Respite gives your usual carer time to rest, attend an appointment or keep other commitments while you receive support. Talk together about what would work for you both. You might want to keep your familiar routine, enjoy some company or spend time on an activity you like. Your preferences should guide the plan.
Home and community respite may be available during the day or overnight. Ask your provider about the settings, visit lengths and support they offer. Residential respite is funded separately. The official respite guide explains the different options.
Before respite begins, talk with the provider about your usual routine, the things you enjoy and anything that helps you feel comfortable. You can invite a family member or carer to join the conversation if you wish. Ask how you will meet the people supporting you and what to expect during your first visit or stay.
A written plan helps your support workers understand your needs and preferences. Include:
If you need medication assistance or clinical care, agree on exactly what will be provided and by whom before respite starts. Keep this information with your support plan.
Confirm the start and finish times, who will support you, any transport arrangements and the cost, including any contribution you will pay. Talk about what should happen if your carer is delayed, a visit is cancelled or your needs change. Make sure you and your carer have a copy of the plan and the provider’s contact details.
Our pricing guide can help you compare costs, and our personal care guide covers help with daily routines.
After respite, tell your provider what worked well and what you would like to change. You can include your carer or family in this conversation. Your feedback can help shape future visits around your preferences and routine.
To discuss planned respite with Choice, contact us with your suburb, preferred times and the help you need.
If your usual carer unexpectedly cannot care for you, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for emergency respite support.
For an aged care assessment or ongoing support, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. If your needs are urgent, explain this when you call. In a medical emergency, call 000.
Explore all aged care and Support at Home guides
Discuss your support needs with Choice
Information reviewed: 26 October 2026.
No. Home and community respite can take place at home or in community settings, during the day or overnight where available. Residential respite is funded separately. Ask the provider which options they offer. Read the official respite guide.
Talk with your provider about a routine that works for you and your carer. The arrangement will depend on your approved support, budget and local availability. Agree on dates, visit lengths and how to make changes.
Share your routine, communication preferences, agreed care tasks and any current instructions from your health professionals. Include contact details and what to do if your needs change. If you need medication assistance or clinical care, record who will provide it and what they will do.
Make sure you both know who is providing support, when they will arrive and leave, and how to contact the provider. Confirm the tasks, transport and costs. Discuss what will happen if your carer is delayed or the visit needs to change.
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 and explain what has happened and the help you need. This is the emergency respite contact listed in My Aged Care’s respite guidance. In a medical emergency, call 000.
