Respite care gives carers a short break while the person they care for continues to get support. 

It can help when caring becomes hard to manage or when extra help is needed for a short time. It can be planned ahead or used during illness, stress or sudden change. 

What respite care can look like 

Respite care can look different depending on your needs. It may include: 

• Support at home – someone comes to your home so you can go to an appointment or take a break. 
• Short stays away from home – care is provided somewhere else for a short time, such as a weekend or while you recover from illness. 
• Emergency respite – support is arranged quickly if something changes suddenly, such as illness or a family emergency. 

Respite can last for a few hours, a few days, or longer, depending on your situation. 

Why respite care is important 

Caring for someone can affect your health and wellbeing over time. Respite care can help by: 

• Giving carers time to rest and recover 
• Supporting the health and wellbeing of carers and the person receiving care 
• Reducing stress and burnout 
• Helping people stay at home for longer, where possible 

Taking a break is not a failure — it’s an important part of sustainable care. 

Respite care for veterans and families of veterans 

Veterans and families of veterans may need respite care during recovery, disability, ageing or times of change. Support that understands military life and family experiences can make a real difference. 

Respite care may help families: 

• Balance caring with work, health and family life. 
• Get support during times of change, such as returning home from hospital or moving into aged care. 
• Protect connection, dignity and wellbeing during hard times. 

For carers 

If you’re a carer, respite care can help you: 

• Take time for your own health and wellbeing. 
• Stay connected to family, work and community. 
• Continue caring in a way that is sustainable over time. 

Support for carers is an important part of supporting veterans and families. 

Getting support 

If you’re thinking about respite care, it may help to: 

• Look at respite options that suit your needs, such as help at home, day programs or short stays away from home. 
• Find out what support is available through carer services, aged care services or veteran supports. 
• Talk with your GP, a support worker, a support group or someone you trust. 
• Ask for help early if caring is becoming too much. 

Government-funded respite options 

• Carer Gateway may help some carers get planned respite or emergency respite. 
• My Aged Care is the main place to look for government-funded respite for older people. 
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may include short-term respite in a person’s plan. 
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) may pay for support at home, short stays away from home, or emergency help for some veterans and carers. 

You do not have to do this on your own. Support is available to help you plan ahead, take a break and get the care you need.