Knowing it’s possible to take a break from caring responsibilities can be helpful for you and for those who care for you. Respite care provides short-term care for older people living at home. It can range from a few hours to a couple of weeks depending on your personal needs and preferences. At Anglicare our focus is on helping to maintain the routines you enjoy in a safe and caring environment when you need it most.
Anglicare offers two types of respite care services: In-home respite or Residential respite care.
Depending on your circumstances, there are a few types of respite services.
A care worker comes to your home or may take you on an outing for a few hours so your carer can have a break or go out.
Anglicare has a number of day centres as well as social groups that meet in some local Anglican churches. Our day centres provide a place where you can socialise and join in a range of activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor games, outings to interesting locations and events, bingo, board games and film screenings. Whatever your interests and abilities (including those with memory loss and living with dementia), we will cater to you. Transport can be arranged and meals are provided.
Eleebana Cottage, located in the lower Blue Mountains, offers carers a weekend break from their caring role. The cottage is a cosy home–away-from-home where guests are cared for by staff experienced in ageing and dementia care.
If you like getting out and about, making new friends, sharing good times, good food, activities, games, bus trips, events, exercise classes and fun, our social groups could be for you. Our group sizes range from small interest groups of around eight people to large events with up to 50 people attending.
Learn more about our Day Centres
Residential respite care is available for a few days through to a few weeks at a time. If you require help every day and your carer would like to go on holidays or to an event or appointment, respite can be booked in advance for everyone’s peace of mind. Emergency respite is also an option if your carer becomes unwell or is unable to provide care for other reasons. This type of respite involves a short-term stay in a residential care home after which you return home. If you decide that residential care suits your needs, you can transition from respite care to a permanent place within the home, depending on availability.
When you come to one of our residential care homes for respite, you will receive the same care and services as our permanent residents. You will be able to join in on resident social activities, have meals and laundry provided, and have your individual care needs met through our services.
Under government guidelines you are entitles to up to 63 days of respite care per financial year. Extensions may be granted in some circumstances.
An assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is requires to access respite care in our homes.
Learn more about residential respite care
If you’re the primary carer for someone aged 65 years or more (or 50 years or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders), or if you look after someone with dementia, you can qualify for respite services.
Government-subsidised respite care is available for day and overnight stays. Before this service can be accessed, you need to contact My Aged Care for an assessment.
Some of our villages offer carer support groups which are based on a needs level. Our support groups are run by an Anglicare Care Coordinator and they’ll give you the chance to talk to other people who are in a similar situation so you not only receive support but can also learn a great deal.
