How Much Does Respite Care Cost Per Day?

Caring for an elderly or disabled loved one can be both rewarding and demanding. That's why many families across Australia rely on respite care services. 

Primary caregivers can use respite care for short-term relief. This valuable time lets them recharge or attend to personal matters. 

This service can be provided in different settings. The most common are in-home care, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

But how much does respite care cost per day?

Respite care costs vary depending on different factors. They include the type of care, location, and level of support required. 

Understanding these costs is crucial for planning and budgeting. 

This guide breaks down the daily costs of respite care. It also explores available government subsidies to help make respite care more affordable for you.

Respite Care: What Are Your Options?

Respite care is designed to provide temporary support for:

• Older adults
• People with disabilities
• Those recovering from illness or surgery

It works by giving primary caregivers a much-needed break.

There are several ways Australians can access respite care. Their decision should depend on their needs, preferences, and eligibility for government subsidies.

It's possible to receive respite care through:

1. Residential care
2. In-home care
3. Community-based care
4. Private care

How Much Does Residential Respite Care Cost?

Residential respite care provides temporary accommodation and support in an aged care facility. 

Residential respite care costs depend on:

1. The length of stay
2. The level of care required
3. Whether any additional services are included

Residential respite is usually charged through a basic daily fee. This fee covers daily living costs such as meals, cleaning, and laundry. 

Anyone who receives residential respite care is required to pay the basic daily fee.

This fee is set at 85% of the single basic age pension. When the pension amount changes every March and September, so does the basic daily fee.

As of the latest update, the average basic daily fee is around $63.57. 

Aside from the basic daily fee, you might also have to pay the additional service fee.

There may be charges for extra services. These could include:

• Special meal options
• Enhanced room features
• Personal services

This fee depends on the facility and the services offered. They can range from $10 to $50+ per day.

It also varies by provider. Make sure to discuss these fees directly with the chosen facility.

Some residential facilities might also charge a booking fee. But it can't be higher than whichever is lower of the two options:

• One week's fee for respite care
• 25% of the fee for the proposed period of respite care

How Much Does In-Home Respite Care Cost?

Respite care can also be received through in-home care. 

Individuals can receive temporary care and support in their own homes, while primary caregivers get a break.

In-home respite care costs vary based on:

1. The provider
2. The level of care required
3. Whether the care is government-subsidised through a Home Care Package (HCP)

If you apply for a Home Care Package, you may be charged for respite care through:

• Hourly rates: $20 – $50 per hour
• Half-day care (four to six hours): $80 – $250
• Full-day care (more than eight hours): $160 – $400
• Overnight/24-hour care: $300 – $800+

In-home respite care costs typically range from $20 to $50 per hour. The price depends on the provider and the specific services required.

Costs for a full day of in-home respite care can range from $160 to $400. The price is influenced by the location and the level of care needed.

If you opt for Home Care Packages, those fees can be covered by the government. 

The subsidy amount depends on the package level:

1. Level 1 - basic-level care
2. Level 2 - low-level care 
3. Level 3 - intermediate-level care
4. Level 4 - high-level care

The higher the level of care, the higher the associated fees and government funding.

Some fees aren't covered by this government subsidy. This includes the income-tested fee, which you have to pay when you apply. 

Of course, if you want to receive respite care through Home Care Packages, you have to be eligible. 

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How Much Does Community-Based Respite Care Cost?

Community-based respite care offers temporary support in a community setting. These include:

1. Day respite (centre-based care)
2. Overnight or weekend respite (cottage respite)
3. Group outings or social support programs

The cost depends on the type of respite service, location, and whether government subsidies apply.

Community respite care typically costs between $60 to $120 per day. It's also called centre-based care.

These centres offer social activities and care during the day. They allow primary caregivers a temporary break.

Overnight or weekend respite usually costs $100 to $300 per night. It's available in small, home-like settings or community-run facilities.

This form of community-based respite care also provides 24-hour support for short stays.

Group outings or social support programs may cost $20 to $50 per session. They include transport, group activities, and excursions.

How Much Does Private Respite Care Cost?

Respite care comes with an unsubsidised option, and that's private care companies. 

This option allows individuals to access care services immediately. They don't have to go through government funding or eligibility assessments. 

Private respite care can be beneficial for those who need urgent respite care or prefer premium services.

Costs vary based on the type of care, provider, and duration of care.

In-home private respite care typically costs $300 to $800 per full day. These prices rise to $500 to $1,500 for overnight or 24-hour care.

Private residential respite care costs $150 to $350 per day.

It includes accommodation, meals, personal care, and activities. Premium services like private rooms and extra amenities may also be included.

The cost of private respite care per day depends on:

• The type of care provided
• Provider rates
• Caregiver qualifications
• Location
• Additional services

Government Subsidies

The Australian Government offers subsidies to reduce the cost of respite care. This is done through programs like:

• The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) 
• Home Care Packages (HCP)

Eligibility for these subsidies is determined through an assessment by My Aged Care.

The government provides a set amount of funding based on the Home Care Package level.

This funding can be used to pay for respite care services. 

They're managed by an approved home care provider. They can be spent on eligible services, including:

1. In-home respite care (personal care, nursing support, companionship, etc.)
2. Community respite services (day programs and social outings)
3. Overnight or weekend respite care (some providers offer this within the package)

However, residential respite care in aged care facilities is not covered under HCP. 

This is subsidised separately through CHSP or Residential Respite Care funding.

Factors Influencing Respite Care Prices

Several factors can affect the cost of respite care, including:

• Type of respite care
• Location
• Duration
• Level of care needed
• Government subsidies and eligibility

Whether respite care is provided in-home, at a residential aged care facility, or in a community setting sets the price.

Where you live also plays a significant role in determining respite care costs.

Urban areas with a higher cost of living typically have more expensive care services than rural locations. 

The length of the respite period can influence pricing. Some providers offer discounted rates for extended stays or regular bookings.

Individuals with basic care needs may incur lower costs. 

Those requiring high-level care may face higher fees because they need more skilled caregivers. 

This includes advanced dementia care and complex medical conditions.

Respite care costs less if the person qualifies for government funding.

Understanding Aged Care Respite Fees

The cost of respite care per day in Australia depends on the type of care, the level of support needed, and the location. 

Whether government subsidies apply can also significantly impact the price.

If you're looking for a Home Care Package provider, Haisey Home Care offers excellent respite care services. 

You can contact us for more information or book a free in-person consultation.

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