Key points

  • Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (CRCCs) were Australia’s network of carer support hubs providing respite access, information, and referrals
  • Most CRCC services have transitioned to Carer Gateway (1800 422 737), which now serves as the national front door for carer support
  • Respite care comes in several forms: in-home, centre-based, residential, emergency, and planned
  • Carers can access up to 63 days of subsidised residential respite per financial year through My Aged Care
  • Emergency respite is available 24/7 through Carer Gateway for crisis situations
  • Carer counselling, peer support, and coaching services are available at no cost

What were CRCCs?

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres were a national network of government-funded centres that helped unpaid carers access respite care and support services across Australia. They operated as a key part of the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting the estimated 2.65 million carers who provide unpaid care to family members and friends.

CRCCs served two core functions. First, they acted as information and referral hubs, connecting carers with local services including disability support, aged care, mental health services, and community programs. Second, they coordinated and brokered respite care, helping carers arrange temporary breaks from their caring responsibilities.

The centres were free, confidential, and open to all carers regardless of the age, condition, or disability of the person they cared for. You did not need a referral or appointment to access their services.

A carer, in this context, is anyone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend living with disability, chronic illness, mental health conditions, dementia, or frailty due to age. This includes parents caring for children with disabilities, adult children caring for ageing parents, partners caring for spouses, and friends providing regular support.

History and role of CRCCs

The CRCC network was established by the Australian Government as part of the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP). The program recognised that carers are the backbone of Australia’s care system and that without adequate support, caring relationships break down, leading to poorer outcomes for both carers and care recipients.

At their peak, CRCCs operated across every state and territory in Australia. They were typically run by community organisations contracted by the Department of Social Services, with each centre covering a specific geographic region. Major providers included organisations like Uniting, Anglicare, Intereach, and various state-based carer associations.

Core functions of CRCCs included:

  • Providing free information about local care and support services
  • Coordinating planned and emergency respite care
  • Brokering respite services when gaps existed in local supply
  • Linking carers with counselling and support groups
  • Assisting carers to navigate the aged care and disability service systems
  • Providing after-hours emergency respite coordination
  • Maintaining a directory of local services and providers

The centres also played a role in identifying carers who were at risk of burnout or crisis. Many carers do not identify as “carers” and may not seek help until they reach breaking point. CRCCs worked to reach these hidden carers through community outreach, partnerships with GPs and hospitals, and awareness campaigns.

Transition to Carer Gateway

Beginning in April 2020, the Australian Government launched Carer Gateway as a national service to streamline and improve support for carers. Carer Gateway consolidated many of the functions previously delivered by CRCCs, the National Carer Counselling Program, and other fragmented carer support services into a single, unified platform.

This transition was driven by several factors. The existing system was fragmented, with carers often needing to contact multiple organisations to access different types of support. The quality and availability of services varied significantly between regions. The Government’s goal was to create a consistent, accessible, and comprehensive service available to all carers nationally.

What changed with Carer Gateway:

ServiceUnder CRCCsUnder Carer Gateway
Information and referralLocal CRCC centresNational phone line and website
Emergency respite1800 059 059 (after hours)1800 422 737 (integrated)
Planned respiteBrokered by local CRCCsCoordinated through regional partners
CounsellingSeparate programIntegrated into Carer Gateway
Peer supportLimited, location dependentNational program, online and in-person
CoachingNot availableNew service under Carer Gateway
Online resourcesLimitedComprehensive website and self-service

Carer Gateway is delivered by a network of regional service providers. In Western Australia, for example, HelpingMinds and Carers WA deliver Carer Gateway services. Each state and territory has designated providers covering specific regions.

The transition has brought some benefits, including a single contact number (1800 422 737) and a broader range of services. However, some carers and advocacy groups have expressed concern about the loss of local, face-to-face connections that CRCCs provided. The shift to a more centralised model means that some carers who valued their relationship with a specific local centre have needed to adjust to new service pathways.

Types of respite care

Respite care gives carers a temporary break from their caring role while ensuring the person they care for continues to receive appropriate support. There are several types of respite, each suited to different situations and needs.

Emergency respite

Emergency respite is available when a carer suddenly cannot provide care due to illness, injury, hospitalisation, family emergency, or crisis. This type of respite can usually be arranged within 24 hours.

