Respite care vs permanent residential care
Respite care lets an older person stay in a residential aged care home temporarily — usually so a family carer can take a break, recover from illness, or trial residential care before deciding. Here's how it differs from a permanent move.
What is respite care?
Respite care is short-term residential care in a registered aged care home (Australia) or nursing facility (US). The resident gets the same room, meals, nursing and activities as a permanent resident, but the booking is for a defined number of days.
Australia — eligibility and limits
You need an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) approval for residential respite. The Government funds up to 63 days of subsidised respite per financial year, extendable in 21-day blocks if your assessor agrees. Daily fees are capped at 85% of the single Age Pension.
United States — how respite works
Most US respite is paid out of pocket or through long-term care insurance — Medicare does not pay for respite in a nursing home (it does pay for hospice respite up to 5 days at a time). Costs typically run $200–$400 per day. Some Medicaid waiver programs cover limited respite.
When to use respite
Carer is unwell, hospitalised or on holiday. Recovery period after a hospital discharge. Trial run before committing to permanent care. Cover during a planned home renovation. Emergency placement after a fall or sudden decline.
Converting respite to permanent
Many residents stay on permanently after a respite trial. In Australia, you need a new ACAT classification for permanent care and must sign a new resident agreement. In the US, you sign a new admission contract and may need to re-verify Medicaid eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Authoritative sources
The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the following official and independent sources. Open any link to verify the latest published numbers.
- Respite care
My Aged Care (Australia)
- Find a respite provider
Carer Gateway (Australia)
- Respite Care
Medicare.gov (US)
About this guide
Written and reviewed by the Nursing Home Match editorial team. We update guides at least annually and verify every figure against the official sources listed above. This guide is general information, not personal, medical, financial or legal advice. Always confirm details on Medicare.gov Care Compare (United States) or My Aged Care (Australia), or speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions.