Who is a carer?

A carer is a person who provides unpaid care in the home to somebody who is frail or has a disability, mental illness or chronic condition.  A carer may be a family member, a friend, a neighbour or a community volunteer.

What is respite?

Respite offers the carer an opportunity to have a short-term or long-term break from caring duties.  Respite may mean the carer has a break for a few hours, a few days or a few weeks.

Why is respite important?

Respite enables carers to remain fit and active in their own lives.  Having a break from caring duties means the carer’s health and wellbeing is being supported.

Care Connect and carer respite

Care Connect staff members are available to work with you and your support network to identify your respite needs.  We can assist with planning and referral so you can access the most appropriate services in your local area.

We value the role of the carer and offer:

• access to information about respite services
• access to support networks
• workshops for and about carers
• access to respite retreats (Victoria).

Respite links 

National respite links