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.