How it works
Understand the steps, fees, and support available to access Support at Home funding.
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Respite Support
Care when it’s time for a break
There are times when extra support can make all the difference. If you have recently returned home from the hospital, need short-term help or your regular carer requires a break, in-home respite care provides flexible support to suit your situation.
What’s included with Respite Support?
Respite Support covers a variety of care options designed to provide temporary relief while maintaining continuity of care.
Emergency respite if usual carer is unavailable
Short-notice support can be arranged if your regular carer is suddenly unavailable, ensuring you continue to receive safe care without disruption.
In home day or overnight to relieve usual carer
Flexible in-home respite care can be provided during the day or overnight, allowing carers to rest while you remain comfortable and supported in your own home.
Centre based day care
Attend a care centre during the day where you can receive support, take part in structured activities and socialise with others in a safe and supervised environment.
Home-style respite for overnight care
Stay in a small, home-like setting for short-term overnight care, offering a more relaxed and comfortable alternative to larger residential facilities.
Residential respite
Residential respite involves a short stay in an aged care home and may be suitable when a higher level of support is needed or when carers need an extended break.
Access to subsidised residential respite depends on an aged care assessment and availability at a suitable aged care home. While some types of respite may be covered under Support at Home, residential respite has separate eligibility, funding and access arrangements.
How can I access respite care?
Accessing respite care is simple, and our team is here to support you throughout the process.
1 — Get in touch
Contact our team to discuss your needs, ask questions and explore the type of respite care that best suits your situation.
2 — Book a consultation
We’ll arrange a consultation to understand your routine, care requirements and how respite support can be structured around your existing care arrangements.
3 — Create your care plan
A personalised plan will be developed to match your needs, including the type of respite, timing and level of support required.
4 — Start your support
Once everything is in place, your Support Worker will begin providing reliable respite care, ensuring continuity and comfort. We’ll also explain the types of respite that are and aren’t covered under the Support at Home program.
Who might need respite care?
Respite care is designed for both individuals receiving care and the people who support them.
People with regular carers who need a break
Respite care provides temporary relief so carers can rest, recharge or attend to personal commitments.
Individuals recovering from illness or hospital stays
Short-term support can help maintain comfort and safety while transitioning back to daily routines at home.
Families needing flexible support
Respite care can be arranged during holidays, busy periods or unexpected changes in availability.
Our featured services
Support when it matters most
Discover our specialised services tailored to help you stay comfortable, independent and supported in the moments that matter most.
Modifications and Maintenance
We can support you with requests for home modifications through your Support at Home funding. We’re experienced and knowledgeable in this support.
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Cleaning
An extra pair of hands to help keep your home as clean and tidy as you like.
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Personal Care
Help with your personal activities such as grooming and daily activities.
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Transport
We can take you to and from appointments or outings as needed.
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Social Support
Get out and about and take part in community events or groups with the help of our Support Workers.
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View all Home Care services
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Ready to find the support that’s right for you? Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s create a plan that meets your needs.
★★★★★
Reviews
Why our clients place their
trust in us for exceptional care
★★★★★
Been with them for many years
HCA has always met my needs and explains my options and what is available to me with my funding. Have been with them for many years and am very happy with their service.
★★★★★
Professionalism and friendliness
Thank you for the care, understanding, professionalism and friendliness shown to me by all the staff.
★★★★★
Dedicated & caring
I think the staff are very dedicated & caring & do their best to offer an excellent service. I would like to offer my thanks to them.
★★★★★
I am very happy
I am very happy with the service and the quality of that service. So far Nothing is too much trouble.
★★★★★
Can’t help you enough
Very happy though with the amazing service.. phone staff can’t help you enough.
★★★★★
Great empathy and respect
I was treated very professionally and with great empathy and respect which I truly appreciate.
Why HCA Home Care?
Our Difference
Local Customer Care Manager
Every customer at HCA Home Care is assigned their own Customer Care Manager as their one point of contact with us.
Highly skilled Support Workers
At HCA, we are able to upskill and train workers regularly thanks to our own in-house training organisation and long history in healthcare. It means you always get the very best workers.
24/7 support
Your support needs don’t stop at 5pm so neither do we. We have a 24/7 support line so you can contact us any time of day — or night!
We care at HCA Home Care
Why Choose HCA Home Care as your provider
HCA Home Care is an established national provider of healthcare support services. Established in 1972, you can benefit from our access to the best Support Workers and Customer Care Managers by choosing HCA Home Care as your Support at Home provider.
Need help from HCA?
Want to speak to a specialist? Contact us today.
FAQs
What respite support does respite care include?
Respite care includes a range of short-term support options designed to give carers a break while ensuring care continues without disruption. Depending on your eligibility, needs and location, this may include respite at home, community or centre-based respite, emergency respite, cottage respite or residential respite.
Some respite options, such as respite at home and community or centre-based respite, may be available through Support at Home. Other types, such as residential respite in an aged care home, have separate eligibility, funding and access arrangements.
What is the difference between in-home respite care and residential respite?
In-home respite care allows you to remain in the comfort of your own home while a Support Worker provides care, which makes it a more familiar and flexible option.
Can I use respite services on a regular basis or just in emergencies?
Respite care can be arranged both as a planned, ongoing service and as a short-notice or emergency solution. Some families schedule regular respite to support long-term caregiving, while others access it during unexpected situations such as illness, travel or changes in availability. The flexibility of respite care means it can be adapted to suit your routine and level of need.
Are there age requirements for respite care services?
Eligibility for respite care depends on your individual circumstances, the type of support required and how services are funded. While many respite care programs are designed for older adults, support may also be available for younger individuals with care needs. Our team can help you understand what options are available based on your situation and guide you through the next steps.
How do I get started with respite care?
Speak with our team about your needs and circumstances to understand the level of support required. From there, we can develop a personalised care plan and arrange the right type of in-home respite care or alternative support, whether that’s short-term, ongoing or emergency care.
To explore your options, you can learn more about our home care services, how the process works and check your eligibility. You can also review funding options or explore paying privately if you prefer more flexibility.