Respite care

IRT offers short-term accommodation and care in a number of our aged care centres throughout NSW, Qld and the ACT.

Respite residents are cared for 24/7 by our compassionate and experienced staff, allowing carers to enjoy a well-deserved break. 

Two weeks' free respite care*

It’s a busy time of year, so why not take a short break? We’re offering two weeks’ free respite care at participating aged care centres. 

Your loved one can experience life in an aged care community, join in activities and share meals with new people while being cared for 24/7 by our compassionate and experienced team.

*T&Cs apply.

What is respite care?

Professional respite care is a form of support that gives the carer, families and the person being cared for a break for a short period of time. It allows the carer to look after their own mental health, refresh and recharge and enjoy a well deserved break while their loved one continues to receive the support they need.

Respite care can be provided for a few hours, days, weeks or months depending on the needs of the carer and their loved one, eligibility and the type of care required.

Aged care working holding hands with elderly woman

Types of respite care services

There are various respite options available, and respite care can be accessed in the home, wellness centre or an aged care home.

Residential respite care

Respite residents live alongside current aged care residents and experience being part of our community. Respite residents will move into a suite at one of our aged care centres, with access to all the benefits and high-quality care that our 50 years’ of experience provides.

Residential respite care is usually planned in advance, for instance if you are planning a trip away, have family caregiving or other commitments scheduled and you need your loved one taken care of.

Permanent residential care is also available at IRT if family members or carers are unable to provide the level of ongoing support your loved one needs.

Emergency respite care

Sometimes you might need to access emergency respite care if, for example, you get sick, injured or need to go to hospital. In these situations, emergency respite care will provide short-term care for your loved one.

Emergency respite care admission is subject to availability and suitability.

Home respite care

If you are looking to take a short break, you can access respite care at home (sometimes also known as flexible respite) which provides the same professional, personalised care for your loved one.

Our experienced staff will come and visit for a few hours or take your loved one on a social outing to places they enjoy, like the local café, shops or a nearby park.

Learn more about how respite care can provide clear benefits to both you and your loved one

Experience Respite Care at IRT

We ensure you receive the same high quality of care as our permanent residents. You or your loved one will be able to join in on resident social activities, enjoy nutritious meals and our lifestyle programs.

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Change of scenery

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Personalised 24/7 care

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Social activities

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Lifestyle programs

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Meet new people

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Landscaped gardens and courtyards

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Access to a range of onsite facilities

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In-room entertainment

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Nutritious meals'

How long can someone stay in residential respite care?

Residential respite care can range from one week, through to a few weeks at a time.

If you are eligible, respite services will be subsidised by the Australian Government for a maximum of 63 days in any financial year. This can be extended by up to 21 days if the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) approves it.

To find out if you are eligible, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Respite care admission is subject to availability and suitability.

How much does residential respite care cost?

Respite residents pay a daily fee for each day of their stay, which is capped by the Australian Government at 85% of the single basic Age Pension. Because the stay is temporary, there is no accommodation charge or bond.

There may be additional costs, depending on the provider and aged care centre you choose.

Why is IRT right for you and
your loved one?

We’re the aged care providers you can trust. With 50 years’ experience, we know what it takes to provide professional care with a personal touch:

  • IRT offers a wide range of options giving carers the time to recharge while our compassionate staff provide personalised care for your loved one
  • We can arrange respite care ranging from social and community activities to short stay accommodation in one of our purpose-built aged care centres
  • Whether you need to arrange respite care for a few hours a week or a month-long stay, we offer the right care to suit.

3 easy steps to respite care:

Get an ACAT assessment

Find out whether your loved one is eligible for government-funded services using My Aged Care.

You can enquire online or call 1800 200 422. You may need a member of ACAT to visit your loved one at home to assess their eligibility.

Talk to our aged care team

Submit an enquiry below, and one of our friendly  team members will call you to discuss you and your loved one’s needs and preferences.

We will then determine availability at your preferred IRT aged care centre.

Confirm your booking

Once a tentative booking is made, you will receive paperwork detailing your loved one’s move-in date and length of stay.

You and your loved one will then meet the Care Manager at your selected aged care centre for a tour. Once the Care Manager approves the booking, we will be in contact with you to confirm arrangements with you and your loved one regarding their stay.

Enquire about respite care at IRT

Speak to our friendly team to discuss your needs and see how we can help you. 

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