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.