Felicity's story
'Self preservation is essential. You have to step back sometimes, even if it’s just for a small amount of time.'
Content tagged with 'Caring for me'
Rachel's story
‘I have found caring can be done long-term, it can be done well. But it is done best when it’s shared.’
Lac's story
‘I’m an occupational therapist because of my experience as a carer.’
How to get respite
You may need to talk with different organisations to find out the respite care that is available in your area and whether it will suit you. Remember – help is always available in an emergency.
Understanding respite costs
We can’t say exactly what you might pay for respite, because it depends on who provides the care, the length of time involved, and the sort of care.
Why plan a break
Caring for someone can be physically and emotionally tiring. It’s OK to want some time for yourself, and taking a break allows you to reduce your stress and recharge.
What is respite
‘Respite’ or ‘respite care’ is when someone else takes care of the person you care for, so that you can have a break. A break can give you time to do everyday activities, deal with stress and look after yourself. When you are a carer, it’s important to regularly take time for yourself to rest and recharge.
Planning for the end of life
Many people find themselves caring for someone who is nearing the end of their life. This can be an emotional and stressful time, but there is a lot of support available to help you.
Planning for the future
If you care for someone with an illness or disability, things are likely to change over time. The person might need more care in the future, or you might not be able to continue caring for them.
Studying while caring
Many students also care for someone and this can be hard. The time and energy that caring takes can interfere with your study. This is true for all students, whether you are a young high school student, an older university student or a returning continuing education student.