What is respite care and how can it help you as a carer?

Caring for someone you love is a meaningful role, but it can also be physically, emotionally, and practically challenging.

Whether you’re supporting an ageing parent, a family member living with disability, or a loved one with specific health needs, there’ll be times when you need extra support too.

Respite care gives you the opportunity to take a break from your usual caring responsibilities while knowing the person you support is receiving safe, trusted care.

Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re stepping away from your role or that you care any less. Having time to rest, recharge, and look after yourself can help you continue caring in a way that feels sustainable for both of you.

What is respite care?

Respite care is temporary support that gives you a break from your caring role.

This might mean a few hours to yourself, support while you attend appointments, time to reconnect with family and friends, or a longer break like a holiday.

Respite can be planned ahead, or it can be arranged when something unexpected happens.

The type of respite that’s right for you depends on your circumstances, the needs of the person you support, and the funding or support options available.

Who is caring for the carer?

Many carers are used to putting someone else’s needs first.

You might find yourself thinking:

• “I should be able to manage.”
• “I don’t want to leave them.”
• “I’m the person they rely on.”
• “Other people need help more than I do.”

These feelings are common, especially when your caring role comes from a place of love.

But asking for support doesn’t mean you’re giving up responsibility. It means you’re recognising that caring is something you don’t have to do alone.

We often hear carers say they feel:

• tired of pushing;
• worried about the future; or
• unsure how long they can keep going at this pace.

It’s important to get support early

If this resonates, it’s important to remember that looking after your wellbeing will enable you to provide better care and advocacy for your loved one, for longer.

If you’re feeling stretched, our blog Practical ways to prevent carer burnout shares practical ideas to protect your own wellbeing while continuing to support someone you love.

How can respite care help you?

Respite isn’t just about getting time away. It’s about creating a stronger support network around you and the person you care for.

Respite can help you:

• take time for your own health, appointments, interests and relationships;
• reduce stress and feelings of being overwhelmed;
• have space to rest and recharge;
• feel more confident knowing you have support around you; and
• continue your caring role in a way that feels manageable over time.

Even a small amount of regular support can create meaningful breathing room in your week.

How can respite support the person you care for?

A break for you can also be a positive experience for the person you support.

Respite can provide opportunities for them to:

• spend time with other trusted people;
• build confidence with new experiences and routines;
• stay socially connected;
• enjoy activities outside their usual day-to-day;
• receive support that reflects their own needs, preferences and choices.

Respite isn’t about replacing the important role you play. It’s about adding another layer of support around both of you.

What types of respite care are available?

Respite can look different depending on what you and your family need.

In-home respite

In-home respite allows someone to support the person you care for in their own home while you take some time for yourself.

This might give you time to attend appointments, run errands, reconnect with friends, or simply rest knowing your loved one is supported.

For many carers, having someone they trust step in – even for a short time – can make a big difference.

Community-based respite

Community respite supports the person you care for to stay connected with activities, interests and their local community.

This might include attending social activities, community events or other meaningful experiences.

It can also give you valuable time to focus on your own needs while knowing they are enjoying something that matters to them.

Short-term respite

Sometimes you need a longer break.

Short-term respite may be helpful if you’re:

• planning a holiday;
• visiting family;
• needing time to recover;
• balancing other commitments; and
• feeling like you need a longer opportunity to recharge.

Planning ahead can help make the transition smoother for everyone.

Emergency respite

Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Emergency respite may be available if you:

• become sick or injured;
• need to go into hospital;
• experience an unexpected emergency; and
• are temporarily unable to provide your usual level of care.

Having a plan and knowing what support is available before you need it can provide reassurance during a stressful time.

How do you access respite care?

Finding the right respite pathway can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already balancing a caring role. The good news is there are different options available depending on your circumstances, funding and the type of support you need.

Avivo can help you understand your options and find a pathway that works for you.

These pathways include:

Respite for aged care carers

Support at Home (SaH) helps older Australians live well at home while also recognising the important role carers play.

Respite through Support at Home can give carers the opportunity to take a break, rest and recharge while your loved one continues to receive the support they need.

Learn more

Respite for disability carers

Caring for someone with a disability can be rewarding, but it can also bring physical, emotional and practical challenges.

Avivo’s Family Support Program helps support carers too, providing opportunities to take a break, access support and make caring more sustainable.

Learn more

Respite for mental health carers

Family and Carer Support, funded by the WA Mental Health Commission, supports unpaid carers of people living with diagnosed mental health conditions.

The program provides carers with information, connection and support to help you navigate your your role while looking after your own wellbeing.

Learn more

National carer support

Carer Gateway is a national program that provides free services and support for carers, including practical advice, counselling, peer support and respite options.

Learn more

Flexible self-funded respite

Self-funded respite means you privately pay for the care and support you or your loved one needs, giving you more flexibility without waiting for government-funded programs.

This can be an option for carers who need support sooner, want additional flexibility, or are looking for short-term assistance.

Learn more

Respite is just one form of support available to carers. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to access financial assistance, information, community programs and other services designed to support you in your caring role.

For a broader overview of the support available, read our guide: A guide to carer support in Western Australia.

How Avivo supports carers

At Avivo, we understand that caring for someone you love is both rewarding and demanding.

For more than 60 years, we’ve supported Western Australians and their families to live safely, independently, and connected to their communities.

We know that carers are an essential part of that support network – and that you deserve support too.

Through Avivo, you may be able to access respite and carer support options like the ones listed above including:

• in-home respite;
• community-based respite;
• short-term support;
• help understanding available funding pathways;
• connection to carer events and local support opportunities.

Our local teams work alongside you and your family to understand what matters most and help you find support that fits your life.

With Avivo, you can feel confident knowing our support is built around people – with local teams, familiar faces, and a focus on maintaining independence, choice and connection.

You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming

Many carers wait until they’re exhausted before exploring support options.

But respite isn’t only for times when things become too difficult. It can be a valuable part of your caring journey at any stage.

Whether you need a few hours to yourself, support while you attend appointments, or help planning for unexpected situations, taking that first step can make caring feel more manageable.

If you’d like to understand what respite options are available through Avivo, our friendly team can talk through your situation, answer your questions and help you explore the options that feel right for you and your family.