Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail. Your role as a carer is very important and can be demanding. It can be easy to ignore your own health, wellbeing and needs.
Taking a planned break (often called “respite”) from your caring responsibilities can help you to relax and recharge or let you focus on other areas of your life. This can benefit both you and the person you are caring for. Carers Victoria Respite Connections is a free service providing information and assistance to carers living in the local government areas of: Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham, and Hobsons Bay and may be able to help you to find respite options that will suit you, the person you care for, and your family.
Respite can be different things for different people. For example:
- A massage
- An activity for the whole family – such as an outing or short holiday.
- An activity for the person you are caring for
- Provide you with information about services that may be able to help you.
- Put you in contact with support groups where you can meet other people who may be in a similar situation.
Visit their website for more information or free call the Carer Advisory and Counseling Service on 1800 242 636.