What is Respite?

Respite is when someone else provides care to the person you support so you can have a break.

There are many difference types of planned and emergency respite available, depending on your needs.

Helpful tip - The person you are supporting will require an assessment of their level of care to determine the appropriate residential facility for them. The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) provide assessments to aged people and younger people with disabilities.

What about respite for people with cultural needs and languages other than English?

There are a number of services available for people with specific cultural needs and languages other than English. Workers with the same culture and language are provided for home based respite where possible. Some day care and residential facilities cater to specific cultural groups or have workers with the same culture and language.

How do I organise respite?

The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre (Telephone: 1800 052 222*) provides information and support about respite in your area. They help organise respite services in the short term and can refer you to an appropriate service for long term respite.

The Carers Association in your state or territory on (Telephone: 1800 242 636*) can give you information and emotional support regarding respite. They can also refer you to workshops about respite or the National Counselling Service if you wish to discuss any concerns about respite.

*Free call except from mobile phones. Mobile calls at mobile rates.