What is Respite Care?

What is Respite Care?

‘Respite’ or ‘respite care’ is when someone else takes care of the person you care for, so that you can have a break and look after yourself. 
Although Respite Care can seem to be all about the person being cared-for (your ageing parent, a relative who lives with you, or a loved one with a disability) – I believe Respite Care should be an important inclusion in every Care-Giver’s schedule – to replenish, rejuvenate and reconnect with you: You the Carer. 

Respite Care comes in many forms and can include a few hours break, right through to care given over some weeks, depending on your circumstances and needs
It may come from (other) family members, friends and neighbours willing to give you a hand; Or it may come from an Aged Care Facility; or an In-home Care provider.  The provider can arrange a support-worker to come to your house; your loved-one’s home to take over your caring duties for a period of time. Let’s be honest: everyone needs to take time to look after themselves and other family members. 
If you recently completed an ACAT assessment via MyAgedCare,  you may have received a letter with a ‘Code’ for Respite Care, while you wait for a Home Care Package to be assigned.

• This Code offers Respite Care in a Residential Aged Care Facility at $53.56 per day (which is 85% of the single age-pension)
  If your elder has been assessed by the ACAT Team, it is quite likely they will have received that code for Residential Respite Care.
• If not – it’s quite easy to request. You can access up to 63 days per financial year of subsidised residential respite care – which can even be extended a further 21 days, if applied-for…
• You will need to pay the ‘Basic Daily Fee’ which is calculated at 85% of the age-pension and currently equates to $53.56 per day.
• The residential facility will provide your loved one with their own room and bathroom, all meals, and access to a calendar of interesting activities. There may be an ‘extras’ fee for glasses of wine/beer with meals, newspapers or external excursions, etc.

Other community, peak body and privately-run organisations may also provide assistance. Some respite services are free, whilst others come at a cost.
It’s important to find out what works best for you

Make sure you book early, as places can fill up quickly, particularly across the Summer holiday and Easter periods. Respite care works best when it’s planned in advance and regularly, so you know exactly when you will next be able to take a break.

The person you care for may look forward to a break as much as you do, although respite can also mean a big change for them.
That’s why it’s important to explain the process to them, take time to find an arrangement that suits you both and plan ahead so everyone gets the best experience from the break.
Be aware that for most Homes, Respite care places are limited and fill quickly for peak holiday periods- like Christmas, Summer Holidays + Easter!

If you need immediate help to discuss options to assist you and your Family,  Contact Susan!

The very helpful Carers Gateway provides support and information for the approximate 900,000 unpaid Carers in NSW, and can often assist in sourcing Respite Care and a contribution towards the cost.
Read more here or call 1800 422 737 or Or you can call us directly at : 0415 735 587

Lastly, as you get organised for Respite Care, consider creating an Emergency Care Plan for anyone to take-over from you, if you’re the Carer.

If any of the above seems very confusing,  call Susan!