No room at the inn: The Christmas aged care shortage stressing families

Opinion

November 10, 2026 — 1:36pm

Christmas is supposed to be a time for family, celebration and a well-earned break. But for families relying on aged care, finding respite over the festive season is becoming a source of stress.

Carers trying to organise a break are being told there is no availability, leaving them unable to book flights or accommodation or needing to cancel their plans.

Respite is one of the most valuable aged care services. It provides an older person with a short-term stay in an aged care home while their carer takes a break. That could be to: have a holiday, attend a wedding, recover from surgery or simply take a few days to catch their breath.

Respite can be very affordable as there are no accommodation costs or means tested fees. If approved you can access up to 63 days a year at a cost of just $68 a day, plus extras such as wine, haircuts and Foxtel. Sadly, many families are discovering that approval does not guarantee care.

If you find there’s “no room at the inn”, here are three alternatives worth considering.

Day respite can provide a few hours or a full day of care at a community centre or aged care home. Private day respite can cost between $100 and $200 a day.

Respite is a fantastic service if you can get it. If you can’t, know that there are other options available.

Support at Home participants can use their funding, with independence services attracting a contribution of between 5 and 50 per cent, depending on your means. Day respite through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), can cost as little as $5 a day.

If you need both accommodation and care, a retirement village serviced apartment could be an option. Sometimes described as “private aged care”, communities such as LDK, Odyssey and Videri offer apartments with meals, cleaning, linen and personal care as well as the use of the community facilities.

Prices range from $400 to $750 a night. Support at Home funding may help pay for eligible services, but it won’t cover the full cost, and contributions apply depending on the services you receive and your means.

Another option is to arrange for a paid carer in your home, either for a few hours a day, overnight or around the clock. Private in-home respite can cost between $55 and $155 an hour during business hours. Shorter visits may be manageable, but 24-hour care can easily exceed $1000 a day.

Support at Home funding can be used for eligible services, with contributions applying to services that are not clinical or personal care. CHSP in-home respite can cost as little as $9 an hour, but there are limits.

Respite is a fantastic service if you can get it. If you can’t, know that there are other options available. Carer Gateway and private organisations such as Aged Care Decisions can help you understand your options and what they cost.

Respite is not a luxury; it is what makes caring sustainable. This Christmas, if the traditional option isn’t available, explore the alternatives before reaching breaking point.

Rachel Lane is the author of Downsizing Made Simple, a book and website aimed at demystifying downsizing.

• Advice given in this article is general in nature and not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.

Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter.

Rachel Lane is author of the bestselling book Aged Care, Who Cares? and Downsizing Made Simple with fellow finance expert Noel Whittaker.

From our partners