RESPITE CARE

What is residential respite care?

Residential respite care is 24/7 care in a residential care facility for a set period of time. Respite at St Catherine's is for a minimum of a two week continual period.
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Respite enables you to access care 24 hours a day. You have the opportunity to access the lifestyle and meals with all laundry and cleaning services being provided. Respite residents live alongside current residents, which helps to foster connections and ensure that they feel part of the St Catherine's community.

​Prior to committing to permanent care we encourage you or your loved one to trial respite first, this provides an excellent opportunity to experience the care and lifestyle we provide at St Catherine's before making that big decision.

Why choose residential respite care?

Caring can be rewarding, but also physically and emotionally tough. Being carers ourselves, we understand what you and your family are going through. We know the dedication and commitment involved with full-time care. Respite can assist relieve stress on a carer and for their loved one receiving care, regular breaks are important for carers to look after their own health and wellbeing.
 
Respite care is often a good option for people who are transitioning from a hospital stay before moving back home or into a permanent placement within aged care. Respite if often a comfortable way to trial the lifestyle of residential aged care or assist a loved one transition into permanent residency.
 
Our dedicated and experienced team are always focused on the care and needs of our residents. 

How do I apply for residential respite care?

At St Catherine's we have two permanent respite rooms.
 
When entering respite care you must have an approved ACAS assessment, this entitles you to 63 days respite per financial year. This gives you the opportunity to trial several aged care facilities to help you decide which one you would like to live in permanently.
 
Respite is offered on a planned or emergency basis, and in both cases is subject to availability. Bookings are accepted up to twelve months in advance, and due to the limited nature of respite places, it does fill quickly. All respite is provided in a private fully furnished room with private ensuite. Respite rooms have a fixed phone line available however you are always welcome to bring a mobile phone if you prefer.
 
Refer to our step by step guide to apply for respite care.
 
For help with understanding the cost of respite care, you will find detailed information on our Fees and Charges page. 

Respite Checklist

• Undertake an ACAT/ACAS assessment for your loved one
• Contact us to discuss your care needs
• ​Visit St Catherine's for a tour and to meet our staff
• Complete a personal details form to allow us to manage the rest of the paperwork on your behalf
• ​​​Confirm dates
• ​​Label clothes
• ​Move in on the agreed date

​ Still have questions?

​Naturally you’re going to have many questions now and into the future, our caring and dedicated team are available to assist you or your loved one at any time.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Additional information, tools and resources can be obtained via the many links on out Information page.