Respite Care​

Carers spend so much time focusing on the wellbeing of others that they often neglect their own needs and health care—and that’s when burnout can occur.

Carer stress also impacts the quality of care, meaning care recipients suffer, too. If you’re feeling drained, overwhelmed or ‘stuck’ in your caregiving role, respite services can help lift the burden and grant you the space necessary to address your needs.

Respite services are typically planned in advance, but sometimes that isn’t possible.

Emergency respite care is available on short notice for unexpected situations, such as when a primary carer falls ill or gets injured.

To arrange emergency respite care, visit the Carer Gateway website or call them at 1 800 422 737. Carer Gateway is a government hub for carers, and it provides access to support and assistance across Australia. When you call, a local service provider will lay out your options and schedule emergency respite care based on availability.

The Australian Government also recommends having an emergency care plan so you can hand off your care duties to someone else should the need arise. Your emergency care plan should cover all pertinent information, including the needs of the person you care for, details about medications, and emergency contacts.

Respite care can take place in the care recipient’s home, at a residential care facility (such as an aged care home) or at a designated community centre. It can be several hours a week, or it can be stretched out while primary carers go on holiday.

There are different types of respite services available and you can mix and match them to fit your needs.

• In-home Respite Care: A professional care provider (such as The CareSide) visits the care recipient’s home, enabling primary carers to step away for some time. This type of respite care allows care recipients to remain in the comfort of their own homes. It’s typically available during the day and overnight.
• Centre-Based Respite: Staffed by trained respite workers, centre-based respite options provide care recipients with opportunities to socialise and interact with others. At these day centres, recreational and group activities offer a pleasant change of pace for participants who might otherwise be cooped up at home. Respite programs like these are typically open during daytime hours, and some provide transport.
• Overnight or Extended Respite Services: In the event a primary carer has to step away for an extended period, respite workers can be brought in to stay at the care recipient’s home for multiple nights. Longer breaks for carers can also be bridged with cottage respite and residential respite care, during which care recipients stay in an aged care accommodation setting or aged care home. Contact The CareSide and ask about our live-in care and 24-hour care services.

Respite care can greatly benefit two parties: carers and care recipients.

It’s an unfortunate truth that many older people in Australia live in isolation, especially those who receive home care daily. Respite services alter that paradigm: they allow care recipients to socialise with new people and forge new connections. Care recipients need an occasional break from the norm, too. Respite care is an opportunity to shake things up and gain fresh perspectives.

The same can be said for carers, who can utilise respite care to focus on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. They can enjoy a holiday, rekindle a hobby, or even seek assistance  through support groups and professional counselling. When carers focus on their identity and health, they can continually show up as the best versions of themselves—and care recipients only stand to benefit from that.