ways2work - Parents and carers
Aged care
If you have caring responsibilities for an older person and are thinking about returning to work, respite care may suit your needs. A range of other assistance is also available to carers today, including information and support for people from other cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
A carer’s story
Jane* is a 47-year-old living in the western region of Melbourne. Jane worked nightshift as a full-time personal care attendant in an Aged Care Facility. When her 76-year-old mother was diagnosed with a brain tumour, Jane’s life changed. Read more about how Jane's employer supported her to balance her work and carer responsibilities…
National Respite for Carers Program
The National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) allows carers of older people, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses to have a break to look after their own health and wellbeing. There are some services which can allow a carer to return to work, especially part-time, with the comfort of knowing that their dependents are well looked after.
A range of community-based and residential respite is available and includes:
- day care centres that provide respite for a half day or full day
- in-home respite services, including overnight, home care and personal care services providing respite and support
- activity programs
- a break away from home, perhaps with a support worker
- respite for carers of people with dementia and challenging behaviours
- respite in a residential aged care home or overnight respite in a community setting
- respite for employed carers and for carers seeking to return to work
Commonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink Centres are run by a variety of community organisations and are located in three metropolitan, and five country regions across Victoria. Some centres have several sites across their region. They can be contacted on 1800 052 222.
Commonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink Centres work closely with existing community agencies to assist families looking after dependents who need help to continue to live in the community. They are able to identify carers respite support needs, develop a respite care plan and work to ensure access to services. The Centres also work closely with the Carers Association in each state or territory to ensure carers have ready access to information, advice and counselling as well as access to education and training programs.
More information
For more information about the National Respite for Carers Program visit the Department of Health and Ageing website.
For fact sheets, details about support networks, stories from other carers and other useful information go to Victoria's carers association, Carers Victoria phone 1800 242 636.
You will find a range of services, support and information through the Victorian Carers Service Network.
To find details about the range of care available go to Aged Care Australia.
To find information on aged care programs and services throughout Victoria go to the Victorian Department of Human Services.
Tell Us Your Story.
We'd like to hear from you about your experiences of balancing work and family.