Can I book respite care without advanced notice?

Some care/rest homes in New Zealand may take a respite booking at short notice. They often indicate that they offer this service in their Eldernet listing.

Whether or not they can take a short-term respite booking when you need it depends on:

• the availability of beds (the majority of homes don’t have dedicated respite beds); and
• if the facility has the required number of trained staff on to cater to the needs of the person. 

While carers should plan to take regular breaks, unplanned events or emergencies can happen. 

Use Eldernet to help you. This shows current care home vacancies and will give you a few options if you want to use respite at short notice.

• Select your region at the top left - this is important 
• Select the required level of care
• See the column 'Short stay considered' 

You can then contact them and ask if the vacancy is available for a short stay. 

It can be helpful to visit potential respite care providers in advance to see which one feels most suitable for your needs. Consider making a list of rest homes in your area that offer respite care, so you have options ready when the time comes.

Some may offer to take a future booking enabling you to take a break in a more managed fashion.