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The word 'respite' is defined as 'a short period of rest', and that is what is offered by a respite service: a temporary stay at a care home. There are many reasons a person might need to go into respite care — often, it's because their permanent carer is unable to provide usual care duties.
We find that people tend to have two major concerns about respite care. First, they want to be sure that they're choosing a home that provides a high level of care. Secondly, they want to know about the costs.
In this article, we're going to explore the financial side of things and answer questions like:
- How much does respite care cost?
- How much is respite care per day?
- How much will the government subsidise residential respite care?
Our team at MACG is committed to delivering the best respite care possible. We also provide residential care for those looking to stay long-term. Read on to find out more about the quality respite care services we provide.
What is respite care for?
Respite care is primarily used by people whose usual carer is unavailable. There are many reasons why a carer might be unable to provide care for a short amount of time. For example, if the carer is:
- Injured
- Travelling
- Working
- Caring for somebody else
Or, perhaps, they just need a few days to relax and recharge their batteries. At those times, people can access respite care services to receive temporary, round-the-clock care.
Is respite care free?
In Australia, respite care is not free. However, the Australian Government does subsidise respite care to ensure that it is affordable. The cost of respite care can vary, depending on the type of care being provided and the length of the stay.
Thankfully, when you access respite care through an aged care home — like those we provide at MACG — you won't have to pay for accommodation fees or any income-tested fees. Instead, there is a set basic daily fee, which is worked out as a percentage of the age pension.
How much does respite care cost per day?
The normal rate for aged respite care is charged at a fixed fee per day. Currently, this fee is set at 85% of a single day of the age pension.
Using that formula, we can easily figure out how much respite aged care costs per day. For example:
- In 2020, the age pension rate per fortnight in Australia for a single is $944.30
- 85% of that is $806.66
- Therefore, respite care will cost $57.33 per day
If you'd like to find out more about what respite care will cost for the term of your stay, feel free to contact us and we'll work it out for you.
How much subsidised residential respite care do I qualify for?
The actual cost to provide respite care is much higher than the amount charged to the person being cared for, and this gap is subsidised by the government.
The government will provide 63 days of subsidised respite care per year for older Australians. However, some people qualify for a longer stay, and can receive an additional 21 days of subsidised care. So, the total amount of subsidised residential care that a person in need can claim is 84 days per year.
Several factors are evaluated to determine whether or not a person can access the additional days of respite care. These factors include:
- The level of care required
- Carer stress
- The absence of a carer
What is provided in respite care?
Many different services can be provided during your respite care stay at an MACG residential home. Services that we can provide include:
- 24-hour staffing by qualified nurses and carers
- Tailored care to suit specific needs
- Laundry and hotel services
- Delicious meals cooked on-site
- A dietitian-certified menu
- Meditation and relaxation
- Mobility and wellness activities
- Exercise classes
- Pet and animal visits
- Music, movies, and travel activities
Respite care is just as comprehensive as the care services our permanent residents receive. When people come to us for respite care, we see to it that every need is met during their stay.
