It is important carers look after themselves.
What is Respite?
In this news article we will be looking at the different types of respite support services available.
It is important carers look after themselves. Respite is when someone else takes care of the person the carer is caring for, allowing the carer to take a break.
There are many types of respite supports that carers can access which allow carers to choose support that suits them and the person they are caring for.
Respite support can be provided by family or friends or available via a Service Provider either for fee for service or through My Aged Care. It can take place at home, in the community, at a centre or in a residential care facility.
Centre-based respite
Centre based day respite provides structured group activities in a community setting or small group day outings.
Cottage respite
Cottage respite (day and night) provides care delivered in a cottage-style respite facility or community setting other than in the home of the carer, care recipient or host family.
Flexible Respite
Flexible respite aims to provide flexible care to support carers during the day or overnight in the home of the carer, care recipient or host family or a mobile setting.
Residential Respite
Residential respite takes place in a residential facility. It is best suited to people who need carer support for most tasks and can be for a few days through to a few weeks at a time.
Tailored support packages
The Carers Gateway can provide tailored support packages for planned respite, these are designed to provide the carer with services and support specific to their needs to help them in their caring role.
Emergency Respite
If a carer becomes sick or injured and can’t continue in their caring role emergency respite is often required.
Residential facilities can provide emergency residential care and The Carer Gateway can organise for emergency respite services to take over the caring role while you recover. Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 at any time.
It is a good idea to make an emergency care plan, in case someone else needs to take over for you in an emergency, see our previous article on emergency planning
Respite support services through My Aged Care
Respite support services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Program requires a Home Support assessment conducted by a Regional Assessment service.
Respite support services provided under a Home Care Package is discussed and delivered by the clients Service Provider.
Residential respite is available for up to 63 days of subsidised care in a financial year. This includes both planned and emergency residential respite care. A comprehensive assessment is required obtain approval and a respite classification.
In the case of emergency respite the Call Centre (phone 1800 200 422) can issued approval for residential emergency respite for 7 days allowing time for a comprehensive assessment to be completed.
In our next issue we will be discussing carer allowances and carer payments.
