive temporary assistance in their own home. A care worker provides agreed support while the usual caregiver takes a break.

This option may suit people who prefer familiar surroundings and established routines. It can also be practical for families who need support for a few hours or an agreed overnight period.

2. Centre-Based Respite

Centre-based respite generally involves attending a day centre or community setting.

Depending on the service, older people may participate in social activities, group programs and recreation.

This option may suit people who enjoy social interaction outside the home.

3. Cottage Respite

Cottage respite provides short-term care in a community-based accommodation setting. Depending on the service, it may include overnight or weekend stays.

It can be an alternative when families need a longer break than a short in-home visit can provide.

4. Residential Respite Care

Residential respite involves a temporary stay in an aged care home. It may suit older people who need more extensive assistance or whose caregivers require a longer period away.

Subsidised residential respite has specific eligibility and funding arrangements. For current information about the different options, visit My Aged Care's respite care guide.

What Are the Benefits of Respite Home Care?

Caring for an older family member can be rewarding, but it also comes with responsibilities that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Respite care gives family caregivers a chance to take a break while ensuring their loved one continues to receive the support they need.

Here are some of the key benefits of respite home care.

1. Time for Caregivers to Rest

Looking after a loved one can take up much of the day, leaving little time for rest or personal activities. A break from caregiving gives family members time to recharge, catch up on sleep, attend appointments or simply do something they enjoy.

Taking time for yourself doesn't mean you care any less. It helps you look after your own wellbeing, too.

2. More Time for Everyday Responsibilities

Many family caregivers balance caring for ageing parents with work, children and other family commitments. It can be difficult to find enough time for everything.

Respite care can make this easier by providing support at home while caregivers attend to work, run errands, manage appointments or spend time with other family members.

3. Helps Older People Maintain Their Independence

Respite care allows older people to receive support without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. With help from a suitable care worker, they can continue following familiar routines and doing the things they enjoy while getting assistance with everyday activities.

4. Opportunities for Social Interaction

Spending time with a care worker can give older people someone to talk to and share activities with. Whether it's having a conversation, playing a favourite game or enjoying a walk, these small interactions can make the day more enjoyable and help reduce feelings of loneliness.

5. Makes Family Care More Manageable

Caring for someone over a long period can be physically and emotionally demanding. Having someone share the responsibility, even for a few hours, can make a real difference.

Regular breaks can help caregivers avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier for families to continue providing care while looking after their own needs.

Is Respite Home Care Government-Funded in Australia?

Some respite services may be subsidised by the Australian Government. Eligibility, available services and participant contributions depend on the person's circumstances and the relevant program.

1. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The CHSP provides entry-level support for eligible older Australians who need assistance to remain independent at home.

Eligible people may be able to access respite at home or in the community. The services available depend on individual needs and local provider availability. A contribution towards the cost may apply.

2. Support at Home Program

The Support at Home program commenced on 1 November 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.

It supports eligible older Australians who need assistance to continue living independently at home. Respite care is among the services that may be available, subject to the person's assessment, approved services and applicable program rules.

Having government funding does not automatically mean every respite service is covered.

3. Privately Arranged Respite Care

Families can also arrange private respite care, depending on the provider's services and availability. This may be an option for people who want additional support or whose needs are not covered by their existing arrangements.

Before booking, ask about pricing, minimum visit durations, additional charges and any applicable funding arrangements.

To explore eligibility and available government-funded support, visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.

How Much Do Respite Home Care Services Cost?

The cost of respite care varies depending on the type of service, provider and duration of support. According to national median pricing data, the hourly costs are:

These figures provide a general guide to respite care costs across Australia. Actual prices may vary depending on the provider, location and services required.

Several factors can influence the total cost:

• Duration: A short visit may cost differently from an overnight arrangement.

• Care requirements: The level of assistance needed can affect staffing and service arrangements.

• Provider pricing: Providers may have different hourly rates, minimum booking periods and service conditions.

• Government funding: Eligible subsidised services may involve participant contributions under the applicable program.

• Additional charges: Weekend visits, transport or cancellations may incur extra costs, depending on the provider.

  
  

Before arranging care, request a clear breakdown of the total price. Ask what is included, whether additional fees apply and what happens if a visit needs to be changed.

How to Arrange Your First Respite Care Visit?

A little preparation can help make the first visit more comfortable for everyone.

1. Identify your needs. Decide when you need a break, how long support should last and which tasks require assistance.
   

2. Discuss the arrangements. Confirm the care worker's responsibilities, schedule, costs and contact procedures.
   

3. Share relevant information. Explain daily routines, personal preferences, mobility requirements and emergency contacts.
   

4. Prepare the older person. Explain who will be visiting and what support they will provide.
   

5. Confirm the plan. Make sure everyone understands the agreed services and what to do if circumstances change.
   

Clear communication helps the care worker provide support that fits into the older person's usual routine.

How My Companionship Can Help?

Finding time to rest while caring for an ageing loved one can be challenging.

My Companionship helps families in Perth explore home care services that support older Australians to remain comfortable and independent in their own homes.

Its services include respite care and overnight support, alongside personal care, companionship and assistance with everyday activities. The appropriate support depends on the person's needs and the agreed service arrangements.

Families can discuss their circumstances with the team to understand which services may be suitable and how support can fit into their routines.

If you are considering respite home care, start by identifying the assistance your loved one needs and when additional support would be most helpful.

Final Thoughts

Respite home care services can help family caregivers take a break while ensuring their loved ones continue receiving appropriate support. From a few hours of companionship to agreed overnight assistance, the right arrangement can help families balance caregiving with their own needs.

Understanding the available services, funding options and costs is an important first step. By choosing a provider that respects the older person's preferences and care requirements, families can make respite care a practical part of their ongoing care plan.

For families in Perth, My Companionship can help explore suitable home care and respite options based on individual needs and service availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are respite home care services in Australia?

Respite home care services provide temporary assistance to an older person while their usual caregiver takes a break. Depending on the provider, support may include personal care, companionship, meal preparation and overnight assistance.

How many hours of respite care can I access?

The duration depends on the service, provider availability and funding arrangements. In-home respite may be available for a few hours or overnight. Confirm the available options and any booking limits with the provider.

Is respite care covered by the Australian Government?

Eligible older Australians may access subsidised respite through programs such as CHSP or Support at Home. Eligibility, approved services and any participant contributions depend on individual circumstances.

Can respite care be provided overnight?

Yes. Some providers offer overnight respite at home. Availability, the level of support provided and the associated costs vary, so confirm the arrangements before booking.

How do I find respite care in Perth?

Identify your loved one's support needs, then compare providers based on services, availability, pricing and suitability. My Companionship offers respite care and overnight support in Perth, subject to individual requirements and service availability.