If you look after a parent, partner or friend at home, you probably know the feeling of running on empty. You may not have had a full night’s sleep, a day out, or an hour to yourself in months. Respite care exists so you can rest without worrying about the person you care for.
This guide explains how in-home respite works, when families usually ask for it, and how to arrange it in Melbourne’s south-east.
What is in-home respite?
Respite is short-term care that gives a family carer a break. With in-home respite, a carer comes to the house and takes over for a few hours, a day, or a regular weekly slot. Your loved one stays in their own home, with their own routines, while you go out, rest or deal with the rest of life.
It can be planned in advance, such as every Thursday afternoon, or arranged at short notice when something comes up, such as your own medical appointment. Visits are available on weekdays and weekends.
Signs you may need a break
Carers often wait too long before asking for help. Common signs include:
- You feel tired most of the time, even after sleeping.
- You have stopped seeing friends or doing things you enjoy.
- You feel short-tempered, anxious or low more often than before.
- Your own health appointments keep getting pushed back.
- You worry about what would happen if you got sick.
Asking for respite is not giving up. It is how many families keep caring at home for longer.
What happens during a respite visit
A respite carer does what you would normally do during that time. Depending on your loved one’s needs, that can include:
- Company and conversation
- Help with meals and drinks
- Personal care, such as showering or using the toilet
- Medication prompts
- A short walk or an outing
At Konex Care, we introduce the carer before the first visit. Your loved one meets the same small team each time wherever possible, which matters most for people who find new faces unsettling.
How respite is funded
If your loved one is approved for Support at Home through My Aged Care, respite may be part of their services. Konex Care can deliver those services through our registered partner provider.
If you are still waiting for an assessment, or need more hours than the funding covers, respite can be arranged privately. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to start an assessment.
Respite close to home
Our office is at 113 Poath Rd, Murrumbeena. We visit families in the suburbs closest to the office, including Carnegie, Hughesdale, Oakleigh, Bentleigh and Caulfield. If you live a little further out, call and we will tell you whether we can visit.
Take the first step
Book a free consultation at home or at our Murrumbeena office, or call (03) 8524 7699. There is no cost and no obligation.
Read more about in-home respite care.