How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day?

Caring for a loved one is a profound responsibility that can be both rewarding and challenging. With over 2.65 million family caregivers in Australia, understanding and accessing support services becomes increasingly crucial. Respite care emerges as a vital resource that can transform the lives of both caregivers and care recipients. Yet, many families remain unaware of its benefits or hesitate to use it.

Whether it’s a few hours to attend a doctor’s appointment or a couple of weeks to take a much-needed vacation, respite care provides the breathing room that caregivers desperately need. Yet many families either don’t know about this essential service or hesitate to use it, often grappling with questions about costs, options, and accessibility.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about respite care in Australia – from understanding the different types of respite care available to breaking down the actual costs involved. Whether you’re a full-time caregiver feeling overwhelmed or simply planning for future care needs, this information could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

What is Respite Care, and Why Is It Important?

Respite care is like a gentle helping hand extended to those who give so much of themselves every day. Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, allowing them time to rest, attend to personal matters, or take a vacation. It ensures that the care and support recipient’s needs are met in a safe environment, whether at home or in a residential facility. This temporary care is vital for preventing caregiver burnout and maintaining the well-being of both the caregiver and the individual receiving care.

Key benefits of respite care include:

• Prevention of caregiver burnout and stress-related health issues
• Opportunity for self-care and personal appointments
• Maintenance of caregiver’s physical and mental well-being
• Professional care support in a safe, supervised environment
• Enhanced quality of life for both caregiver and care recipient

Key Factors Influencing the Cost of Respite Care

Respite care offers invaluable support to caregivers, but its cost can vary significantly. Understanding the key factors that influence pricing is crucial for making informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that impact the price of respite care:

Type of Care:

In-home respite care involves a caregiver coming to the individual’s residence, while residential respite requires the individual to stay in a care facility. In-home care often offers personalised attention, whereas residential care provides access to comprehensive facilities and staff.

Location:

Costs can vary based on geographic location. Urban areas may have higher rates, reaching up to $300 for a full day, as compared to regional locations, averaging around $150 to $250 for a full day, and facility-based care between $80 and $250 per day due to differences in living expenses and demand for services.

Duration:

The length of the respite period can influence pricing. Some providers offer discounted rates for extended stays or regular bookings.

Need a break from caregiving? Contact Wise Choice today for personalised respite care options and support for your loved one.

Level of Care Needed:

The level of care required directly influences the cost of respite care. Individuals with basic care needs, such as assistance with bathing or mobility, incur lower costs.

On the other hand, those with high-level care needs—such as advanced dementia care or complex medical conditions—require more skilled caregivers, resulting in higher fees.

What are the Costs of Respite Care?

Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers while ensuring that their loved ones receive the support and attention they need. The cost of respite care varies depending on factors such as the type of care required, the duration of the service, and the level of assistance provided. Below, we break down the key elements that influence the cost of respite care to help you make informed decisions.

Residential respite

Residential respite care is provided in aged care facilities and is designed to offer temporary relief to primary caregivers while ensuring individuals receive necessary care in a supportive environment.

Basic daily fee

The basic daily fee is a contribution towards the cost of care and accommodation. It’s applicable to all residents receiving residential respite care in aged care facilities. The amount is calculated as a percentage of the single-person rate of the basic Age Pension.

The basic daily respite care fee is 85% of the single basic Age Pension. It is updated twice yearly on 20 March and 20 September in line with pension increases.  Prices are published on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

As of now, the maximum basic daily fee is $63.57 per day or $23,203.05 annually.

Booking fee

Some providers may charge a booking fee to secure a respite care placement. This fee is typically deducted from your daily fees once you commence care.

The fee cannot exceed the lower of a whole week’s fee or 25% of the total cost for the entire stay—whichever amount is the lowest.

Your provider must refund your booking fee if you cancel more than seven days before the entry date. If cancellation occurs within seven days of the entry date, the provider may retain all or part of the fee.

Additional service fees

These fees cover optional, hotel-like services that enhance the care experience. Preferred toiletries, access to paid TV services, or on-site hairdresser appointments.

Some homes allow residents to select individual services and pay only for what they use. Others may offer service packages. You and the provider must agree on the fees for additional services, and charges will apply only for services you can benefit from.

Because these services vary by provider, the fees are set independently by the facility and are not subsidised by the Australian government.

Extra service fees

Applicable in facilities offering higher accommodation standards or additional amenities. These fees are for luxury services and are set by the provider.

Community respite

Community respite provides support to older Australians in their homes or local community settings, offering temporary relief for primary caregivers. For eligible seniors, community respite care may be subsidised through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This program provides various types of respite care, including in-home services and centre-based activities, allowing care recipients to maintain independence while caregivers take a break.

All CHSP service providers are required to have a client contribution policy to ensure those who can afford to contribute to their care costs do so while protecting financially vulnerable individuals. Providers must be transparent about their fees and clearly inform clients of any contributions payable.

Emergency respite

Emergency respite care is designed to provide immediate support in situations where the primary caregiver is suddenly unable to provide care due to unforeseen circumstances. This service ensures that the care recipient’s needs are met during emergencies.

To arrange emergency respite care, caregivers can contact Carer Gateway at 1800 422 737. The Carer Gateway website also offers further details about accessing emergency respite and other support services.

Caregiving is a big responsibility, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get in touch with Wise Choice for expert respite services that give you a well-deserved break.

Financial Assistance and Government Support

Respite care costs can be daunting, but several funding options are available:

1. NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

For individuals with disabilities the NDIS can fund short-term respite care for individuals with disabilities, including in-home and residential services. Families can include respite care during NDIS planning meetings.

2. My Aged Care

The Australian Government’s My Aged Care program subsidises respite care for eligible seniors. Following an assessment, families can access reduced costs for residential stays or in-home support.

3. Carer Gateway

This government initiative offers free services, including counselling, skills courses, and emergency respite care. Caregivers can arrange immediate or ongoing support through this government initiative.

4. Private Health Insurance

Some private health policies cover respite care. Check with your provider for coverage details and out-of-pocket costs.

5. Charities and Community Groups

Organisations like Carers Australia offer financial assistance, low-cost respite care, or grants for caregivers facing financial hardship. Explore local options for support.