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 can allow you to take a break to focus on your own wellbeing, whilst ensuring the the person you are caring for is being looked after. Respite can be for a few hours, days or for longer periods, depending on your needs, eligibility and what services are available.
Respite may be planned or an urgent need. We can organise emergency respite care for the person you support, or for you, when an unexpected situation occurs.
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.
If you want to arrange emergency respite care
If you become sick or injured and are unable to care for your loved one, our Carer Gateway service providers can arrange emergency respite services to support your loved one while you focus on your recovery.
If you need emergency respite care, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 at any time. You will speak to your local Carer Gateway service provider who will talk through the options and book emergency respite care, where available.
Carer Gateway will organise for alternative support for the person you care for, which 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.
Call Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 if you need to arrange respite care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More information
Anyone may become a carer even temporarily. Carers can be any age and could be caring for anyone, a parent, friend, child, sibling or neighbour. It may be because they have disability, a medical condition, mental illness or are frail due to age.
Merri Health Carer Services supports carers throughout Melbourne's Northern and Western suburbs, including the councils of Hume, Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Merri-Bek, Darebin, Banyule, Yarra, Melton, Brimbank, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Wyndham, and Hobsons Bay.
We provide support services that are tailored to your individual caring needs. These may include:
Coaching: Reflect on how your caring role impacts your life and learn new ways to manage stress and improve your wellbeing.
- Self-guided coaching – undertake online interactive courses.
Counselling: If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, sad or frustrated, a professional counsellor can talk with you about your worries and offer help. Reflect on how your caring role impacts your life and learn new ways to manage stress and improve your wellbeing.
- Self-guided coaching
- In-person
- Phone counselling
Peer Support: Meet with people in similar caring situations and share your stories, knowledge and experience.
- In-person
- Online forum
- Online skill courses
Tailored support packages: Get tailored support to assist you in your caring role.
- One-off practical support in the form of equipment or an item to assist you in your caring role.
- A range of ongoing practical supports, such as planned respite or transport, provided over a twelve-month period.
Support for young carers: Young carers can face unique challenges. Carer Gateway supports young carers to manage their caring responsibilities and assist with daily tasks, helping them to stay in school and connected with other young carers and the community.
Activities, events, workshops and carer engagement: Connect with other carers, socialise and share your experience and learn practical information to support you in your caring role.
You can learn more by visiting Carer Gateway emergency respite or by calling Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time. You can also click the link to register your caring role and request a callback.
Respite is funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
