Respite care providers in Melbourne, Victoria

Respite care rates in Melbourne typically range from $50-$85/hour (subsidies available via NDIS/Support at Home). The rate depends on the type of respite, the time of day, the day of the week, and the complexity of the care required. In-home respite during standard hours is generally less expensive than centre-based or overnight respite.

For NDIS participants, respite is funded under Core Supports as "Assistance with Daily Life" (for short-term accommodation and assistance, also known as STA) or "Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation" for community respite. The NDIS price limits apply to registered providers. Self-managed participants can negotiate rates with any provider.

For short-term accommodation (STA), the NDIS sets a daily rate that includes accommodation, support, and meals. Rates differ based on the level of support required and the number of nights. STA can be used for up to 14 days at a time, with up to 28 days per year in total, though this can vary by plan.

Home Care Package holders can use their package budget to fund respite services, giving the regular carer or family member a break. Funding is typically used for in-home respite or day respite programs. The Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres can also provide emergency or planned respite funding for eligible carers of aged care recipients.

Respite care in Melbourne can be funded through the NDIS, Home Care Packages, the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Program, DVA, or private payment depending on your situation.

NDIS: Respite for NDIS participants is funded in two main ways. In-home respite and community access support are funded under Core Supports. Short-term accommodation (STA), which provides the participant with accommodation and support away from home, is also funded under Core Supports. STA is often used to give the primary carer a planned break. Your plan needs to include funding in the relevant categories.

Home Care Packages (HCP): Respite services for aged care clients can be funded from HCP budgets. Common options include in-home respite workers who provide care while the family carer takes a break, and day respite programs. Your HCP care coordinator can help arrange respite as part of your care plan.

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Program: This program provides subsidised respite for carers of older Australians and people with disability. It is administered through Carer Gateway, which replaced the previous Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres. Contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for information about planned or emergency respite options.

DVA: Veterans' carers may access respite funding through DVA programs. Contact DVA to check eligibility and available services.

Private payment: Respite can also be arranged and paid for privately. This is the fastest option and suits families who need urgent or flexible respite without waiting for funding approval.

Respite care gives primary carers a planned or emergency break while ensuring the person they care for continues to receive safe and appropriate support. Good respite is not just about covering the basics; it should give the person receiving care an enjoyable, positive experience.

In-home respite involves a support worker or carer coming to your home while the regular carer has a break. The support worker maintains the person's usual routines, assists with personal care and daily tasks, and provides companionship and social engagement. Handover notes from the regular carer help the respite worker understand preferences and any specific needs.

Community-based respite takes the participant out of the home for activities such as social outings, day programs, or recreational activities. This type of respite benefits both the participant, who gets social stimulation, and the carer, who gets uninterrupted time at home.

Short-term accommodation (STA) involves the participant staying in a supported care setting, such as a respite house, for a period of days or nights. This is typically used for planned breaks of several days. Reputable STA providers have comfortable, home-like facilities with experienced staff familiar with diverse disability and care needs.

When arranging respite, give the provider as much information as possible about the person's routines, preferences, communication style, and any medical or behavioural considerations. A good provider will request this information and use it to plan appropriate care.