Carer Respite and Support Services

National Carers Week 2020 runs from Sunday 11 October to Saturday 17 October.

This is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles. Across Victoria, Carer Gateway has prepared a wide range of activities to entertain and inform carers who provide unpaid care to family, friends and others in the community. View the calendar of events here.

We provide support and care to anyone who is a carer of a person who is frail, aged, has a disability, chronic illness, or mental illness. A carer can be a family member, close friend, or neighbour.

Respite care enables carers to have a break from their caring role to attend appointments, go shopping, socialise or have 'time out'. Respite care is available for short-term, occasional, or emergency breaks.

We aim to:

Provide support and information to carers:

• Assist with planning respite, which maximizes the benefits to the carer and the person being cared for
• Maintain the quality of life for the carer, the person being cared for and their family
• Link carers with local support services and support groups
• Enable carers to continue in their caring role
• Contribute to a better understanding of the importance of the carer and the significance of the caring role

Anyone caring for a family member or friend with a disability or mental illness, or is frail, aged or has a chronic condition may be eligible for support. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au.

The Carer Gateway offers free, early intervention support to carers.

Carers can access over-the-phone and in-person support including:

• coaching
• counselling
• peer support
• information and advice
• online groups and courses
• crisis and emergency support

Anyone caring for a family member or friend with a disability, mental illness, who is frail, aged, or has a chronic condition may be eligible for support. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au.