Carer Advisory Service
For information, referral, advocacy, problem solving, developing options, counselling appointments and workshops.
1800 242 636*

Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre
For information on community aged care and disability services in your area and all respite enquiries.
1800 052 222*
For emergency respite after hours call: 1800 059 059*

Carers ACT Belconnen Office
Ground Floor
Churches Centre
54 Benjamin Way
Belconnen ACT 2617

Ph: (02) 6296 9900
Fax: (02) 6296 9999


Carers ACT Torrens Office
1 Torrens Place
Torrens ACT 2607

If you are interested in Membership please Click here

*An Australian Government Initiative. Free local call. Mobile phones charged at mobile rates.

COMMONEALTH CARER RESPITE CENTRE

What is respite?

Do you feel like you need to "take a break" from your caring role?

Getting the opportunity to take time out for yourself can be most difficult when you are a Carer. It is common for Carers to feel guilty about accessing services because you may think “another Carer needs it more than me” or that “why should I get services, I am not the one with the illness or disability”. These are common thoughts experienced by Carers just like you and common barriers that stop Carers from accessing respite support.

As a Carer it is important that you look after yourself. You are just as important as the person you care for and besides if you are not healthy and feeling good about yourself then how will you be able to support your loved ones. If you are feeling stressed, tired, exhausted or if you just want to "get away" then respite may be one of the ways Carers ACT can support you.

Respite is an important service that allows Carers to take a break by putting supports in place so the person they care for receives adequate care and support.

Carers ACT can organise for you to take a break through the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre. Contact us on 1800 059 059* to speak to a Respite Coordinator andfind out more about our respite services.

We can offer two forms of respite that may be appropriate for your needs and circumstances. Carers who are eligible for respite can access:

Residential respite - residential respite aims to provide Carers with a break from their caring role by accessing a bed in an a short term. The Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre encourages planned respite for Carers.

In home respite - provides respite and/or domestic and personal care by placing a support worker in the Carers' home to provide respite support.

The Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre office hours are 9am -5pm Monday to Friday. Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre staff can be contacted on 1800 059 059*

Should an emergency respite support be required between 5pm-9am an after hours emergency service is available on 1800 059 059* Examples of an emergency may include:

• Sudden illness or death of the Carer
• Sudden illness or death a family member