Respite care

Respite care can support you and your carer with a break for a short period of time. This gives carers the chance to get to everyday activities or go on a planned break. Formal respite care may be for a few hours, days or for longer periods. It can take place in the home, an overnight respite cottage, a day centre or an aged care home.

There are different types of respite care to suit your situation depending on your needs, eligibility and what services are available in the area:

1.     Emergency respite: When emergency respite care is needed, call your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. Emergency respite care can be community based or in an aged care home.

National: Carer Gateway

Local – Regional NSW: LiveBetter

Ph. 1800 422 737 www.carergateway.gov.au/

2.     Community based respite care: In-home respite usually involves a paid carer coming to your home. Centre-based day respite usually takes place at a day centre.

3.     Residential respite care (short stays in aged care homes): Access may be supported by My Aged Care or the National Disability Insurance Scheme, contact Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) to discuss all respite care options locally available in your area.

My Aged Care and RespiteCristy Houghton