Planned and emergency respite

‘Respite’ or ‘respite care’ is when someone else takes care of the person you care for, so that you can have a break. A break can give you time to do everyday activities or to relax, deal with stress and look after yourself.

When you are a carer, it’s important to regularly take time for yourself to rest and recharge.

You can call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 to find out about respite care options and local services available in your area. This includes services and support offered through Carer Gateway.

Planned respite

If you aren’t sick or injured but need a break from your caring role, planned respite is available.

As part of a tailored support package, you may be able to get free planned respite, where a service provider steps in to take care of your family member or friend while you take a break.

Respite care in an emergency

If you become sick or injured and can’t continue to care for your loved one, our Carer Gateway service providers can help to organise emergency respite services to take over care while you recover, if a suitable service is available in your local area.

If you need emergency respite care, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 at any time. You will speak to your local Carer Gateway service provider who will talk through the options and book emergency respite care, where available.

It’s a good idea to make an emergency care plan, in case someone else needs to take over for you in an emergency.