How Many Hours of Respite Care Are You Allowed?

Caring for someone full-time can be deeply fulfilling, but it's also demanding. 

Carers often need a break to rest, recover, or manage other parts of life. That's where respite care comes in. 

It lets caregivers take a break and tend to their own needs. Their loved ones don't receive any less care in the process. 

A trained professional takes over your caregiver duties and makes sure your loved ones receive high-quality care. 

But, exactly how much respite care is available? How many hours of respite care are you allowed?

The answer depends on a range of factors. These include where you live, what type of care you need, and what program you're a part of. 

Let's break it down step-by-step.

How Many Hours of Respite Care Are You Allowed?

There isn't one fixed number of hours that applies to everyone. It depends on the program you're using, the care setting, and your needs.

Since respite care is available throughout different programs, here's what you can expect from each of them:

• Carer Gateway

Offers up to 63 days of respite per financial year, which can be split into hours or blocks of days. In some cases, like medical emergencies or carer burnout, it can be extended to 84 days with approval.

• CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme)

Provides short-term support through approved providers. The number of hours or visits is determined by an assessment and depends on local availability.

• NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

Respite, referred to as Short-Term Accommodation, is included in some participants' plans. The hours or nights are based on the individual's goals and funding plan.

• My Aged Care (Home Care Packages or Residential Respite)

Eligible older Australians may access up to 63 days of respite care per year, either at home or in a residential facility. This can be extended with additional approval through ACAT.

• Private insurance or paid providers

Some families choose to supplement government services with privately funded respite. Hour limits and access will depend on your policy or provider's capacity.

Each program has its own processes and criteria. 

It's important to speak with a care coordinator or service provider to find out exactly what you're entitled to and how best to use it.

What Affects Respite Care Hours?

Respite care hours aren't the same for everyone.

They're shaped by a few key factors. Understanding these factors can help you better plan for the support you need.

They include:

1. The program or provider you use
2. Where you live
3. Personal circumstances

Your Program or Provider

Different programs have different rules and funding structures.

Government programs like Carer Gateway, NDIS, or My Aged Care all assess your needs separately.

Private providers may offer more flexible options, but usually come with higher costs.

Each of these programs determines your hours based on how much support the person you care for needs. 

How much support you, as the carer, need also determines your respite care hours.

Location

Location is another important factor to think about. 

Your location might have more (or fewer) service options. 

Rural and remote areas may face longer wait times. They may also have limited choices for in-person services.

Availability also varies between local councils and service regions. This is especially true for CHSP and day programs. 

It's worth speaking to local coordinators to see what's offered in your area.

Personal Circumstances

Personal circumstances can also play a role in determining your respite care hours. This may apply to:

• The care needs of your loved one
• Your level of stress or exhaustion
• Your overall home environment

For example, a full-time carer with no other help may be eligible for more respite support than someone sharing care with family or friends.

Understanding these influencing factors is important. You will be prepared for discussions with support workers or assessors.

How to Apply for Respite Care Through Home Care Packages

If your loved one receives a Home Care Package (HCP), you can use part of that funding to arrange respite care.

Home Care Packages are flexible, but funding is limited. 

Using respite strategically throughout the year helps avoid running short near the end of your package period.

Note that respite care must be a part of your approved care plan. 

The process is straightforward but requires some coordination. Here's how to get started:

1. Get Assessed for a Home Care Package Level

Home Care Packages range from Level 1 to Level 4, with each level offering a different amount of funding. 

These include:

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

The higher the level, the more flexibility you'll have to include services like in-home respite or short stays in a facility.

You can't determine your own HCP level. It will be assigned to you based on your ACAT assessment.

2. Discuss Respite Needs with Your Care Provider

Once you get approved for an HCP, you can discuss your respite care needs with your provider.

Your approved provider helps coordinate your Home Care Package. You can talk to them about:

• How many respite hours or days might you need
• Whether it's for planned breaks or emergency situations
• What type of respite care works best (in-home, day centre, or overnight)

They'll help make sure that respite is included in the care plan and allocate funding accordingly.

3. Use Package Funds to Arrange Services

Once respite is part of your plan, the provider can book services with qualified care workers or facilities.

You may be able to combine services. For instance, you can use in-home respite weekly and an occasional short stay.

If your package doesn't cover everything, you can pay a top-up fee. Another option is to look into other programs like Carer Gateway.

4. Monitor and Adjust as Needed

Your respite care needs may change throughout the year.

If you find the current arrangement isn't enough, speak to your care manager about adjusting your plan.

If your needs exceed your package level, consider applying for a higher-level Home Care Package through a reassessment.

Why Are Respite Care Hours Limited?

Respite care is funded through limited government resources. Hour limits exist to:

• Ensure fair and equal access across the country
• Encourage carers to plan and pace their breaks
• Help providers manage their rosters and capacity

It's also about balancing individual needs with community-wide demand. 

Many carers benefit from sharing hours across multiple care types, such as combining centre-based programs with short in-home visits, to make the most of their allocation.

That said, you can always ask for more if your needs change. Limits aren't rigid; they're starting points.

Can You Get More Hours?

If your circumstances have changed or your current allocation isn't enough, you may be able to request more respite care hours.

Here are a few situations where this might apply:

• A sudden change in your loved one's health or behaviour
• You're experiencing carer fatigue, illness or burnout
• You've had a family emergency, hospital stay or other disruption
• You're preparing for your loved one to enter permanent care

To request extra hours, you should speak with your care planner or assessor. 

You will also need to provide updated details or medical notes. A formal review or reassessment might also be necessary.

Programs like Carer Gateway and My Aged Care have built-in flexibility to help families manage these challenges. 

Don't be afraid to reach out. Support is available.

FAQs

Are respite care hours part of a Home Care Package?

Not exactly. Respite care is separate but can sometimes be included as part of your package, depending on your care plan.

Can I use in-home and centre-based care at the same time?

Yes. You can mix different types of respite care if it fits within your total allowance.

Do hours or days roll over if I don't use them?

No. Respite hours usually reset each financial year. If you don't use them, you lose them.

Is all respite care free?

Some services are fully funded, but others may have small fees or means-tested contributions. Always ask what's covered.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Respite care isn't just helpful. It's essential. 

Whether you're looking for a few hours of in-home help or a longer break at a residential facility, there are options available.

At Haisey Home Care, we guide families through:

• Understanding their entitlements
• Applying for support
• Scheduling services that meet your needs

Contact us today to speak with one of our care advisors. We're here to help you take care of yourself while you care for the ones you love.

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