Facility Based Respite
Facility-based respite in Auckland (and across New Zealand) is a specific type of short-term care provided in a residential facility, rather than in your home.
- It’s temporary care in a facility (like a disability service house, rest home or specialised respite centre).
- The person being cared for stays there for a short period—this could be a few days, a weekend, or sometimes longer.
- The goal of a respite facility is to give the usual carer a break while making sure the person still receives proper support and care.
Facility-based respite usually involves 24-hour care and supervision including meals, medication and daily support.
It’s commonly used for:
- People with disabilities or high care needs
- Individuals recovering from illness or stress
- Families or carers who need time off to avoid burnout
- Disabled older people
Facility based respite is a contracted service option that can be accessed through a needs assessment with Kaikaranga. Respite services may specialise in providing care for specific age ranges, e.g. children, youth or adults and various disabilities, e.g. Intellectual disability or physical disability. In Auckland, the Orakau House (0-6 years) and Wilson Home (up to 18-21 years) provide care for those with medical needs alongside a physical disability.
Other alternatives to facility-based respite are available using Individualised Funding or Carer Support.
