I’ve been unwell or in hospital and need some additional care and support while I recover and get back on my feet
Respite Care 
Respite care is a short-term care solution for older people, either in their own home or in a residential aged care home. Respite care gives carers and family members the opportunity to recharge, take a short break and attend to daily life, knowing that their family member is being looked after.
Respite care can be used for a number of reasons and our respite options are flexible to suit your needs.
Most aged care providers offer a range of respite care, including hourly, day or overnight respite in your own home, or longer respite care in a residential care home. The type of respite care and the length of care is up to you and depends on the support that you require.
I’ve been unwell or in hospital and need some additional care and support while I recover and get back on my feet
My carer is going away on holiday, is unwell or busy at work and we need some additional help at home for a short time
I’m planning for residential aged care. I’m interested in experiencing what residential care is like before I move in permanently.
Whiddon’s MyLife relationship based model of care and a dedicated care team
A range of accommodation options, including single and shared rooms
Award-winning food and hotel services
In-room televisions with Foxtel (at select locations)
Vibrant and award-winning wellbeing and social programs
Regular social outings and bus trips
Exercise programs
Access to a range of onsite facilities, like hairdressers, libraries, cafes and visiting specialists
Access to a range of health specialist services, like physiotherapy, podiatry, dentistry
by your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
discover the care home that suits your needs
come in and get to know us
our team will explain these to you
and complete any other required paperwork
experience respite care with us
Respite care can be a practical and helpful solution when recovering from an illness, an injury or returning home from the hospital. A short stay in a residential home provides you will 24-hour support while you recuperate and get back on your feet, while additional help at home through Community Care services provides that extra support to help with the housework, cooking, your health and wellbeing and even your rehabilitation.
No. You can access respite care through Community Care services as well to access support while you remain at home.
The first step is to ensure that you are assessed and able to access funded respite care. You can do this by contacting Whiddon for help, or by contacting MyAgedCare and requesting an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for respite care.
No, not every home offers respite care so it’s always best to ask about availability. Many homes will offer respite care if they have a room available.
Respite care availability can vary between locations and the assessment of the person requiring respite care will determine their needs, in line with the assistance available in your area.
To access respite care in a residential aged care home you will be required to pay a daily fee for each day you stay.
This fee is known as the Basic Daily Care Fee and it is set at 85% of the single person rate of the basic age pension. From September 2018 (for example), this fee is $50.66 per day.
There are no other costs involved in respite care at Whiddon and we do not ask for a booking fee.