To access emergency respite, contact:

  • Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737
  • My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 (for aged care recipients)

Emergency respite can be provided in the person’s home, at a residential aged care facility, or through another suitable arrangement depending on the care recipient’s needs and what is available locally.

There is no requirement for a prior assessment to access emergency respite in most cases, though the service provider will need to understand the care recipient’s basic needs to arrange appropriate support.

Planned respite

Planned respite is arranged in advance for situations where the carer has a scheduled commitment, wants to take a holiday, or simply needs regular breaks to maintain their own health and wellbeing.

Planning respite in advance gives you more choice about the type of respite, the provider, and the timing. It also gives the care recipient time to become comfortable with the arrangement, which is particularly important for people living with dementia or anxiety.

Most planned respite requires an assessment through My Aged Care (for aged care recipients) or the NDIS (for people with disability under 65). Your assessor will determine the type and amount of respite appropriate for your situation.

Residential respite

Residential respite involves a short-term stay in an aged care facility (nursing home or residential care home). The care recipient stays at the facility and receives 24-hour care while the carer takes a break.

Key facts about residential respite:

  • Available for up to 63 days per financial year (subsidised by the government)
  • Extensions of 21 days can be approved in special circumstances
  • The allowance resets on 1 July each year
  • Both planned and emergency residential respite count toward the 63-day limit
  • Requires an ACAT/ACAS assessment for planned stays
  • The basic daily fee applies (set at 85% of the single basic age pension, currently around $66.80 per day)
  • No accommodation fees or income-tested fees apply for respite stays

Residential respite can also serve as a trial for permanent residential care, allowing both the carer and care recipient to see what aged care facility life is like before making a long-term decision.

In-home respite

In-home respite involves a trained care worker visiting the person’s home to provide care while the primary carer takes time away. This is often the least disruptive form of respite, as the care recipient stays in familiar surroundings.

In-home respite can include:

  • Personal care (showering, dressing, meals)
  • Companionship and social interaction
  • Medication reminders
  • Light household tasks
  • Overnight supervision

In-home respite is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Support at Home (formerly Home Care Packages), or Carer Gateway. Hours vary based on assessment and local availability.

Centre-based respite

Centre-based respite, sometimes called day respite, involves the care recipient attending a community centre, day club, or aged care facility during the day. These programs typically run during business hours and offer structured activities, social interaction, and meals.

Centre-based respite is particularly valuable for people living with dementia, as many day programs include specialised activities designed to support cognitive function and social engagement. It also provides the care recipient with regular social contact outside the home, which benefits their wellbeing.

Programs vary between providers but often include:

  • Group activities and games
  • Arts and crafts
  • Music and reminiscence therapy
  • Gentle exercise programs
  • Meals and morning/afternoon tea
  • Outings and excursions

How to access respite care

The pathway to accessing respite care depends on the age and circumstances of the person you care for.

For aged care recipients (65+)

Step 1: Contact My Aged Care

Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register and request an assessment.

Step 2: Undergo an assessment

You will be referred for either a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment for entry-level support under CHSP, or an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT/ACAS) assessment for higher-level needs including residential respite and Support at Home.

Step 3: Receive your approval

Your assessor will determine what types of respite you are eligible for and include this in the care recipient’s support plan.

Step 4: Choose a provider

Once approved, you can choose a respite provider in your area. My Aged Care has a Find a Provider tool, or you can contact providers directly.

For NDIS participants (under 65)

If the person you care for is an NDIS participant, respite care (called Short Term Accommodation, or STA) may be included in their NDIS plan. STA provides up to 28 days of respite per year and is funded under Core Supports.

For more information about NDIS respite options, see our guide on NDIS respite and STA accommodation.

For all carers (Carer Gateway)

Regardless of the age or situation of the person you care for, you can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for support. Carer Gateway can help with:

  • Emergency respite arrangements
  • Referrals to local respite providers
  • Tailored support packages that may include planned respite
  • Connecting you with other carer support services

Eligibility for respite care

Eligibility for government-subsidised respite care depends on several factors.

