Respite, a well-earned rest

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

For example, if you have a fall, don’t feel comfortable being alone in your home and need support and assistance nearby, going into respite is a good option until you feel safe and strong enough to come home.

Respite options

Accommodation and services offered through Government funded programs in the community and residential respite include:

◆ Day care centres for half or full day respite

◆ In home respite services for overnight, home and personal care services

◆ Activity programs and social outings in groups or one-on-one

◆ 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

For carers, respite can simply be a break away from the caring role that offers an opportunity for both you as the carer and the loved one that you care for, to take time to refresh or tackle the other tasks in life.

With services in the home, in the community or in a residential care setting, there are a number of readily accessible respite options for you to explore. It is an excellent chance to take some time out and provides opportunities to meet new people and experience new things.

Ranging from a few hours, a full day, overnight, or even a few weeks, respite can be provided in an informal setting by family and friends, or formally through service providers either in an aged care home or in your own home and community.

Centre Based Respite Care (CBRC) is another form of respite offering individualised social and recreational activities to individuals and their carers. Day programs in the form of excursions, outdoor or indoor activities, or holiday programs are also available through CBRC.

To access services in a CBRC, a client assessment will be made by trained respite workers who will develop individualised needs based programs with you as a way of enhancing your quality of life.

All of the centres are staffed by qualified coordinators and experienced CBRC community workers.

If you’d prefer to stay in your home while your carer takes a break, a support worker can come to your home instead and provide in home support.

Accessing respite

All respite services can be accessed on a planned basis, with some services also available on an emergency basis.

If you need respite care, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or visit CarerGateway.gov.au to get help accessing those services. They can also help you access emergency respite options.

As with most aged care services, the amount of care you receive will depend on the level of your needs and the availability of respite care services.

A break for carers

Statistics show that the wellbeing of carers is significantly lower than that of those not caring.

So many carer support groups and the Government highlight the need for carers to remember to take the time to look after themselves.

It is important to plan time away from your role as a carer. If you wish to take this break or go away on holiday, where you cannot provide support to the person you care for, you can use respite services.

Paying for respite

In show of their support for unpaid carers just like you, who have a national estimated value of $60.3 billion each year, the Australian Government subsidises a range of aged care services including respite.

Short-term and emergency respite, accessed through Carer Gateway, is funded by the Government, although there are also private providers that offer respite as part of their services.

When you access respite services through Government funded programs you’re generally asked to still contribute to some of the costs.

Accessing respite in your area

If you’re choosing to pay for respite services yourself you don’t need a Government assessment and can contact your preferred provider to access services.

Community based respite services also charge fees according to the type of service being used and your ability to pay. What you pay as part of this contribution will be discussed and agreed upon between you and the organisation you are working with to deliver your respite services, with a set rate established prior to services starting.

If you are looking to access residential respite care within an aged care home, this option does come with a payable fee. The basic daily fee, and perhaps booking fee, will need to be covered by you, but will not require any accommodation charge, or any additional incometested fees.

It is important to remember that the cost of respite care will always depend on the care provider, the length of time involved and the type of care you are seeking.

Accessing respite services with Government support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Package (HCP) program will require you (and your carer) to undergo an assessment, often conducted by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) or Aged Care Assessment Team/ Service (ACAT/S).

This assessment will help to work out if you are eligible for respite services. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange a free assessment.

You can contact Carer Gateway on CarerGateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737 for advice on the types of respite and support available in your area.

They may be able to help you find respite care near you that best meets the needs of you and the person you care for.

The Carer Gateway can also connect you to support groups in your area which may help you as a carer to look after your own wellbeing by connecting with others in a similar situation.

Do you need a hand to assist you in continuing to care for your loved one?

We can help you!

Giving the gift of caring

Would you like to be a Volunteer in this amazing program?

We can help you to help others!

Northern Respite Care Services is a low cost, low level, interim service provider, currently offering four programs for consumers living in the northern suburbs of Adelaide (Playford, Salisbury and Tea Tree Plaza Council Areas)

Craft Group

When: Wednesday

Where: Playford Baptist Church Hall

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Friendly Home Visiting

When: As booked

Where: At home & in the local community

Duration: approx. 3 hours

Men's Outing Group

When: Wednesday

Where: door to door service – pick-up and drop-off

Duration: approx. 5 hours

Ladies' Outing Group

When: Thursday

Where: door to door service – pick-up and drop-off

Duration: approx. 5 hours www.northernhealthcarevolunteerassociation.com

Northern Respite Care is a low-cost provider, currently a $5 service fee per session applies to all services. We have vacancies available now, in particular for the outing groups and craft group, ready to support you and your loved one.

For more information about our services or volunteering opportunities call 0411 117 323.

Trained Volunteers with DCSI and National Police Checks.