A short stay, a real rest

Caring for an ageing family member is a deeply rewarding journey, but it is also one that requires immense time, energy and dedication. To be the best carer you can be, taking time for yourself to rest, manage personal commitments, or simply recharge is essential.

At The Willows, our respite care services provide a warm, safe place to stay for a short while, with the same round-the-clock nursing and home-cooked meals as our permanent residents, so you can rest, travel, recover, or simply catch your breath. Whether you need support for a few weeks, a month, or during an unexpected emergency, we treat every respite resident as a cherished member of our community.

When respite helps

• A planned break for a family carer
• Recovery and extra support after a hospital stay or a fall
• A gentle trial of life at The Willows before deciding on a permanent place
• Cover when a regular carer is away or unwell

What our respite care includes

We provide a smooth transition into our home, ensuring that your loved one's daily routines, clinical needs and personal preferences are fully maintained. Our comprehensive respite services include:

• 24/7 professional clinical care. Around-the-clock support managed by registered nurses and dedicated care staff, to assist with medication management, personal grooming, mobility and complex clinical needs.
• Tailored care plans. Before arrival, we work closely with you, your loved one, and their doctors to create a personalised care plan that mirrors their current routines and health requirements.
• Fresh, nutritious dining. Enjoyment of delicious, chef-prepared meals cooked fresh daily on site, catering to all dietary requirements and nutritional needs.
• Engaging lifestyle programs. Full access to our daily social activities, dynamic lifestyle programs and beautiful communal areas, allowing respite residents to socialise and try new experiences at their own pace.

Why choose The Willows for respite care?

A warm, family-centric home. Our small home lets us build genuine, trusting relationships with our residents and their families. We understand that entering a new environment can be a big transition, and our staff go above and beyond to make your loved one feel safe, valued and completely at home.

Continuity of care. We maintain strict clinical governance and work hand in hand with trusted local pharmaceutical and allied health providers, so care stays consistent and reassuring.

A pathway to permanent care. Respite care is often a wonderful, low-pressure way to experience community living. Should your family's needs change in the future, a respite stay allows for a familiar and gentle transition into permanent residential care.

How to get started

Respite care is highly accessible, but it does require an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine eligibility for government-subsidised care days. Our experienced management team is always here to guide you through the paperwork, explain the funding process, and help arrange a tour of our home. Government-subsidised respite is generally available for up to sixty-three days a year.

Settling in for a short stay

Even for a few days, we want your loved one to feel at home. There are admission and pre-admission forms to complete before a respite stay, which we can send through or hand to you on a visit. Call us and we will talk you through what is involved.