Respite — and actually taking it

A trained worker comes to the home and stays with the person you care for, so you can sleep, leave the house, see a friend, or just sit somewhere quiet. Often a few hours at a time, sometimes overnight.

The person you care for goes to a day centre — often in a community hall, club or aged care facility — for activities, meals and company. You get a full day back.

A short stay (usually up to 63 days a year, sometimes more) in an aged care facility. You can use it for a holiday, recovery from your own surgery, or simply to sleep through the night for a week. The person you care for is approved through the Single Assessment System, what used to be ACAT — arrange it through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

If something happens to you — sudden illness, hospitalisation, a family emergency — Carer Gateway can arrange emergency respite 24/7. You are allowed to use this. It exists for exactly these moments.

Many carers feel guilty the first time they take respite — like they're abandoning the person, or like asking for help means they're not enough. None of that is true. Many carers find that using respite helps them last longer, stay kinder, and care better. The person you love can benefit when you rest.