Caring for someone

National Respite for Carers Program

The National Respite for Carers Program is one of several initiatives designed to support and assist relatives and friends caring at home for people who are unable to care for themselves because of disability or frailty.

Components of the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP)

Respite Services

Over 600 community-based respite services are delivered to carers and the people they care for in a variety of settings, including homes, day centre, host families and residential overnight cottages. Information about respite services in your local area can be obtained by phoning Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on free call 1800 052 222* during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, free call 1800 059 059*.

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres are run by a wide variety of community organisations in metropolitan, rural and remote regions across Australia. They can be contacted on free call 1800 052 222* during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, free call 1800 059 059*.

The Centres can help when carers need to take a break from caring by arranging respite. They do this by acting as a single contact point for information needed by carers and by organising, purchasing, or managing respite care assistance packages for carers. Examples of respite care assistance include:

• in-home respite care;
• support workers to assist you when you are taking a break away from home; and
• residential respite care.

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres work closely with existing community agencies to assist families looking after members or relatives who need help to continue to live in the community. They are able to identify carers respite support needs and work to ensure access to services. The streamlined Centres also provide information for the general public and health professionals about community and aged care services.

Network of Carer Associations

The Network of Care Associations provides carers with professional counselling, specialist advice and information.

For contact details of the Network of Carer Associations in each state and territory, visit the Carers Australia website and click on the 'Contact Us' tab. They can also be contacted by calling free call 1800 242 636*.

National Carer Counselling Program (NCCP)

Carers are able to obtain counselling through the Network of Carers Associations. Counselling is provided through qualified counsellors on issues that are specific to carers needs such as depression, stress-related issues, grief and loss and coping skills. More information can be obtained by phoning free call 1800 242 636*.

* (calls from mobile phones charged at applicable rate)

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