What Is Social Leave?

Social leave is when a person who lives in a residential aged care home takes a short break to go out and spend time with friends or family. It is a special type of time off where they leave the care home for social reasons, not for medical care or emergencies.

This break could be for:

A birthday celebration
A family visit or weekend stay
A holiday trip
A community event

Social leave gives people the chance to enjoy life outside the care home and stay connected with loved ones.

How Long Can Someone Take Social Leave?

In most cases, people in residential aged care are allowed up to 52 days of social leave each year. These days do not have to be used all at once—they can be taken a few days at a time, such as on weekends or holidays.

It is important for the care home and the resident (or their family) to keep track of how many days are used. If someone goes over the limit, they might have to pay extra costs.

Why Is Social Leave Important?

Social leave helps aged care residents:

Stay close to family and friends
Feel more independent and free
Enjoy special events outside the care home
Stay happy and emotionally health

Being around loved ones, even for a short time, can lift a person’s mood, reduce loneliness, and make life feel more normal.

What Happens While They Are Away?

While on social leave:

Their place at the care home is saved
The staff is told when the resident will return
Their medical needs may be handled by family or planned ahead

The care home usually helps with packing medicine and making sure everything is safe before the resident leaves.

What Should Families Know?

If you are taking a loved one on social leave, you should:

Tell the aged care home in advance
Plan for meals, medicine, and safety
Make sure the resident feels comfortable and supported

Keeping communication open with the care staff helps make sure the leave is smooth and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Social leave is more than just a break—it is a chance for joy, connection, and freedom. It allows aged care residents to stay part of family traditions and special moments. With careful planning, social leave can be a heartwarming experience for everyone involved.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What is social leave for aged care residents?

Social leave is a special type of short break when a person living in a residential aged care home leaves the facility to go out and spend time with friends or family for social reasons. It is not for medical care or emergencies.

What are common reasons for taking social leave?

The break can be taken for various social purposes, such as a birthday celebration, a family visit or weekend stay, a holiday trip, or attending a community event.

How many days of social leave are residents typically allowed each year?

Most people in residential aged care are allowed up to 52 days of social leave each year. These days can be used a few at a time, such as on weekends or holidays, but residents (or their families) must keep track to avoid potential extra costs for exceeding the limit.

Why is social leave considered important for aged care residents?

Social leave is important because it helps residents stay connected with family and friends, feel more independent and free, enjoy special events, and stay happy and emotionally healthy. It can lift their mood, reduce loneliness, and make life feel more normal.

What responsibilities do families have when taking a loved one on social leave?

Families should tell the aged care home in advance, plan for meals, medicine, and safety during the break, and make sure the resident feels comfortable and supported. Open communication with the care staff is essential for a smooth experience.

More Glossary items

War widow/widower pensions

War widow and widower pensions provide vital financial support to the surviving partners of veterans. These government payments are generally non-taxable and are treated differently in aged care assessments, often reducing or eliminating means-tested care fees for residential or home care services. Understanding how these pensions interact with aged care fees can help recipients plan their finances and maintain access to essential services.

Veteran and war widow/widower pensioners

This guide explains aged care support options for Australian veterans and war widows/widowers. It covers eligibility for government-funded aged care services, access to Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) support, and how pensions affect aged care fees. The article highlights the importance of recognising the unique needs of this group to ensure respectful and appropriate care.

System Governor

The System Governor plays a vital role in Australia’s aged care system, overseeing service quality, continuity, and fair access for older Australians. This post explains its responsibilities, including policy development, provider accountability, and initiatives like Star Ratings, ensuring that aged care services are reliable, safe, and equitable.

Substitute decision-making

Substitute decision-making is used when an older person can no longer make important decisions on their own. A substitute decision-maker steps in to make choices about medical treatment, personal care, and living arrangements. Their role is to follow the person’s known wishes or act in their best interests when those wishes are not clear. Families can plan ahead by legally appointing someone they trust, and any valid Advance Care Directive must be followed. Understanding how substitute decision-making works helps ensure the person’s rights, preferences, and wellbeing remain at the centre of care.

Supported decision-making

Supported decision making is a rights-based approach that helps you stay in control of your life as you receive aged care services. Instead of others making choices for you, this approach focuses on giving you the information, tools, and support you need to make your own decisions. This support can come from family members, friends, or independent advocates who help you understand options and express your preferences.

Statement of Rights

The Aged Care Statement of Rights outlines the protections every older person can expect when receiving funded aged care services in Australia. It affirms core rights such as independence, choice, equitable access, quality and safe care, privacy, and clear communication. The Statement also ensures that individuals can speak up, provide feedback, or make complaints without fear of unfair treatment. For providers, it establishes clear responsibilities to act in line with these rights and demonstrate genuine understanding in daily practice. This framework places the dignity, identity, and preferences of the older person at the centre of all care decisions.

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for your needs, preferences, and rights when receiving aged care. It helps maintain autonomy, ensure quality services, and improve communication with care providers. By asking questions, expressing preferences, raising concerns, and keeping simple records, individuals can take an active role in directing their care. When extra support is needed, family, friends, or independent advocates can help ensure the person’s voice remains central to all decisions.

Sanction or Sanctions in place

Sanctions in Australian Aged Care are serious regulatory actions taken when a provider fails to meet required quality and safety standards. This article explains what sanctions are, why they are imposed, and the steps that lead to them, including Notices to Remedy and decisions by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. It outlines common sanction conditions, their impact on providers, and what they mean for residents. The summary also answers key questions about sanction duration, consequences for ongoing non-compliance, how to find sanctioned facilities, and resident rights. The goal is to help readers clearly understand how sanctions protect the safety and wellbeing of older Australians.