How can we help?

Disability respite

The needs of people with a disability or chronic illness are very diverse and every care situation is different. We can help you to find local services and supports that are tailored to the individual needs of you and your family.

We understand the pressure on caring families and can help you to consider your situation and link you with local services including respite, to best meet your needs.

Who can we help?

You can access disability respite:

  • If you care for a family member or friend up to the age of 65 years who has a disability or chronic illness.
  • Carers calling from the south and east country region of South Australia will be linked with the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, South and East Country, which is a program of Carers SA.  Staff will assess your eligibility and provide information and respite.
  • Carers calling from outside the south and east country region of South Australia will be linked with the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre relevant to their location.

What kind of help?

  • We offer support and give you the chance to talk to somebody
  • We arrange respite and may be able to help with the costs
  • We offer expert and local advice
  • We provide information about appropriate respite vacancies in different care settings
  • We link you to other services that may be able to help
  • We put you in touch with carer support groups where you can meet other people in similar situations
  • We can provide support in times of crisis
  • We can help you plan your future

Caring when you are older

Many older carers have been supporting a son or daughter with a disability over many years, possibly without using formal respite services. They may be concerned about what will happen in the future.

We can offer emergency, short term and planned respite and support:

  • If you are over 65 (over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island carers)
  • If you care for a son or daughter who has a lifetime disability and requires substantial help from you
  • If you are concerned about how you continue caring and what will happen in the future
  • Carers calling from the south and east country region of South Australia will be linked with the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, South and East Country, which is a program of Carers SA.  Staff will assess your eligibility and provide information and respite.
  • Carers calling from outside the south and east country region of South Australia will be linked with the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre relevant to their location.

Call for help

Freecall 1800 052 222 anywhere in Australia (free call from landline phones, mobile calls at mobile rates). Staff can assess your eligibility and link you with services. You can also ask your GP, case manager, service provider, support worker or family member to make a referral with your consent.

News: