About respite

Types of respite

Every care situation is different. What works for one carer and their family may not work for another. There are many different types of respite support available.

Some common types of respite are listed below. Contact your regional respite and carer support service to talk about the options available in your area:

• In home: a support worker looks after the person you care for in your home
• Facility or residential based: your family member stays for a short period in a care facility like an aged care home or supported accommodation
• Community based: the person you care for joins a day program at an adult day centre, neighbourhood house or community health centre
• Alternative family care: your family and friends may be able to help with your caring responsibilities while you take a break. In some areas there may be organisations who can also arrange for a trained volunteer carer or family to provide regular care, activities and friendship for the person you care for.
• Recreation based: you and your family member can join organised recreation, social or leisure activities either together or separately
• Equipment to support or ease your role
• Emergency respite:  available if you need to deal with sudden illness, accidents, family troubles or emergencies

Contact us to talk about these and other opportunities that suit you best.

Organising and paying for respite

Not all respite opportunities will be available in your area and some will involve a cost or contribution.

Your regional Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre can help you choose from the options available to you, planning flexible respite that best meets your needs, the needs of your family and of the person you care for.

Who helps you access respite?

Carers living in the South and East region of South Australia

• Murray Mallee
• Southern Fleurieu
• Kangaroo Island
• Adelaide Hills
• Riverland
• South East

receive respite and information about community supports from the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, South and East Country, which is a program of Carers SA.

Carers living in other parts of Australia can access similar services through the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre relevant to their location.

Carers anywhere in Australia may be connected by calling  1800 052 222. (free call from a land line, mobile call at mobile rates)

Indigenous carers and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Our staff are committed to providing culturally sensitive services to all carers, including Aboriginal and multicultrual carers.

We work with Aboriginal and ethnic services with your agreement to source appropriate workers to best meet your respite needs.