Respite

Family carers often need support to keep going. Respite is one type of support available. It means having a break for a few hours or a few days, or having some help for a short period. Respite is only one aspect of support available for family carers.

Respite is a chance for everyone to have a break, including sometimes the person who is ill. There are a range of family carer support services available, such as in-home care. The need for respite and support will depend on a number of factors including the length of time that someone is ill. It is important to ask for help. Older family carers especially will find that there are limits to their physical endurance.

Resources

The Australian Government has a National Respite for Carers Program. Information about local respite services can be obtained by phoning Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on free call 1800 052 222 during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, free call 1800 059 059.
Carers Victoria has produced a leaflet on How and why to get the family to help with caring.
The Department for Health and Ageing provides comprehensive information on various programs and supports for carers in their webpage Caring for someone.
Carers Australia provides information on taking a break.

This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011