Get in touch today for friendly obligation-free advice, supportive guidance, or just for someone to listen.
Scroll to Explore
14 April 2026
Stories
| Aged Care Homes
Caring for someone you love can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Taking time to rest and recharge is an important part of caring.
Respite care offers short-term support so that your loved one can continue receiving quality care while you take a break knowing they are safe, supported and valued. It is a planned, supportive option that families can explore at any stage of their caring journey.
In this article
Understanding how to get respite care
Types of respite care
When to consider respite care
How to arrange respite care
Knowing how to get respite care for the elderly loved one in your life begins with recognising your loved one’s individual needs and exploring support options that offer comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind – for both of you.
Respite care can be arranged in a way that suits your life and routine. It may be a regular part of your weekly schedule, a short stay for a few nights, or support over weeks or months. Emergency respite care is also available if something unexpected comes up. Before exploring how to arrange respite care, it can be helpful to understand what respite care is and how it supports older people and their families.
These flexible respite care options – whether for just a few hours to days or weeks – are designed to provide comfort, safety and meaningful connection for older people, and can be thoughtfully tailored to suit your loved one’s individual needs and preferences. You can read more about the different types of respite care available at BaptistCare here: https://baptistcare.org.au/home-care/respite-care/
The main types of respite care include:
There are many reasons to consider respite care, including needing time to rest and recharge, managing illness, travelling, or navigating temporary changes at home.
Respite care can be arranged proactively, giving you peace of mind and helping your loved one continue to feel safe, supported and valued while you take a well-earned break. It can also offer you the opportunity to gently explore different care settings or plan ahead with confidence, supporting informed decisions about longer-term needs, such as entering aged care, if and when the time feels right.
The process for arranging respite care typically involves:
Understanding care needs - recognising what will help your loved one feel safe, comfortable, and supported while you take a break.
Organising an Aged Care Assessment - this is a necessary step for accessing any government subsidised aged care services and can help you identify suitable respite support. subsidised aged care services and
Contacting a trusted provider like BaptistCare to explore options and availability
The costs of respite care depend on the type of care you access and the duration of support. Following an aged care assessment, some older Australians may be eligible for government subsidised services, with costs varying based on individual circumstances. Learn more about respite care costs and fees at My Aged Care.
BaptistCare’s person-centred approach focuses on making respite stay compassionate, dignified, and supportive with caring, experienced staff and warm, welcoming environments to help older people feel safe, valued, and comfortable during their stay.
If you’re considering respite care for your loved one, our team is here to guide you through every step with compassion and clarity.
Find out more about respite care with BaptistCare:
https://baptistcare.org.au/home-care/respite-care/
Contact us today for personalised support:
https://baptistcare.org.au/contact
If you would like to know more, please complete the form and one of our residential aged care specialists will be in touch.
