What is Respite?

Respite support is when carers can take a short-term or time-limited break while someone else supports the person with a disability. It aims to provide a positive experience for both the person with a disability and the carer.

Respite support is where a person with a disability is engaged in:

• Community Participation - participates in every day activities
• In-home support - provides support in the person’s home
• Out of home support - support is provided:
  • in a family environment
  • at a camp, holiday or weekend away, or
  • during an overnight stay in a facility.

Respite support is flexible and can be

• Planned throughout the year so that there are regular or occasional breaks, for example, support can be for a couple of hours, a day, a weekend, a week or more
• Unplanned when a break is needed at short notice and/or an emergency when there is an immediate need such as a carer going to hospital.

For further information please see the Respite Support Information Sheet, also available in 13 community languages.