For CHSP and residential respite (aged care):

  • The care recipient must be 65 years or older (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
  • They must be living at home (for community respite)
  • They must be assessed and approved through My Aged Care
  • The carer must be providing ongoing unpaid care

For Carer Gateway services:

  • You must be providing unpaid care to a family member or friend
  • The person you care for can have any type of condition, disability, or age-related need
  • No formal assessment is required to access initial support
  • Some services (such as tailored support packages) require a Carer Gateway assessment

For NDIS respite (STA):

  • The person you care for must be an NDIS participant
  • STA must be included in their NDIS plan
  • The participant must be under 65 years of age

There are no income or assets tests for accessing respite care, though the costs may vary depending on the type of respite and your circumstances.

Costs of respite care

The cost of respite care in Australia depends on the type of respite and the funding source.

Type of respiteTypical cost to carer
CHSP community respite (in-home or centre-based)Small co-payment (varies by provider, often $5 to $20 per session)
Residential respite (up to 63 days)Basic daily fee of approximately $66.80 per day (85% of single age pension)
Carer Gateway emergency respiteNo cost
Carer Gateway planned respiteNo cost (if part of a tailored support package)
Support at Home respiteFunded from package budget, plus any basic daily fee
NDIS STA respiteFunded from NDIS plan (no cost to participant up to plan limit)
Private respite (no government subsidy)$30 to $70 per hour for in-home; $250 to $500+ per day for residential

For residential respite, you will not be charged accommodation fees or income-tested care fees. The basic daily fee is the only mandatory charge, and some providers may charge additional fees for extra services such as hairdressing or outings.

If you are receiving a Carer Payment or Carer Allowance from Services Australia, using respite care may affect your payments. You can use up to 63 days of respite per calendar year without affecting your Carer Payment. Contact Services Australia for details about how respite interacts with your payments.

Carer counselling services

Caring for someone can be emotionally and physically demanding. Carer counselling provides professional support to help you manage the stress, grief, anxiety, and relationship challenges that often come with a caring role.

Carer Gateway counselling

Carer Gateway offers free counselling to all carers. You can access:

  • In-person counselling with a qualified counsellor in your area
  • Phone counselling for carers who prefer remote support or live in regional and remote areas
  • Short-term and ongoing sessions depending on your needs

Counselling through Carer Gateway covers a range of issues including:

  • Stress and burnout
  • Grief and loss (including anticipatory grief)
  • Relationship difficulties related to caring
  • Managing feelings of guilt, anger, or frustration
  • Adjusting to changes in the caring role
  • Planning for the future, including end-of-life care

To access counselling, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 and ask to be connected with a counsellor.

Carer coaching

Carer Gateway also offers a coaching program that is distinct from counselling. Coaching focuses on helping carers develop practical skills and strategies to manage their caring role more effectively. A professional coach works with you to:

  • Identify your goals and priorities
  • Develop a personalised action plan
  • Build skills in areas like communication, self-care, and care coordination
  • Monitor your progress over time

Coaching is available in person, by phone, or through online sessions.

Support groups for carers

Connecting with other carers who understand your experience can be one of the most valuable forms of support. Peer support reduces isolation, provides practical tips, and offers emotional validation.

Carer Gateway peer support

Carer Gateway runs peer support groups across Australia, both in-person and online. Groups are facilitated by trained professionals and bring together carers in similar situations.

Groups may be condition-specific (for example, carers of people living with dementia) or open to all carers. Online groups make peer support accessible for carers in regional areas or those who cannot leave the person they care for.

Other support groups

Beyond Carer Gateway, several organisations run carer support groups:

  • Carers Australia and state-based carer associations (Carers WA, Carers NSW, Carers Victoria, etc.)
  • Dementia Australia runs groups specifically for carers of people living with dementia
  • Mental Health Carers Australia supports carers of people with mental health conditions
  • Local community health centres often host carer groups
  • Online forums and social media groups provide 24/7 peer connection

Finding respite in your area

Finding the right respite care in your area involves knowing where to look and what questions to ask.

