Who pays for respite care?

You can pay privately for respite care. Alternatively, you may be able to access subsidised respite services via an assessment. The main types of subsidised packages to support carers in New Zealand are:

• Respite Care Subsidy. This payment is equivalent to the rate paid for residential care, the cost of which starts at around $200 per day. For details and more information click the link supplied.
• Carer Support Subsidy. This payment is at the lesser rate of $80 per day. For details and more information click the link supplied.
• A subsidised day programme may also be available. For details and more information click the link supplied.

Each of the subsidised services generally require some private ‘top up’ funding, which is a disincentive if you can’t afford it.

ACC also provide funding for people if they need caring due to an injury. If the person you are caring for has an injury and is covered by ACC, ACC may be able to make arrangements to help you take a break. This can include getting a carer to come into the person’ s home to care for them in your absence, or moving them into a residential care facility to receive respite care while you’re away.

For further information see the section: 'What is respite care or short stay care?'