Respite at home A well earned rest

Taking some time off from caring is crucial and known as ‘respite’. Respite can be provided in your own home, a community setting or an aged care home.

Respite care offers the opportunity for both you and your carer to take a break. This may be for a few hours, a day, a night or a few weeks.

Respite care is provided by residential aged care homes and by community care services under the Carer Gateway.

Accommodation and services include:

Day care centres that provide respite for a half or full day; In home respite services, including overnight, home and personal care services; Activity programs;

A break away from home with a support worker; Respite for carers of people with dementia and challenging behaviours;

Respite in an aged care home or overnight in a community setting; and

Respite for employed carers and for carers seeking to return to work.

Access to respite care is based on priority and need. For respite care in your home or in a day care centre, the respite service provider or the Carer Gateway will assess whether you and your carer are eligible.

The amount of care you receive will depend on your needs and the availability of respite care services.

Centre Based Respite Care

Centre Based Respite Care (CBRC) can provide respite services to carers, offering individualised social and recreational activities. Through CBRC, you can also attend day programs which may include excursions, outdoor/indoor activities, or holiday programs.

Trained respite workers often undertake client assessments. Need based programs are then developed with you and your carer to help enhance your quality of life.

Cost

There is no charge for assistance provided by Carer Gateway, however, individual service fees may apply.

Community based respite services charge fees according to the type of service being used and your ability to pay.

For more information contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. Your call will automatically be directed to your nearest State or Territory provider.

Read more about accessing respite in an aged care home on page 96.