Providing ongoing care can affect physical and mental health. It is important to get information and support and know your rights as a carer. This page provides information about support services for carers including respite care.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is a national service, funded by the Australian government, that provides a range of services and supports delivered both in-person and online.
Carer Gateway service providers help carers access:
- carer support planning
- in-person and phone-based counselling
- in-person and online peer support
- targeted financial support through carer directed support packages with a focus on employment, education, respite and transport
- access to emergency respite
- online self-guided coaching
- information and advice
- assistance with navigating relevant, local services available to carers through federal, state and local government and non-government providers, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme, My Aged Care and palliative care.
Contact your local Carer Gateway service provider by phoning 1800 422 737 (8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday).
Respite care
Regular breaks (respite) give you time to rest and recharge. Respite provides an opportunity to relax, relieve the stress and do something for yourself. Respite can also benefit the person you care for by providing different experiences and a chance to develop new relationships.
There are different types of respite. The type that suits you depends on your caring situation, the needs of the person you care for and the services that are available in your area.
Respite can be for a few hours, a day, overnight or longer. It may occur often or be an annual or once-off event.
Some services are free. Others may charge a small fee (in accordance with your income). Residential respite usually costs a standard fee. Private services may be expensive.
Arranging respite care
If you require help to access respite services in your area, phone Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Emergency respite care
For help to access emergency respite care, phone Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other types of support
Carer Gateway and many local carer support organisations provide non-respite supports. For example:
- carer support planning
- peer support groups
- carer support groups
- carer retreats
- counselling, in person and by telephone
- information and referral
- advocacy
- young carer programs.
Arranging other support
To find out what carer supports are available to help you in your caring rolephone Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 (weekdays 8.00am to 5.00pm) and speak to your local Carer Gateway service provider.
Young carers
Some organisations provide support specifically for young carers:
- Carer Gateway, Carers SA and Carer Support provide support and access to services for young carers who are under 25 and looking after a family member or friend
- Reach Out.com is an online mental health organisation for young people and their parents.
Information in a different language
If you need information in a language other than English, translated information is available in Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Persian and Vietnamese. For other languages, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
Related information
Other websites
What help can I get? - My Aged Care, Australian Government Department of Social Services
SA Community Directory - information about community services
