Respite Care

What is respite care?

Respite care is a short-term care option that we offer to older people, either in their own home or in one of our residential aged care centres.

Occasions when you need respite care:

When you or your carer need a break. Your carer gets the opportunity to recharge or attend to other commitments while you can enjoy our services in a restorative environment.
When you need to supplement care services you receive at home.
Post-hospitalisation care to get you back on your feet.
In an emergency when unforeseen events arise.
To access daily social interactions and activities offered in a day respite program.
It is also a great short term accommodation while permanent residential care options are being finalised.

Why choose The Salvation Army Aged Care for respite care?

Rest assured that you are in good hands with our care team of friendly, fully qualified individuals who are committed to making your stay safe, comfortable, and most importantly, a happy and memorable one.

When at our centres, you will find residents who have been coming back for respite care with us for years, as well as many who chose to stay with us permanently as their life situation changed.

24-hour care from our dedicated and professional staff
Each staff member has undergone reference and security checks to ensure they are fully qualified, experienced and are passionate about working in the aged care sector. Our staff undergo ongoing training as well to make sure they are up to speed with the latest processes and knowledge. Emotional intelligence and sensitivity to diversity are other key factors that we take into consideration when recruiting staff into our Centre community.

Homely, fully-furnished rooms
We offer a range of room options to suit different preferences and budgets. All rooms are fully furnished and have a 24-hour emergency call system for added peace of mind.

Tasty and nutritious meals
Meals are cooked daily onsite by a qualified chef in consultation with the dietitian. The menu is regularly rotated to promote choice and take advantage of what is in season. Each meal has a selection of high protein, vegetarian, and modified options. We also cater for special dietary and cultural requirements.

Nutrition programs can also be organised as required.

Exercise and wellbeing programs
Each Centre has a dedicated Lifestyle team who organise daily activities based on the suggestions of residents through resident meetings, including regular outings, animal and music therapy, visiting entertainers, celebrations, games, gardening, cooking and community projects with volunteer groups and many more.

Our respite clients have access to all these activities, and they can be as involved as they wish.

Spiritual and chaplaincy services
We have a holistic model of care. The Centre Chaplains play an important role in bringing this to life. We also have onsite chapels. Whatever your beliefs, our Chaplains are here to assist in your spiritual and emotional journey, if you wish.

How can you access respite care?

Step 1: Get an ACAT assessment

Find out if you are eligible for government-funded services by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. This may involve a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) visiting you at home to access your eligibility.

Step 2: Talk to our friendly Client Services team

Call us on 1300 111 227 or email agedcare.enquiries@salvationarmy.org.au to discuss your needs and preferred location. We will then determine availability at your preferred Salvation Army Aged Care Centre.

Step 3: Take a tour of our Centre

Come in to see our facility, meet our care team, and get a feel for our community. We will arrange with you a pre-admission interview so that we can discuss in more detail your care needs and preferences.

Step 4: Confirm your booking

Once the Care Manager is confident that we can meet your needs, we will be in contact with you to confirm the arrangements regarding your stay.

Respite (Short-Term) Care

We understand that at times, taking care of an elderly loved one can be physically and emotionally demanding. Short-term respite support can help lighten the load for both the carer and the person being cared for and is available at all of our Residential Aged Care Centres.

Our team of experts are here to assist you at every step of the way. From advising you on the downsizing process, to offering tours, to helping you with the logistics.

Fees and Charges

General Respite Care

To access respite care in a residential aged care home you will be required to pay a Basic Daily Care Fee for each day you stay. This fee is set by the Government at 85% of the single person rate of the basic age pension. The Basic Daily Care Fee is payable monthly in advance.

There are no other costs involved with respite care at The Salvation Army Aged Care.

Note:

Payment can be made through self-funding, or through Government subsidy.
ACAT assessment is required.
If subsidised through the Government, this counts towards the 63-day Commonwealth residential respite allocation for the year.

Dedicated Respite Care at Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre

Burrangiri is our dedicated Respite Care Centre in the ACT. We offer a structured day respite program (09:00am – 3.30pm Monday to Friday) in addition to overnight respite accommodation for the aged. Generally, respite accommodation is short-term in nature, and can be provided for a day or for periods of up to 3 weeks.

Burrangiri is an ACT Health site operated by The Salvation Army Aged Care. As a result, it has a different pricing structure to that offered in other Commonwealth aged care facilities.

Payment can be made through self-funding, or through existing Government-subsidised Support at Home, DVA and NDIS programs with prior approval from the fund.

Please contact our Burrangiri team on 02 6288 1488 for the latest price list.

An ACAT assessment is not required for you to access our Respite care, however, we can assist with arranging this on-site if you would like this service.