Discover how Respite Care can support caregivers and provide quality care for your loved one while you take a well-deserved break.
Taking a break from caregiving is not just important – it’s essential. Respite Care provides temporary support for your loved one while giving you the time to rest and recharge. In this guide, we walk you through how Respite Care works, what to expect, and how to arrange it with TriCare.
Understanding Respite Care
Respite Care is short-term, temporary care designed to give primary caregivers a break from their caregiving duties. It ensures that your loved one continues to receive high-quality support while you take time to rest, attend to personal matters, or simply recharge. This temporary care can be arranged for various durations, from a few hours to several weeks, depending on your needs and those of your loved one.
Overcoming guilt: taking a break is more than okay
We understand that making the decision to arrange Respite Care can be emotional. Many caregivers feel guilty about taking a break, especially if their loved one is reluctant to stay in an Aged Care Residence. However, it’s important to recognise that self-care is a crucial part of being an effective caregiver. By ensuring you are well-rested and supported, you can provide better care in the long run.
Respite Care also provides a beneficial experience for your loved one. A change of environment, opportunities for social interaction, and engaging activities can contribute to improved wellbeing. In many cases, residents enjoy their stay so much that they choose to return for future respite periods – or even transition to Permanent aged Care when the time is right.
The benefits of Respite Care in summary
Respite Care isn’t just beneficial for caregivers – it also provides real advantages for seniors.
For seniors:
- Offers lots of new social engagement and companionship
- Provides a fresh change of routine and new activities
- Can help with recovery after illness or surgery
For caregivers:
- Reduces stress and prevents burnout
- Provides time to focus on personal needs
- Allows for uninterrupted rest and relaxation
How the Respite Care process works
Step 1: Recognise the need for a break
As previously mentioned caregiver burnout is real, and it’s okay to acknowledge that you need support. If you’re feeling physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or struggling to balance your responsibilities, it may be time to consider Respite Care.
Step 2: Understand the types of Respite Care
At TriCare we offer residential Respite Care at various locations, where your loved one can stay for a short period. During their stay, they will receive 24-hour nursing care, access to engaging social activities, and support with daily living tasks in a safe and comfortable environment.
Other service providers may provide in-home Respite Care, if that’s more ideal for you. You can find those by searching for in-home Respite Care in your local area.
Step 3: Arrange an ACAT assessment if you haven’t already
To access government-subsidised Respite Care in Australia, your loved one will need an assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This free assessment determines their eligibility and level of care required.
- How to apply: Contact My Aged Care [link: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment] at 1800 200 422 or apply online.
- What to expect: An ACAT assessor will visit your home to evaluate your loved one’s physical, psychological, medical, and social needs. The process typically takes 1-3 hours.
Step 4: Choose a TriCare Aged Care Residence
Once your ACAT assessment is complete, we invite you to explore our Respite Care options. You can:
- Visit our TriCare Aged Care Residential Respite Care page [link: https://www.tricare.com.au/aged-care/care-options/respite-care] for more details.
- Then book a tour of one of our Aged Care Residences that provides Respite Care to meet our team and see the environment first-hand.
Step 5: Prepare for your loved one’s stay
Once you’ve chosen a residence, it’s time to prepare for your loved one’s respite stay. Here’s what you need to do:
- Submit required documentation: We’ll guide you through the paperwork, including you providing your ACAT approval and medical records.
- Pack personal belongings: Ensure your loved one has their essentials, such as clothing, toiletries, medications, and any comfort items that will help them feel more at home.
- Communicate preferences: Share any specific care instructions with our team so we can personalise their experience.
Step 6: The Respite Care stay
During your loved one’s stay, they will be warmly welcomed by our experienced team and supported with:
- Comfortable accommodation
- Nutritious, chef-prepared meals
- Engaging social activities and wellness programs
- 24/7 nursing care and medication management
Plus you are always welcome to stay in touch of course with our team to check on your loved one’s wellbeing.
Step 7: Returning home or planning for the future
Once the respite period ends, your loved one will either return home, feeling refreshed, or, in some cases, they may wish to explore transitioning into Permanent Aged Care. We are here to help guide you through either option, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
Why choose Respite Care at TriCare?
At TriCare, we understand the emotions and challenges associated with arranging Respite Care. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our team ensures that your loved one receives the best possible support while you take a well-deserved break.
A gentle reminder that choosing Respite Care is an essential act of care, it is not abandonment. It’s a way to ensure both you and your loved one receive the support needed to maintain a fulfilling and balanced life. We’re here to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible, so you can take your break with confidence, knowing your loved one is in safe hands.
Various TriCare Aged Care Residence locations offer Respite Care services. You can explore our locations here.
If you have any more questions please check out our website or, if would like to discuss Respite Care options, we’re here to help. Call us on 1300 874 2273 to speak with one of our Aged Care specialists today. Or you can book a tour by clicking below.
