Respite is planned support that gives a carer time to rest, work, recover or simply be off duty. It is not a failure of care. It is part of keeping a caring relationship sustainable.
The short version
- We provide respite in your home, not centre-based or holiday accommodation.
- The participant's routine stays as close to normal as possible.
- The same familiar carer is rostered wherever we can.
- Respite can be a few hours or a longer block, subject to your plan.
What respite is, and what it is not
Respite can look like a support worker coming for four hours on a Saturday, or staying through a longer stretch while the usual carer is away. The participant stays in their own home, with their own bed, food and routine.
We do not provide short-term accommodation, holiday care or centre-based programs. If that is what you need, we will tell you and point you towards a service that does.
Who it helps
Respite helps the carer first, and the participant second. A carer who has not slept, or who has been managing everything alone for months, cannot keep going indefinitely. A planned break is cheaper than a crisis.
It also helps the participant practise time with another trusted person, which can make future emergencies less frightening for everyone.
What a respite visit looks like
- A handover before the first visit: routine, food, medication, mobility, what calms the person and what does not.
- The same daily rhythm: meals, activities, rest and appointments.
- Medication support only where it is in the plan and the worker is trained for it.
- A note at the end of the visit, so the carer knows what happened.
- A phone call if something changes, not a surprise at the door.
How to arrange it
Start with your plan. Respite may sit under core supports, depending on what the plan says and how it was written. Ask your support coordinator or plan manager which line applies. We do not decide what your plan can fund.
Then call us with the dates, the routine and the person's needs. We will confirm what we can cover and suggest a short trial visit before a longer block.
For the carer
You are allowed to rest without justifying it. If you are not sure what you would do with the time, start with something small: sleep, a walk, a appointment you have been putting off. The break is yours.
Common questions
Is respite only for overnight care?
No. It can be a few hours during the day, an evening, or a longer block. The right length depends on the carer and the participant.
Will the same carer come each time?
Wherever we can. Familiarity makes respite easier for the participant and gives the carer confidence.
Do you provide respite outside the home?
No. We provide in-home respite. We do not provide holiday or centre-based accommodation.
What do you need from us before the first visit?
The routine, the medication plan, emergency contacts, mobility information and what helps the person settle. A short trial visit is a good idea.
Can we try a short visit first?
Yes. We recommend it. A two-hour visit tells you more than a long conversation.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.