Respite care provides short- or long-term relief for carers.

Whether it’s a few hours to attend an appointment or a weekend away to reconnect with friends, respite is an essential part of sustainable caring.

What is respite care?

Respite care provides short- or long-term relief for carers, giving them time to rest, recharge, or take care of their own health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a few hours to attend an appointment or a weekend away to reconnect with friends, respite is an essential part of sustainable caring. It supports both the carer and the person living with Parkinson’s.

Signs you might need respite

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be deeply rewarding, but also physically and emotionally demanding. You might benefit from respite if you notice:

  • Feeling constantly tired or run down
  • Trouble sleeping or relaxing
  • Feeling irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed
  • Neglecting your own health or appointments
  • Losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

Taking a break isn’t selfish… it’s essential. Respite helps you continue caring with energy, patience, and compassion.

What does respite care involve?

Who can provide respite care?

Respite care can be provided by family, friends, or professional services. It may take place:

  • In your own home
  • At a community centre
  • In a residential aged care facility
  • Through day programs or social support groups.

If you receive Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, you’re entitled to take up to 63 days of respite each calendar year. These breaks can be used for anything—from holidays and conferences to simply having a rest. You’ll need to notify Centrelink before taking a break. In some cases, you may be eligible for more than 63 days for special reasons, so it’s worth checking in advance.

How long can respite last?

Respite care can be:

  • Short-term (a few hours or a day)
  • Overnight or weekend stays
  • Emergency respite, if you’re suddenly unable to provide care due to illness, injury, or other urgent needs. For emergency respite, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, they’re available 24/7 to help.
  • Planned respite gives carers the chance to relax, relieve stress, and do things they might not otherwise be able to, like attending the Parkinson’s Australia National Conference, going on a short trip, or simply catching up on sleep.

Key Statistics

  1. Over 198,000 Australians used residential respite care in 2024.
  2. 24% of carers of people with dementia reported needing more respite care, more than triple the rate of carers supporting people without dementia (7%).
  3. Only 35% of carers of people with dementia accessed respite care in 2023. This suggests that many carers may be missing out on essential breaks due to barriers in access, awareness, or availability.
  4. Australia has 2.65 million unpaid carers, many struggling to access respite, due to limited availability, system complexity, and lack of tailored options.

How do I access respite care?

Choosing the right respite option can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help:

  • Start early: Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Explore options before you urgently need them.
  • Involve the person you care for: If possible, include them in the decision-making process to ensure comfort and familiarity. Look at Advance Care Planning to help guide you through making sure their care wishes are met.
  • Visit the service: If using a centre or facility, ask for a tour and meet the staff.
  • Ask questions: Check what services are included, staff qualifications, and how they handle medical needs or emergencies.
  • Trial a short stay: A few hours or a day visit can help ease into longer periods of respite.
  • Check funding options: Some respite may be covered through My Aged Care, NDIS, or Carer Gateway.

Infosheet under review

References

  1. Respite Care on Health Direct https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/respite-care
  2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Residential aged care and respite care services 2023–24. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/aged-care/residential-aged-care-2023-24
  3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release
  4. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023). National Dementia Action Plan Dashboard. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-dementia-action-plan-dashboard
  5. Carers Australia. (2023). About carers. Retrieved from https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/about-carers/
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