What is respite, and how do you plan for it?
Respite gives carers a break and gives the person being cared for a change of scene. Here's how it works and how to make it go smoothly.
Respite is short-term support that lets a family member or unpaid carer take a break, while the person they care for continues to be looked after.
Types of respite
- In-home respite: a support worker comes to your home for a few hours, a day, or overnight.
- Community respite: the person you care for goes out with a support worker to an activity or outing.
- Short Term Accommodation: a stay away from home, usually for a few nights. This is a separate NDIS support.
Why it matters
Caring can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Regular breaks help carers stay well and keep going, and many people being cared for enjoy the new faces and activities.
Planning respite that works
- Start before you're exhausted. Planned, regular respite is easier on everyone than emergency respite.
- Write down the routine. Meals, medications, likes, dislikes and what helps on a hard day.
- Do a short first session. A couple of hours while you're nearby lets everyone get comfortable.
- Check the funding. For NDIS participants, in-home respite is often funded from Core Supports. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm.
If you're a carer looking for support for yourself, Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) offers free services across Australia.