In my line of work, I come across many families and/or care recipients who ask me about residential respite and how to access it. It’s a reasonable question, given that most families are new to aged care and generally navigating it for the very first time and usually learning on the run.
Due to the number of enquires received, I’ve decided to write briefly on the subject.
Before proceeding, I’d like to point out the differing forms of respite – i.e., centre-based or flexible respite. Today, I am only writing about residential respite in a Commonwealth-funded aged care facility.
For those who may have some concerns about entering residential care, respite is not permanent. The maximum length of time you can remain in a respite bed is 63 days per financial year (in exceptional cases we can request a 21-day respite extension). You will only remain in the facility for the time agreed to by you and the facility. This will be explained in detail below.
First things first – to access residential aged care, you need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and approved for respite. To find out more about arranging an assessment call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. For the purposes of this conversation, we’ll presume you have a Support Plan.
If respite appeals to you, check your Support Plan to see if you are approved for residential respite. If you don’t have approval and believe it is something you would benefit from, call My Aged Care and request a reassessment to include residential respite.
Length of Respite Stay
Earlier I wrote about 63 days respite per financial year. Technically, you can ask a provider for the full 63 days respite stay. However, it’s generally declined. In most cases, providers will offer 14, 21, or 28 respite days. This is because each year, the Commonwealth allocates providers a specific number of respite hours. It is up to the provider how they allocate them. Most use the hours to create two, three, or four-week respite periods, hence providing more recipients with a chance to access respite.
How Do I Book Respite?
Please be aware that not every facility offers respite however, they’re in the minority. For this reason, select more than one facility of interest to you. Once you’ve decided, ring the providers directly. Larger organisations operate a central admissions team. Most standalone facilities use their administrative staff member or site manager to look after their respite bookings.
If left too late, respite is notoriously difficult to book. For example, if you are seeking respite in a month’s time, you’ve already left it too late.
Finally, play it safe – don’t book anything without booking respite first. I recall an incident where a family member asked for respite for her mum. Sadly, they wanted the respite to commence the next day! They’d booked a cruise leaving in two days and didn’t think there’d be a problem. I couldn’t help and no-one else could. The family member had to reschedule her cruise.
The same applies to such things as elective surgery. Book your respite first and then the date for surgery.
What Type of Service will I Receive in Respite?
The services provided are set out in the Quality of Care Principals within the Aged Care Act.
The home must provide:
- hotel services – cleaning, food, drinks, etc.
- clinical services – for example, management of diabetes and continence, etc.
- personal care – assistance with showering, dressing and grooming, etc.
- continence management.
- leisure and lifestyle – a varied and inclusive activities program.
Medication management during respite
Five important medication points:
- Prior to admission you must visit your doctor and have them write up a medication chart or medication summary containing all medications, puffers, creams etc. currently used. Doctor should also add all complementary medications taken or used regularly. Such as vitamin supplements and fish oil etc.
- If you don’t take any medications, please have your doctor write up simple pain relief such as paracetamol.
- Before entering a facility, residents must have all medications packed into a blister pack or sachet. This includes any complementary medications such as fish oil and vitamin supplements.
- The site will not accept any opened packets of medication
- The home cannot accept dosettes with the flip top. You can use them at home but not in residential care.
Doctor
If your doctor is willing to visit the facility, they would be very welcome.
The Cost of Respite?
The cost of respite equates to 85% of the single aged pension (irrespective of whether you receive an aged pension or not). The cost increases in line with pension increases. You can find the exact cost by checking the latest version of the Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care: more info here
Some facilities charge an additional service fee. This fee will be in addition to your respite fee. In South Australia, additional service fees range from approximately $6.00 - $49.00 per day.
What Should I take into Respite?
Take in seasonal clothing. However, irrespective of the season, most older adults feel colder than expected (even in summer). So, irrespective of the weather I recommended a couple of warm cardigans or jumpers are packed.
Laundry
All items of clothing must be clearly labelled. Speak to the aged care facility, they may offer a label service otherwise a laundry marker will suffice.
Most respite residents send their clothing home to be laundered. However, if the facility is taking care of laundering, please make sure you pack easy wash and wear clothing and nothing delicate. As per infection control guidelines, washing machines in residential care are set at much higher temperatures than domestic machines.
Consider packing the following:
- 10 pairs of underwear
- five pyjamas or nightdresses
- dressing gown
- mixture of day wear for at least five days at a time
- socks/pantihose
- a pair of well-fitting non-slip footwear
- two warm cardigans or jumpers.
In Conclusion
I wish you well in your aged care journey. If you need help finding the right care for you or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to call or email.
Regards, Wendy