Carers may need respite for a variety of reasons, including:

• Feeling exhausted, stressed or unwell

• Needing to take a short break

• Needing to attend a special event or appointment and the Carer can’t leave the person they care for alone.

The Carer Support & Respite Centre can organise respite for Carers through approved Service Providers.

Respite can include:

• Respite in the home, including companionship, supervision, personal care, nursing care and domestic assistance.  Care workers are engaged through approved service provider agencies.  Care workers have undergone Police checks and have completed appropriate training.  Through their employing agencies they carry appropriate insurance.

• Respite out of the home, including outings and community settings

• Respite in Aged Care facilities, overnight respite cottages and other suitable accommodation

• Respite may be provided over a limited period of time or on a “once-off” basis to meet the Carer’s immediate needs.

• Respite may also be provided for a time limited period when a person is on a waiting list for ongoing services.

Most of these services are funded by the Carer Support & Respite Centre at no cost, or at limited cost to Carers.

Where a Carer’s needs are ongoing, Information and Respite Coordinators will work with the Carer to refer to appropriate ongoing services.