Respite care

Respite care

Caring for an ageing loved one is a meaningful role, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Whether you're taking a well-earned break, recovering after a hospital stay, or exploring aged care options, Bethanie's Respite Care offers short-term support in a safe, welcoming environment.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care provides temporary, short-term care in one of our residential aged care homes. It’s designed to give family members and caregivers time to rest and recharge, while ensuring your loved one receives high-quality care in a professional, compassionate setting.

Respite Care can be a helpful option for:

  • Carer relief (e.g. holidays, illness, or work commitments)

  • Short-term support after a hospital stay

  • Trying out aged care before making a long-term decision

We're here to make the experience as smooth and supportive as possible for both you and your loved one.


Respite information

Important Information About Booking Respite

  • Availability : Respite care is subject to bed availability. While most of our homes are often at capacity, we will advise you of any current openings.

  • Timing : Respite admissions can only be confirmed 3-4 weeks in advance. We recommend contacting us at least four weeks before your preferred admission date.

  • Clinical Assessment : Before confirming a placement, we need to understand your loved one’s medical and personal care needs. This ensures we can safely and effectively support them during their stay.

  • GP and Medication : During respite, your loved one will continue with their current GP and pharmacy. Please note this can present challenges if changes in medication or urgent GP reviews are needed while you're away.

How to access respite care

To begin the respite admission process, we’ll need:

  • A completed application form 

  • ACAT Assessment (with a respite referral code)

  • Certified copies of the Enduring Power of Guardianship and/or Power of Attorney

  • Patient health summary from their GP

  • Current list of medications

We’ll also ask you some questions to better understand your loved one’s health, behaviour, and mobility needs. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our friendly Aged Care Navigation Specialists are here to guide you through every step of the respite care journey. We understand this can be a challenging time, and we’re committed to offering care that’s not only high quality but also genuinely compassionate.

  • Call us today on 131 151, email acns@bethanie.com.au or use the form below to discuss availability and find the right fit for your loved one

Let Bethanie support you so you can continue to care for those you love.

You can access up to 63 days of government-subsidised respite care each year, with the option to request extensions if needed.  We'll work with you to explore availability in our homes and do our best to accommodate the timing that suits you and your loved one.

We understand how important it is to plan ahead, especially when organising a break or coordinating care. While we're unable to confirm bookings several months in advance due to changing availability, we encourage you to get in touch around two weeks before your preferred dates. Our team will do everything we can to accommodate your needs and support you in finding the right time and place for your loved one.

If we're unable to offer a placement at your preferred time, please know we'll do everything we can to support you.  We'll explain the situation clearly, talk through your options, and help guide you towards other services or providers that may be able to help.  You're not alone - we're here to assist you every step of the way.

Get in touch

Have a question about aged care? Our specialist team is here to help.

If you would like to know more about Bethanie and how we can help, please fill in the contact us form below. Our friendly staff will get back to you within three business days (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm).

Contact us

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