Peaks bodies call for urgent review to respite care

Dementia Australia and Carers Australia have joined together to call for a nationally independent review of respite care services, warning that carers are increasingly unable to access the support they need to sustain caring relationships and keep people living at home.

In a joint position statement they argue that Australia lacks a contemporary, nationally consistent understanding of respite demand, usage and unmet need, despite respite being recognised as a critical support for carers and the people they care for.

The call follows findings from the 2025 Carer Wellbeing Survey, which found 59 per cent of carers reported difficulty finding high-quality respite, 58 per cent reported a lack of services in their local area, 56 per cent struggled with affordability, and 54 per cent experienced long wait times.

Dementia Australia chief Professor Tanya Buchanan said respite was essential for carers and people living with dementia.

“An estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, many of whom are cared for at home by unpaid carers who repeatedly tell us they cannot access affordable, high-quality respite when they need it the most,” she said.

“Respite is not a luxury. It is a critical support that helps carers manage the physical and emotional impacts of caring, and, especially for younger carers, the financial impact.”

According to the joint statement, respite helps carers manage stress, reduce burnout, maintain workforce participation and remain connected to their communities. It can also help people receiving care remain safely at home longer, reducing the likelihood of crisis events, hospitalisations and premature entry into residential aged care.

The groups argue that many of the concerns identified by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety remain unresolved. They point to evidence from the Inspector-General of Aged Care showing emergency respite is still difficult to access, particularly for people living with dementia and complex needs.

Dementia carers face particular challenges

The position statement highlights that carers of people living with dementia are among the most likely to use respite care, yet often experience some of the greatest barriers to accessing it.

Consultations conducted by Dementia Australia in 2025 and 2026 found carers reporting insufficient availability of in-home, centre-based and overnight respite services, particularly in rural and remote communities. Access challenges were also reported by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and culturally and linguistically diverse communities seeking culturally appropriate services.

Carers Australia chief executive Joanna Cave said a review was needed to guide future policy and investment.

“We know respite is a circuit breaker for unpaid carers, it is an essential service. An independent review of respite care is essential to provide evidence needed to inform and improve respite policy and programs, and better support carers and those they care for,” she said.

The two organisations are recommending the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing commission a review examining existing respite services, unmet demand, accessibility barriers, workforce issues and future service design. They say the findings should inform aged care and disability reforms, workforce planning and future investment decisions.