What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary relief for family carers — a break from the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for a loved one. It can be as simple as a few hours each week where a support worker comes in so you can attend your own appointments, see friends, or simply rest. It can also be longer — several days of overnight or residential respite while you take a holiday.
Why respite care matters
Carer burnout is not a sign of weakness or love running out. It is a physiological reality. Sustained caregiving without adequate rest leads to physical exhaustion, emotional depletion, increased rates of depression and anxiety, and ultimately poorer care outcomes for the person being supported.
When carers access respite, they return to their role more present, more patient and more effective. Respite care is therefore not just good for carers — it's good for the people they care for.
Types of respite available
- In-home respite — a support worker comes to your home so you can leave or simply rest in another room
- Day programs and centre-based respite — your loved one attends a program during the day, giving you several hours free
- Residential respite — your loved one stays in a residential facility for a period (typically up to 63 days per year subsidised)
- Emergency respite — rapid support when a carer is unexpectedly unable to provide care due to illness or crisis
How to access funded respite
Respite care can be funded through the Support at Home program (if your loved one has a care classification), through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, or through Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) which has specific carer support funding separate from the person receiving care.
How Lyft Community provides respite support
Lyft Community provides in-home respite care across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Our workers are experienced, carefully vetted, and matched to your loved one's preferences and needs. Whether you need a few hours a week or extended cover, we can help. Contact us to discuss your situation.