Celebrating Our Carers: Why Respite Matters for Everyone

Behind every loved one receiving care at home is someone quietly giving their all — a daughter managing medications, a husband cooking every meal, a neighbour stepping in when others can’t. These carers are the quiet heroes of our communities.

During National Carers Week (13–19 October), we pause to recognise the compassion and commitment of over 2.65 million unpaid carers across Australia. But recognition isn’t enough — carers also need real support, and that begins with understanding the power of respite care.

What Is Respite Care — And Why Does It Matter?

Respite care is short-term, in-home or out-of-home care that gives primary carers a chance to rest and recover while ensuring their loved one continues to receive quality, compassionate support.

It’s not just about taking a break — it's about preventing burnout, protecting mental health, and preserving the long-term sustainability of the care relationship.

Without respite, many carers risk:

• Physical exhaustion

• Declining mental health

• Social isolation

• Strained family relationships

• Poorer outcomes for the person receiving care

Yet sadly, too many carers wait too long to ask for help.

Real Stories, Real Relief

At Right at Home, we see firsthand how respite support transforms families — not just physically, but emotionally.

Lodi shared how adding just a few extra hours of support changed her week — and her wellbeing:

“I used to come one day a week and then on the weekend to keep them company. I now have someone come in three days a week to shower and dress my dad and someone coming one day a week to take care of my mum and clean the house. I just want to say thank you [Right at Home] a lot.”

Watch Lodi's full story here.

Nouhad was caring full-time for her husband before finding support through Right at Home. Now, she receives regular help that allows her to continue caring, without burning out:

“I have one lady come in every week for me, and for my husband, someone comes every second day to shower him. I’m very happy with the people coming here.”

Watch Nouhad's full story here.

These are not just services — they’re lifelines. Respite restores the carer, strengthens the care, and helps families stay connected, supported, and well.

Free Resource: Your Adult Caregiving Guide

If you're caring for someone and wondering if it’s time to explore support options, we’ve created a free guide just for you.

The Adult Caregiving Guide is full of helpful information, conversation prompts, and advice on how to start the care conversation — especially when it feels hard.

This guide is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps, no matter where you are in your caregiving journey.

Download the Adult Caregiving Guide

Covered by Funding: HCP and Support at Home

Did you know that respite care is covered under the Home Care Package (HCP) program, and will continue to be supported under the new Support at Home reforms launching November 2025?

This means respite doesn’t need to be out-of-pocket. It can be built into your care plan as an essential, funded support to keep carers and families strong.

If you're unsure what funding you're eligible for, our team can help walk you through the options.

| Find out more in our blog: Support at Home: Funding, Classifications and Pathways

You’re Not Alone — Let’s Talk

Whether you’re caring for a parent, partner, sibling or friend, you don’t have to do it all by yourself.

At Right at Home, we’ve helped thousands of carers access respite services that fit their routine, respect their loved one’s needs, and bring peace of mind.

Ready to start the conversation?
Book a Free Consultation or Download the Adult Caregiving Guide today.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability, including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7, so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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