Carers need a break
Carers provide countless hours of care and support for our ageing population. Sometimes they need a break. This can be organised through respite care.
Respite options
There are different types of respite which are outlined below:
1. In Home Respite, this is when a carer comes into your home so the carer can get a break for a few hours or the carer can take the person requiring respite out for a while. This type of care can be delivered during the day or overnight.
2. Centre Day Based Respite. This respite takes place at a day centre or club. It offers activities and outings and usually runs between 10 am – 3 pm. Some of these centres offer a pickup and drop off service as well.
3. Residential Respite Care. This is for individuals who need help every day and therefore enter into an aged care residential facility or a supported residential service for a short stay. This can be planned for a rest break or the carer may be going on a holiday.
Residential Respite Care can be paid for privately (cost varies from facility to facility) or through subsidised services. It can cost as little as about $50 per day. In order to have access to a subsidised bed care recipient must have an ACAS assessment approving respite. ACAS is a free service and an assessment can be organised by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Residential Respite Care that is accessed through an ACAS entitles individuals to up to 63 days respite per financial year, most aged care residential facilities require respite to be taken in 2-week blocks.
Not all aged care facilities have respite beds available to be booked in advance so plan ahead and make a booking.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is a Commonwealth Government funded service which provides help and assistance for carers. You can talk to them about what services are available in your area and they can assist with finding respite care in an emergency. You can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or more information is available here.
If you need help organising a break, call us on 1800 500 780 and we can help.
Until next time
Margaret Harrison