Respite care

Respite care supports you, and the person you care for, by giving you both a break from time to time.

What is it?
Types of respite care
Accessing respite care
Costs

What is respite care?

Respite care, also known as short-term care, provides a temporary break for carers and families, allowing them to recharge while ensuring their loved one receives continuous support.

We offer flexible options to suit your needs, providing respite care either in the comfort of your own home or at our residential aged care centres. The duration of respite care can vary widely—from a few hours, overnight or for longer-term stays. Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs, eligibility criteria, and care preferences of both you and your loved one.

A neighbour when you need that extra peace of mind

As a community-owned residential aged care provider with more than 50 years’ experience, we put people first. While you take a short break, your loved one can enjoy activities, connect with new people and receive compassionate care from our experienced team.

50+ years' experience

We’ve been helping older Australians live independently at home for more than 30 years. Our friendly and supportive team will soon feel like family.

Personalised care

We don’t believe that one size fits all. At IRT you’ll experience personalised compassionate care from trained professionals.

Carers you can trust

All IRT employees are suitably qualified, trained and vetted for their roles. We also invest in regular staff education and training through our industry-leading IRT Academy and national leaders in aged care.

Types of respite care

The types of respite care you can access depends on whether you’re utilising government funding, or paying privately.

Residential respite

Need respite care for more than a few nights? Residential respite care gives you access to professional, personalised care whilst being the perfect opportunity to see what it’s like first-hand without the commitment of a permanent move.

Your loved one can enjoy a change of scenery, participate in activities and see if life at an aged care centre suits them, minus the pressure of moving straight away.

In-home (flexible respite)

If you are looking to take a short break, you can access respite care at home (sometimes also known as flexible respite).

Whether it’s a few hours a week to run errands or a weekend off here and there, our friendly home care team can assist your loved one with daily tasks, taking them to appointments, or on a social outing to places they enjoy.

Check out our blog The Good Life to learn more about how short-term care can provide clear benefits to both you and your loved one.

Find out more

Is respite care right for you?

If you need extra support

If you’re going away, moving house or have family caregiving duties, you might find you need some temporary care for your loved one either at home or in residential aged care, while you take a break or tend to other commitments.

Sudden illness or injury

If your loved one’s health has deteriorated or they’ve been in hospital and they need short-term 24/7 care during this time, respite care can provide the support you both need.

Experience residential care

The experience of a short stay in an aged care centre can help ease any fears or concerns they may have about living there on a more permanent basis in the future. As a carer you can also see what life is like for your loved one in an aged care centre.

Find out what respite care services are available near you

How can I access respite care?

If you’d like to receive government-funded respite services, the first step is to determine if you are eligible and what type of respite services you are eligible for.

Step 1: Getting assessed

If you or your loved one is in need of respite care, the first step is getting assessed by your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You may be eligible for government funding, or you can access and pay for respite care privately.

Step 2: Talk to our aged care team

Once you’re approved, please contact our friendly team and we’ll help connect you with an aged care centre that meets you and your loved one’s needs and preferences. We’ll ask about your circumstances and encourage you to come in for a tour to familiarise yourself with the aged care centre and meet the team.

Step 3: Confirm your booking

Once a tentative booking is made, you will receive paperwork detailing your loved one’s move-in date and length of stay. Once we have confirmed your booking, we will be in contact with you to confirm arrangements with you and your loved one to move in and experience respite with us.

If you or your loved one requires in-home care (flexible respite), there are government-funded options available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

Find out more

Respite care costs

Costs vary depending on whether you are eligible for government funding or paying privately.

If you’re eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP), you may be able to use these funds to pay for respite care in your own home. If you wish to do so, you can also pay for respite care privately.

For other types of government funding, or costs for respite care in our residential aged care centres, contact IRT.

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Respite care

What is respite care?