Residential care
Residential Respite Care
What is residential respite care?
Residential respite care is short-term care provided in an aged care home. It gives you access to residential care services for a temporary period, which may last from just a few days to several weeks.
A respite stay offers extra support when you need it most, along with the benefit of companionship and community life. During your stay, you’ll receive 24/7 care, enjoy freshly prepared meals, and have the chance to join in a variety of activities around the home.
You’ll live alongside current residents, helping you build new connections and feel part of a warm, diverse, and inclusive community.
Why choose residential respite care?
Caring for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it can also become physically and emotionally demanding. Residential respite care provides relief and support for both carers and residents.
For carers – it offers time to rest, recharge, travel, or focus on other commitments, with the reassurance that your loved one is being well cared for.
For residents – it provides a safe, supportive environment, new friendships, and opportunities to stay active and engaged.
For recovery – it’s also an ideal option for those transitioning from a hospital stay, offering care and support before moving back home or into permanent aged care.
What are the common reasons carers take a break with respite care?
Carers play a vital role in supporting their loved ones, but even the most dedicated need time to rest and recharge. Residential respite care provides a short pause, ensuring both the carer and the person they care for feel supported and safe. Some of the most common reasons carers choose respite care include:
Rest and recovery – taking time to relax, reduce stress, and focus on personal health and wellbeing.
Managing personal commitments – attending appointments, family events, or work responsibilities with peace of mind.
Travel or holidays – enjoying time away, knowing their loved one is safe and cared for.
Preventing burnout – maintaining energy, patience, and balance to continue providing quality care.
Support during emergencies – having trusted care available when unexpected situations arise.
Transition periods – providing support when a loved one is moving from hospital to home or considering a permanent move into aged care.
How do I apply for residential respite care?
Everyone entering respite care must apply to the System Governor - the Department of Health and Aged Care - for an aged care needs assessment.
The application can be made online, by phone, or through My Aged Care.
You may be eligible for up to 63 days of respite care per person, per financial year subject to your My Aged Care assessment. The agreed number of days can be taken over the course of the financial year.
Once you’re approved, please contact our friendly team and we’ll help connect you with your preferred home. We’ll ask about your circumstances and encourage you to come in for a tour to familiarise yourself with the home and meet the team.
It may be possible for a person to move into respite care in a Bupa Aged Care home within a few days once an aged care needs assessment is approved and a contract is signed.
How much does respite care cost?
Respite residents are charged the basic daily fee for each day of their stay. The basic daily fee is determined by the Australian Government and is indexed twice a year, on 20 March and 20 September, to Consumer Price Index (CPI). Prices are published on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.
Contact our friendly team to check availability or for a personalised quote.
What should I look for when choosing respite care?
Choosing an aged care respite home is very similar to choosing a permanent care home. We suggest that you consider:
Convenience. Is the home located near you or your carer, in a place that is easy for drop-offs, pickups and visits?
A tour. Have you seen it in person? It’s the best way to get a sense of whether the home is right for you and your loved one.
Comfort. Do you think the person going into respite will be comfortable in the home’s environment and enjoy the activities on offer or the food provided?
Care. Have the care team taken the time to discuss your loved one and their specific needs during respite with you?
Why choose Bupa for respite care
There’s a range of daily activities on offer, to suit all kinds of interests and needs, for both permanent residents and those in respite care.
We provide every opportunity to spend quality social time or engage with in-home entertainment and activities. Supporting a sense of independence and a healthy, active mind.
Access to 24/7 rostered care
We offer healthy and nutritious meal options and will cater to individual dietary requirements. Every resident also has access to a registered nurse rostered 24/7, and an easy on-call assistance system, for peace of mind. We welcome you to come in and take a tour.
Bupa also provides emergency respite services.
Your respite checklist
Undertake an aged care assessment for your loved one.
Contact us to speak with our respite care team about your needs.
Visit your local Bupa Aged Care home for a tour and to meet the team.
Confirm dates, submit your application and finalise the contract.
Move in on the agreed arrival date.
Have a break or foster new connections
Find out more about respite short-stay care.