In-Home and Community Respite Explained
In-home and community respite care explained: how it gives carers a break, the ways it is funded, and how to arrange it.
What in-home and community respite are
Why respite matters
How it is funded
What you might pay
How to access it
Making respite work well
Finding a respite worker
Frequently asked questions
What is in-home respite care?
It is a break for a family carer, with a paid worker coming to the home — during the day or overnight — so the carer can step away while their loved one stays in familiar surroundings. It is sometimes called flexible respite because it fits around your routine.
How is respite care funded?
Several ways. You can direct a Support at Home budget towards in-home respite with no separate day limit, use entry-level respite through CHSP for a modest hourly fee, or access planned and emergency respite through Carer Gateway, which is aimed at supporting the carer.
What does in-home respite cost?
It depends on the route. Under CHSP you typically pay a small hourly fee (around $13). Under Support at Home a contribution of about 5% to 50% may apply depending on your means and approval date. Some Carer Gateway respite is free, especially in emergencies.
How do I arrange respite quickly?
For carer-focused respite, including emergencies, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 and ask specifically for emergency respite, which can be arranged fast. For CHSP or Support at Home respite, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or use your existing provider budget.