3 things to remember about navigating the system – where to go for what
Australian has a wide range of support for carers, including counselling, equipment, help at home or respite care.
Content tagged with 'Taking a break (respite)'
Felicity's story
'Self preservation is essential. You have to step back sometimes, even if it’s just for a small amount of time.'
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.’
How to get respite
You will probably need to talk with different organisations to see what they offer and whether they can help 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.
Getting respite to suit you
Getting respite care to suit you depends on:
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 emergencies
Emergencies can happen anytime. If you are a carer, planning for emergencies will help you to cope even when things go wrong.
Looking after yourself
As a carer, you’ll often put the needs of the person you care for before your own needs. It’s OK to look after yourself too.