Many older people have a family
member or friend who provides care to help them continue to live at
home. These carers sometimes need support so that they can continue
to provide this assistance.
Respite services provide an
opportunity for carers of older people to take a break and attend
to activities or responsibilities they may not have time to do
whilst caring such as shopping, banking, medical appointments,
socialising or even a visit to the hairdresser.
As a carer this means that you are
able to take a break for a few hours or a few days, or you may need
help for a short period of time. For example, if you are ill or
recovering from an illness or just need a holiday with your family.
Respite care is a chance for you and the person you care for to
take a break. This can be:
- In their home with care ranging from a few hours a week to
overnight care;
- In a Day Care Centre which provides full or half day care;
or
- In a residential aged care home for two or three weeks.
To access respite services, you
will require an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team. This
assessment will assist in identifying the care needs required and
where respite care is best provided.
Every Regis residence and community
care program across Australia provides respite services that may be
provided on a day, overnight, emergency and planned basis.