Respite care

Family caregivers break down quietly and then all at once. Respite care exists to stop that — planned, regular relief so the person doing the caring can sleep, work, see a doctor or leave town.

You do not have to be at the end of your rope to use it. The families who do best are the ones who build respite in early, before exhaustion turns into resentment or illness.

What is included

• Hourly relief, weekly or as needed
• Full days and overnight coverage
• Several days for travel or a hospital stay
• Personal care while you are away
• Meals, medication reminders and supervision
• A written handover so nothing is missed
• The same caregiver wherever possible

Consider respite if you

• Have not had a full night of sleep in months
• Are missing your own medical appointments
• Cannot leave the house without arranging cover
• Feel angry or numb more often than not
• Have a trip, surgery or work commitment coming

Most long-term care policies cover respite, and VA programmes often do too. If you are not sure, send a referral and we will check what applies.