Why Taking a Break is Important

Everyone needs a break. As a carer you need time to take care of your own life and wellbeing. Regular breaks ensure you have time to re-energise, enjoy activities you cannot do while caring and tend to other relationships in your life.

Regular breaks ensure you have the energy to provide ongoing care. They give the person you support a break, too.

If you have family and/or friends who assist with caring this may give you an opportunity to have a break from caring.

However, you may not have family or friends available to provide care or you may need longer or more regular breaks. In organised respite, a paid carer provides care in the home or paid professionals provide care in settings outside the home such as a residential facility. This enables you to have time away to tend to your own needs.

Why carers may not want to take a break?

Sometimes carers are reluctant to take a break. Carers may not take a break because:

• they feel guilty about taking time away from caring
• they are concerned that other people may not provide appropriate care
• the person being supported does not want to be cared for by others
• they do not know how to arrange a break
• they lack the time and energy to organise a break.

It can take time to feel comfortable with taking a break. You may want to talk about it with a friend or family member. It can also be useful to talk to someone who knows how respite works about any concerns you may have.

The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre can provide advice and support. They can also organise respite for you and refer you to a service that assists with respite long term. The Carers Association in your state or territory can also provide emotional support and advice and refer you to appropriate services.