Respite and emergency respite
When something unexpected stops you from carrying out caring duties, we can help.
What is it?
Respite is a short period of rest or break. It allows carers to take a break to focus on their own wellbeing. Respite can be for a few hours, days or for longer periods, depending on the carers needs, eligibility and what services are available.
Respite may be planned or an urgent need. Find out how we can help with emergency respite under 'More information'.
Who can use this service?
All carers can access Carer Gateway services.
You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.
You don't need to be a new carer to use Carer Gateway services – any carer can use the services at any time in their caring journey.
Location
Respite care can be provided at home or in the community.
In Victoria, Carer Gateway services are provided at many sites and locations including metropolitan and regional areas. To find out more, get in touch with our team.
Get in touch
Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time or request a call back here.
If you want to arrange emergency respite care
Carer Gateway can help you to arrange respite in an emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. They can also talk to you about local respite and activities that may be available for you or the person you care for.
More information
Who are carers?
You are a carer if you are looking after someone with disability, a medical condition, mental illness or who is frail due to age.
What is emergency respite?
Your local Carer Gateway service provider can organise emergency respite care for the person you support, or for you, when an unexpected situation occurs.
Call Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 if you need to arrange respite care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
They will organise for alternative support for the person you care for. This may take the form of a short stay in adult day care or residential care, or providing support in your home. The Carer Response Officer you talk to will know what support and services are available in your area.
What other Carer Gateway services are available?
- Counselling – if you are feeling stressed, anxious, sad or frustrated, a counsellor can talk with you either in person or over the phone in the comfort of your own home.
- Connect with other carers – you might like to meet with people like you who care for someone and share stories, knowledge and experience. You can do this with people in your area or you can join the carer forum online.
- Self-guided coaching – you can work through interactive online coaching sessions at your own pace. You can find a range of topics to help you in your caring role.
- Skills courses – you can use these short online courses to help you to learn new skills in caring for someone and yourself.
- Practical help and advice or information about financial support on the Carer Gateway website.
You don't have to know exactly what to ask for – you can just talk through any problems you are having, and Carer Gateway staff will try to match you with services that can help.
Who will deliver these services?
In Victoria, Carer Gateway services are provided by a group of seven health and social support providers. Led by Merri Health, the group includes Alfred Health, Grampians Health, Barwon Health, Bendigo Health Care Group, FamilyCare, Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd.
Collectively, we have more than 100 years of experience supporting carers in Victoria. The Carer Response Officer you talk to knows what support and services are available in the area.
I already receive carer support through another provider. What happens now?
If you are currently receiving carer support from another provider, you will transition to Carer Gateway. Your current service provider will support you in this transition.
You can also ask about other services you might need by calling Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Where can I find out more?
Everything you need to know about carer support is available by visiting the Carer Gateway website or calling 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time. You can also request a call back here.
Respite is funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