  • My Aged Care Find a Provider: myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider for aged care respite services
  • Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 or carergateway.gov.au for all carer support services
  • Carevo: Call 1800 953 253 or visit carevo.com.au to find respite providers in your area
  • Your GP or hospital social worker can provide referrals to local respite services
  • Local council community directories often list respite and carer support services

Questions to ask providers

When contacting respite providers, consider asking:

  • What types of respite do you offer (in-home, centre-based, residential)?
  • Do you have experience with my family member’s specific condition?
  • What are the costs, and do you accept government-subsidised clients?
  • What is the minimum and maximum booking period?
  • How far in advance do I need to book?
  • What happens if I need to cancel or change a booking?
  • Can my family member visit or do a trial before committing?
  • What activities and care do you provide during respite?
  • Are staff trained in dementia care, complex health needs, or behavioural support?
  • Do you have availability in my preferred dates?

Regional and remote considerations

Carers in regional and remote areas often face additional challenges in accessing respite. Fewer providers, longer travel distances, and limited facility options can make respite harder to arrange. If you are in a regional area:

  • Contact Carer Gateway, as they can coordinate services across regions
  • Ask about flexible respite options such as host family respite or cottage respite
  • Check if transport assistance is available to get to respite services
  • Explore online carer support options (counselling, peer groups, coaching) that do not require travel

Tips for arranging respite

Arranging respite for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially if the person you care for is resistant to the idea. Here are practical tips based on what works for many carers.

Start small. Begin with a few hours of in-home respite or a single day at a centre-based program. This helps both you and the care recipient adjust gradually.

Plan ahead. Book planned respite well in advance, especially during school holidays and holiday periods when demand is higher. Residential respite beds can fill up quickly.

Involve the care recipient. Where possible, include the person you care for in decisions about respite. Visiting a centre or meeting a care worker beforehand can ease anxiety.

Try different types. If one type of respite does not work well, try another. Some people prefer the social environment of centre-based care, while others are more comfortable with a care worker at home.

Use respite regularly. Regular, planned respite is more sustainable than waiting until you reach crisis point. Even a few hours each week can make a significant difference to your wellbeing.

Keep a care file. Prepare a simple document with the care recipient’s needs, medications, routines, preferences, and emergency contacts. This helps respite workers provide consistent care.

Know your emergency options. Save the Carer Gateway number (1800 422 737) in your phone. If you suddenly cannot provide care due to illness or emergency, help is available around the clock.

Do not feel guilty. Taking a break is not selfish. Research consistently shows that carers who use respite regularly provide better quality care and maintain their caring role for longer. Respite benefits both you and the person you care for.

Frequently asked questions

What replaced CRCCs?

Carer Gateway replaced many of the services previously provided by Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres. Launched nationally in April 2020, Carer Gateway offers a broader range of services through a single contact point. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au to access support.

Can I get respite if I am not the primary carer?

Yes. Respite is available to anyone in a caring role, whether you are the primary carer or share caring responsibilities with others. Contact Carer Gateway to discuss your situation.

What if the person I care for refuses respite?

This is common, particularly with people living with dementia or cognitive decline. Try introducing respite gradually, starting with short visits at home. Ask the care recipient’s GP or a Carer Gateway counsellor for strategies to manage resistance. Sometimes framing it as a social activity rather than “respite” can help.

Is respite available on weekends and overnight?

Yes. In-home respite can include overnight and weekend care. Centre-based respite may have limited weekend availability depending on the provider. Residential respite includes 24-hour care for the duration of the stay.

How does respite affect Carer Payment?

You can use up to 63 days of respite per calendar year without your Carer Payment being affected. If the person you care for is in respite for more than 63 days in a year, your payment may be suspended. Contact Services Australia on 132 717 for specific advice about your situation.

Can I use respite from a Support at Home package?

Yes. If the person you care for has a Support at Home package (formerly Home Care Package), respite care can be funded from the package budget. This is in addition to any residential respite days they may be eligible for through My Aged Care.

What is cottage respite?

Cottage respite is a form of residential respite provided in a home-like setting rather than a large aged care facility. A small group of care recipients stay together in a house with support workers. Cottage respite is available in some areas and suits people who find large facilities overwhelming.

Do I need a referral for respite?

For Carer Gateway services, no referral is needed. For government-subsidised aged care respite (CHSP or residential), the care recipient needs to be registered with My Aged Care and assessed. For NDIS respite, the participant needs STA funding in their plan.

Key resources

If you are a carer looking for respite support, Carevo can help you find the right providers in your area. We connect carers and families with trusted respite care services and aged care providers across Australia.

Call 1800 953 253 to find respite providers through Carevo, or browse aged care services on our platform.