Home Care
If you need help at home, we'll make sure it doesn't feel like help.
Support for carers
Respite care provides short-term support for older people, giving carers the opportunity to take a break from their caring responsibilities while ensuring their loved one continues to receive safe, quality care.
Calvary recognises the important role carers play in our community and understands the need for regular breaks to rest, recharge and focus on their own wellbeing.
Our respite care services provide flexible support options that allow carers to manage work and family commitments, enjoy personal time or take an extended break with confidence.
At the same time, the person receiving care can participate in meaningful activities, meet new people and enjoy social connection in a safe, welcoming and trusted environment. Whether for a few hours, a day, overnight or longer, respite care offers valuable support for both carers and those they care for.
Why families choose Calvary
Flexible support
Day, overnight and in-home respite tailored to your needs
Social connection
Meaningful activities, friendships and community engagement
Carer wellbeing
Time to rest, recharge and attend to other commitments
Trusted care
Compassionate support from experienced care professionals
Types of respite care
Calvary offers a range of respite care options to support carers and the people they care for. The table below outlines the three types of respite care available and how each option can help meet different needs, preferences and levels of support.
Centre-based respite and short-term overnight cottage respite | In-home respite | Residential aged care respite | |
What does this service involve? | Structured daytime activities in a welcoming group setting, with the option of short-term overnight stays in a home-like environment. | A support worker provides care and companionship in the person's home while the carer takes a break. | Short-term care in a residential aged care home, with 24/7 support available. |
Where is care provided? | At a Calvary respite cottage. | In the home of the person receiving care. | In a Calvary Residential Aged Care home. |
How long can support be provided for? | Day respite is typically provided during business hours. Overnight stays can range from 1–5 days or longer, depending on individual needs. | Flexible support ranging from a few hours to day, evening or overnight care. | Usually provided for several days or weeks, depending on care needs and availability. |
Why might this option be right for you? | Encourages social connection, meaningful activities and new friendships in a supportive environment. | Allows the person receiving care to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving personalised support. | Ideal for people with higher or more complex care needs who may benefit from around-the-clock support. |
Where can respite be provided?
We offer flexible respite care options to suit different needs, preferences and levels of support. Whether you're looking for help at home, a day respite program or short-term overnight care, our team can help you find the right solution.
Receive support in the comfort of your own home while taking a break from caring responsibilities. Services can be arranged on a regular basis, for planned events or when unexpected situations arise.
- Day support
- Overnight sleepovers
- 24-hour care
- Flexible scheduling
Contact us on 1800 52 72 72 to learn more.
Our respite cottages and centres provide a welcoming environment where participants can enjoy activities, social connection and personalised support.
Locations include:
Chiara Respite Cottage | 3 Gosforth Grove, Lakelands NSW 2282
- Day respite and overnight respite care in Lakelands, supporting older people and carers in the Lake Macquarie region.
Star of the Sea Respite Cottage | 2 Cedar Grove, Forster NSW 2428
- Day respite and overnight respite services in Forster, providing personalised support, social connection and carer respite.
Mary Potter House | 91-111 Rocky Point Road, Kogarah NSW 2217
- Specialised day respite in Kogarah, including support for people living with moderate to advanced dementia and complex care needs.
Port Augusta Respite Cottage | 18 Frome Street, Port Augusta SA 5700
- Day respite, overnight respite and social support programs for older people and carers across the Port Augusta and Flinders Far North region.
Short-term stays are available in selected Calvary Residential Aged Care homes, providing 24/7 support for people who may require a higher level of care.
- Short-term accommodation
- Planned or emergency respite
- Support for more complex care needs
- Available at selected homes
Our respite cottages
Chiara Respite Cottage
Set in the peaceful surrounds of Lakelands, New South Wales, we offer a welcoming haven providing both day and overnight respite accommodation.
Star of the Sea Respite Cottage
Nestled in the tranquil coastal town of Forster, New South Wales, we provide a calm and restorative setting offering both day and overnight respite accommodation.
Mary Potter House
Located within the grounds of Calvary Health Care Kogarah in New South Wales, Star of the Sea Respite Cottage offers a supportive and inclusive environment for day respite care.
Port Augusta Respite Cottage
Situated in the heart of Port Augusta in South Australia’s Flinders Far North region, we offer a warm, safe, and inclusive environment with both a supportive day programme and short‑term overnight respite accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Respite care provides short-term support for older people while giving carers a planned break from their caring responsibilities. It can be provided in a respite cottage, day centre, residential aged care home, or in the person's own home.
Respite care is available to older Australians who require support and their carers. Eligibility may vary depending on the service type and funding arrangements. Our team can help determine the most suitable option for your situation.
You may be asked to contribute towards the cost of respite services. The amount will depend on the type of support you receive, your eligibility for government funding, and your individual circumstances.
Our team can explain any costs before services commence.
Getting started is easy. Simply contact our team on 1800 52 72 72 or make an enquiry and we'll guide you through the process, discuss your needs, explain funding options and help find the right respite service for you.
Requirements vary depending on the service and length of stay. During your assessment and intake process, we'll provide a checklist of any personal items, medications or documents you may need to bring.
Yes. Selected Calvary respite cottages offer overnight stays ranging from one night to several weeks, depending on availability and individual circumstances.
Yes. We encourage ongoing connection with family and friends. Visiting arrangements may vary by location and service type, so please speak with your local respite team for details.
Respite can be provided for a few hours, a full day, overnight, several days, or longer periods depending on your needs, funding arrangements and service availability.
Start your care journey today
Ready to make the next step?
If you or a family member needs support at home, our Home Care experts are ready to help.
Call our team on 1800 52 72 72 or make an enquiry to discuss a Calvary package that best meets your personal needs.