Everyone who cares for someone needs a break from time to time. Dementia respite gives you time to rest, while the person you support is looked after. In-home respite can do this while keeping their familiar routines in place.
What is dementia respite?
Respite care is short-term care that lets the usual carer take a break. My Aged Care explains it can last a few hours, a few days or a few weeks.
Respite can be planned ahead, for example if you have an appointment or a trip. It's also available in an emergency, such as if you suddenly become unwell.
Taking a break is part of caring well over the long term, not something you need to earn.
Types of respite care for dementia
There are several kinds of respite care for dementia, and what's available depends on your eligibility, needs and local services.
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Respite at home, also called flexible respite, where a care worker visits during the day or overnight
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Community and centre-based respite, at a day centre, club or community space, often with transport
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Cottage respite, an overnight or weekend stay of 2 to 3 days in a centre or other community location
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Residential respite, a short stay in an aged care home, sometimes for a few weeks
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Emergency respite, arranged through Carer Gateway if you suddenly can't provide care
Why in-home respite can suit people living with dementia
For many people living with dementia, familiar surroundings feel safe. Their own chair, their own kitchen and their usual view out the window all help.
Healthdirect notes that changes in routine and unfamiliar places can add to confusion. In-home respite keeps the person somewhere they know, on a routine they recognise.
It also means you can take a break without packing a bag or arranging transport. You can rest at home, head out, or catch up with friends.
Need help working out your options?
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Get started Or call 1300 875 377What an in-home respite visit can include
What a visit includes depends on the person's needs, their funding and what you agree with the provider. It might include:
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Company and conversation, or a favourite activity together
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Help preparing meals and drinks at the usual times
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Personal care, such as showering or dressing
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A walk, a trip to the shops or another familiar outing
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Overnight support, so you can get a full night's sleep
The aim is for the day to feel as normal as possible for the person you support.
How to plan respite that keeps routines familiar
A little planning helps everyone feel more settled, and these steps can make the first few visits easier.
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Start with short visits while you're at home, so the person can get to know the care worker.
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Write a simple routine sheet covering wake-up time, meals, favourite topics and what helps when they're unsettled.
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Keep visits on the same day and time each week where you can.
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Talk about the visit in a calm, simple way the person is comfortable with.
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Ask whether the same care worker can visit where possible.
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Plan respite before you're exhausted, rather than waiting for a crisis.
If the person often becomes unsettled late in the day, mention it so visits can be timed around those hours.
How to arrange and pay for respite
How you arrange respite depends mainly on the person's age and the support they already receive.
For people 65 and over
Respite is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Support at Home, the government's in-home aged care program. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, can apply from 50. Both programs start with an assessment through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Under Support at Home, respite is an independence service, in the same group as transport and support to attend appointments. Your loved one may pay between 5% and 50% of the cost, depending on their income and assets (My Aged Care).
For people under 65
If the person you care for has a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan, talk to their planner or support coordinator. Ask how their plan could fund support while you take a break.
Support for you as a carer
Carer Gateway offers tailored support packages, which can include planned respite. Call 1800 422 737 on weekdays between 8am and 5pm.
For emergency respite, the same number is answered 24 hours a day.
Where to get dementia advice
For questions about dementia, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. It's free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.
Talk to us about in-home respite
At HomeCaring, we're a registered Support at Home and NDIS provider, trusted by more than 10,000 people and their families. We offer respite care at home, so you can take a break while your loved one stays somewhere familiar. Our dementia care is led by a local team who know your community.
Tell us about the person's routine and the times you'd most like a break. Availability depends on the support involved, your location and the times you need.
We'll start with a free in-home assessment and talk you through what we can offer. Reach out to our Care Specialists on 1300 875 377.
