Do you assist someone who is ageing with the activities of daily living?

Need a break? Carers ACT’s flexible respite service can help

Our flexible respite service is one of the many ways we can assist ACT resident carers to have a break.

It is specifically funded by the Australian Government Department of Health to provide for carers of people who are ageing ie 65 years or older (or 50 years or older if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander).

What Is Flexible Respite?

Every care situation is different. What works for one family may not work for another. Using a combination of respite options allows for more flexibility and personal preferences when taking some time out from the caring role.

Respite means different things to different people and it can occur in different places. It can vary from a couple of hours, to a few days or weeks.

The services we provide to enable you to take a break can include:

Short-term Support:

• In-home help provided by a support worker.
• Recreation-based activities.
• Assistance with special equipment.
• ‘Residential respite’ where the person you care for has a short stay at an aged-care home (see our residential respite information sheet).
• ‘Cottage respite,’ which offers an intimate home-like setting with tailored activities.
• Emergency respite in case of carer illness or unexpected event.

Longer-term Support:

• We will help you to plan regular, ongoing respite over the year.
• We will arrange the support you need when you need it – whether it’s weekdays, evenings or overnight stays.
• We will make sure you know how to connect with support networks in your area.