Caring for a person with dementia can be a positive experience. However, it can also demand a lot of time and energy that could leave you feeling physically, mentally or emotionally tired. Respite supports carers in their role and helps the person living with dementia by providing social support and meaningful activities.
Our sister website: ReThink Respite provides extensive information and resources for carers and people living with dementia in Australia. Many of these resources are provided below, including a printable directory of respite services for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
For more information and to access services, contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
If you suddenly find you can’t provide care, for example if you become ill or injured, call Carer Gateway for emergency respite: 1800 422 737 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Decision Guide for Choosing Respite
If you are unsure about whether or not you want or need to use respite services, the Respite Decision Guide for Carers can help you:
- make decisions about services
- realise the right time for you to use services
- choose between respite services
- make your life easier as you care for a person with dementia.
Resources to Help Choose Respite Services
Centre-based-Respite-Checklist
Printable Directory of Respite Services
The following printable directories of service were compiled in 2016 and are specific to the Illawarra Shoalhaven region. For more current information on services available, please visit HSNet Services Directory and enter your postcode and key words such as ‘dementia respite’ into the search field.