Making Respite a Positive Experience

You and the person you care for can take positive steps to make the most of respite.

It may take time for you and the person you support to feel comfortable with leaving them in someone else's care. You will have an understanding of the person's care needs that has developed over time. While respite cannot replace this understanding, it can be highly rewarding.

What concerns do you have about respite?

You may have a range of concerns about accessing respite. Some of the concerns carers have about accessing respite include:

• fear of disapproval by family members or friends
• conflict with a feeling of responsibility to provide care
• guilt about enjoying their time while the person is in respite
• fear the person will not receive good care
• feeling of failure that they can not do it all on their own
• fear of not being in charge of what happens to the person.

It is natural to have concerns, especially if it is the first time you have accessed respite. It can be difficult if you and/or the person you support speak English as a second language. It can also be difficult if the person you support has special communication needs, memory loss or other issues that can be more challenging to manage by someone who does not know them well. Find out what you can about respite. Carer Support Groups enable you to discuss your concerns and find out how respite has helped other carers. You can also talk to the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre or the Carers Association about your concerns.