Comparing the Main Types of Respite Care in Australia: Choosing the Right Support for Your Needs
- Visionary Respite
- Aug 1
- 5 min read
Respite care is a vital component of Australia's care ecosystem, offering short-term relief for primary carers and essential support for individuals with disabilities, chronic illness, or age-related needs. Whether accessed through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or privately funded, respite care provides the necessary breaks to prevent carer burnout while ensuring continuity of quality support for care recipients.
However, the types of respite services available in Australia vary significantly in structure, delivery, and suitability depending on individual needs and circumstances.
This article presents an in-depth comparison of respite care services under NDIS and other funding models, outlining the features, benefits, and limitations of each type to help families and participants make informed, sustainable care choices.
Table of Contents
Understanding Respite Care in the Australian Context
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care offers short-term support for people with disabilities, older Australians, or individuals requiring regular assistance, allowing their usual carers to rest, take time off, or attend to personal matters. It can be planned in advance or provided in emergencies and can occur in various settings such as the person's home, a community facility, or a residential care centre.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility differs depending on the funding source:
NDIS participants may access respite under Short-Term Accommodation (STA) funding.
Aged Care recipients may be eligible through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Packages (HCP).
Private respite care can be arranged directly through service providers for individuals not receiving government support.
Main Types of Respite Care in Australia
1. In-Home Respite Care
Overview: Care is delivered within the person’s home, either by a support worker or nurse, depending on needs.
Use Cases:
When continuity of environment is critical
For individuals with mobility limitations or dementia
When familiar routines are essential
Advantages:
Minimises disruption for the care recipient
Ideal for short breaks or flexible arrangements
Customisable to specific needs
Limitations:
Less social engagement compared to group-based settings
May require more planning for overnight or extended breaks
Funding Pathways:
NDIS (STA or Core Supports)
CHSP or HCP
Private providers
2. Centre-Based Respite Care
Overview: Delivered in a dedicated community centre or facility. Participants attend for part of a day, a full day, or overnight.
Use Cases:
For individuals who benefit from socialisation
When structured programs or group activities are helpful
For carers needing time during business hours or overnight
Advantages:
Access to group programs, therapies, and activities
Professional supervision and purpose-built facilities
Opportunities for peer interaction
Limitations:
Less flexible scheduling
Transport to and from the centre may be needed
Not always available in regional or remote areas
Funding Pathways:
NDIS STA
CHSP/Respite under aged care services
Out-of-pocket if not eligible for subsidies
3. Overnight or Residential Respite Care
Overview: Short-term accommodation in a residential facility or specialised care home, ranging from a night to several weeks.
Use Cases:
For carers going on holiday or dealing with emergencies
For individuals needing high-level medical or behavioural support
To trial residential care options before permanent placement
Advantages:
24/7 professional care
Full break for primary carer
Access to specialist staff and equipment
Limitations:
Can be emotionally challenging for the care recipient
May require advanced booking
Less personal and familiar setting
Funding Pathways:
NDIS STA (up to 28 days per year typically covered)
Respite under residential aged care (subsidised by CHSP or HCP)
Private payment
4. Emergency Respite Care
Overview: Rapid-response care arranged when the regular carer becomes unexpectedly unavailable due to illness, crisis, or other urgent issues.
Use Cases:
Unplanned hospitalisation of a carer
Family emergency
Sudden deterioration in care recipient’s condition
Advantages:
Fast access to temporary care
Prevents unnecessary hospital admissions
Offers peace of mind in unexpected circumstances
Limitations:
Limited availability depending on region
May not be delivered by preferred provider
Funding Pathways:
NDIS (flexible use of Core Supports or Coordination funding)
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres
Emergency services and private options
How NDIS Supports Different Respite Care Types
Under the NDIS, respite care is generally funded under the Short-Term Accommodation and Assistance (STA) category. This includes all costs of accommodation, personal care, and food during the respite period. STA funding is flexible and can be used for in-home, centre-based, or residential arrangements depending on the participant’s plan goals.
NDIS participants may also use Core Supports flexibly for in-home care if they prefer to remain at home.
For more extended needs or consistent planned breaks, Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) or Supported Independent Living (SIL) might be more appropriate but come with distinct eligibility and planning considerations.
Comparing In-Home vs Centre-Based Respite
Feature | In-Home Respite | Centre-Based Respite |
Environment | Familiar home setting | Structured external setting |
Social Engagement | Low | High |
Suitability for Complex Needs | Moderate (depends on support worker) | Often better supported |
Carer Relief Level | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
Flexibility | High | Moderate |
Funding Availability | NDIS, Aged Care, Private | NDIS, Aged Care, Private |
Choosing the Right Type of Respite Care for Your Needs
Selecting the right respite option depends on several key factors:
The care recipient’s comfort and needs: For someone who thrives on routine or struggles with change, in-home respite may be best.
Carer’s schedule and obligations: Overnight or residential care may be necessary for longer or unplanned absences.
Health and support requirements: Higher clinical needs may necessitate professional or facility-based support.
Location and accessibility: Regional Australians may have limited access to centre-based or residential services.
Tip: Engage in planning with your support coordinator or aged care advisor to ensure the appropriate funding is in place before respite is required.
Final Thoughts: Why Respite Care Matters
Respite care is about preserving the long-term sustainability of care relationships. Whether you’re a family member supporting a loved one with disability or an older person navigating care for the first time, understanding your respite care options in Australia empowers you to make decisions that are dignified, effective, and respectful of all involved.
As the NDIS evolves and service access continues to broaden, staying informed about the different types of respite services, from in-home to centre-based and residential options, ensures both carers and participants can access the right type of care at the right time.
Ready to explore your respite care options?
At Visionary Respite and Care, we tailor support to meet your needs, whether you're a carer or an NDIS participant. Contact us today to explore how we can assist you in accessing flexible, high-quality respite services nationwide.
