Bupa Aged Care
Respite care gives a break for carers when they need it with Bupa Aged Care team member

Residential care

Respite short-stay care

What is residential respite care?

Residential respite care gives you access to residential care services, over a temporary period of time. You may need a short-stay with support from others, with the extra benefit of enjoying more company.

Respite residents receive 24/7 care, the opportunity to enjoy cooked meals and can participate in activities around the home.

You’ll live alongside current residents helping you to foster new connections, and feel part of a diverse and inclusive community.

Why choose residential respite care?

Caring can be rewarding but may also become physically and mentally challenging. Respite care may help relieve stress for a carer and the person receiving care if some help is needed for a short time.

As it’s for the short term, respite care is also a helpful option for people transitioning from a hospital stay before moving back home, or permanently into their new aged care home.

How do I apply for residential respite care?

Everyone entering respite care must have approval granted by the Australian Government through an ACAT assessment (or ACAS in Victoria).

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 ACAT/ACAS assessment is sighted and a contract is signed.

What are the fees for residential respite care?

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 reviewed twice a year on 20 March and 20 September each year, in line with increases to the single basic Age Pension.

Prices are published on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.

Accommodation costs or a means tested care fee for care services do not apply, but you may need to pay for other services such as Sapphire Services or choose to pay for selected additional services.

For more information, find a care home to work out the estimated costs.

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?

You can also view our handy guide on what to look for when choosing residential aged care.

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.

A loved one choosing Bupa for respite short stay care for their elderly father in a wheelchair with bag

Your respite checklist

  1. Undertake an ACAT/ACAS assessment for your loved one.

  2. Contact us to speak with our respite care team about your needs.

  3. Visit your local Bupa Aged Care home for a tour and to meet the team.

  4. Confirm dates, submit your application and finalise the contract.

  5. Move in on the agreed arrival date.

Have a break or foster new connections

Find out more about respite short-stay care.