• About Carer Support

    How to tell if you are a ‘recognised’ carer

    elderly man overlooking the beach with young lady

    People often don’t perceive themselves as being a ‘carer’ when they voluntarily support a relative or friend.

    • Do you provide daily support to a person without being paid?
    • If you did not provide this support, would this person be unable to complete the tasks themselves? (Support may include shopping, paying bills, assisting with showering, making meals, providing transport etc.)
    • Is the person unsafe when left alone for long periods of time?
    • Has the person been diagnosed with dementia or a severe disability?
    • Is the person you support frail or aged (over 65)?

    If any of the above applies to you, you are recognised as a carer and are entitled to an array of support for your own health and wellbeing, as well as the health and wellbeing of the person you care for.

    Carers need time out to look after themselves and their own needs. This may be going to work, a social engagement, an appointment, a medical procedure, a volunteer commitment, a regular pastime, and so on.

    Respite care can reduce social isolation by providing carers with opportunities to meet with friends, attend a support group, or continue activities that are important to them.

    Having some respite helps keep carers healthy;  improving the quality of care they can provide.

     

    Enticing relaxation spot for carers with a book and lamp on a bedside tableA little respite support can sustain carers so they can continue their caring role, and the person they care for can stay living at home for longer.

    Respite also provides carers and the people they care for with an experience of different care facilities that may be required in the future.

    Whatever support you require, you can be confident that Resthaven offers caring, high quality services for the person under your care. The support we offer is flexible so that it adapts to your needs. Resthaven’s fully insured and police checked staff are trained and experienced in meeting the needs of older people, including those with memory loss or confusion.

    The person can access day or overnight community respite in a variety of settings, either at home or at one of our respite cottages. Residential respite is available at all Resthaven residential aged care homes from a minimum of two weeks up to 63 days each year. Bookings are essential.

    Click here to view the current respite vacancies Click here to view and download the About Carer Support Fact Sheet

    Respite is:

    • Reliable, flexible and tailored to meet the needs of the carer and the person they care for
    • Incorporated into the early stages of caring and as part of an ongoing plan for support and assistance
    • Planned in advance to reduce the likelihood of emergencies due to carer strain.

     

    Resthaven's respite services are available in various locations across South Australia

    • Metropolitan Adelaide
    • Adelaide Hills
    • Murraylands
    • Riverland
    • Limestone Coast
    • Fleurieu Peninsula
    • Gawler and surrounding areas

    ‘I cannot express enough my gratitude for the wonderful care of my Dad on this program. I work two full time jobs, so to have an angel such as his Resthaven carer come and support Dad to shower, shave and dress is an unbelievable support. I cannot thank you enough.’

    – Relative, Resthaven Community Respite Services

    Carer supports available

    Respite Options Fact Sheet

    Would the older person you care for prefer to stay in their own home while you have a break?

    Resthaven staff provide assistance to support the lifestyle of the person being cared for. Support and activities vary depending on individual requests, needs and interests, and may include leisure activities, social interaction, personal care, and household assistance. This service can be offered as a day or overnight service.

    Our Home Support Workers are highly trained and experienced in meeting the needs of older people, including those who may be frail, have a disability, or have problems associated with memory loss and confusion.

    Contact us for more information about services available in your area on 1300 13 66 33. 

    If you are in the Southern Metropolitan area, please call (08) 8198 2060.

     

    Social support groups and day respite programs.

    Group programs may include respite clubs, small group respite, respite for working carers, or extended day respite at one of our home-like cottages or office locations. Social clubs and group outings are also available at most locations. Transport to and from the group can be arranged if necessary.

    Click here to find a Group Respite location.

    Respite cottages are available for planned, day or short-term overnight respite in a home-style environment.

    Respite cottages tailor planned group respite programs during the day according to the attendees’ needs and preferences.

    Respite accommodation for short overnight stays (no minimum stay, maximum stay is two weeks), with 24 hour staffing, all meals and activities provided, is available at Ridgway House at Westbourne Park, Toorak House at Toorak Gardens, and in Naracoorte. Transport to and from the cottages is available if required.

    Overnight respite is soon to be available in Victor Harbor and Aldinga Beach.

    Locations include metropolitan Adelaide and country South Australia.

    Click here to find Resthaven’s respite locations.

    Carer Support Groups provide information, referrals, support groups, social groups, therapy and allied health services and counselling.

    Contact us for more information about services available in your area on 1300 13 66 33.

    If you are in the Southern Metropolitan area, please call (08) 8198 2060.

    Residential Respite is accommodation at one of our residential sites across South Australia for periods ranging from two weeks to a maximum of 63 days per year.

    Resthaven provides respite at all of our residential aged care homes for older people who are either high or low care assessed as part of their government assessment process. Each applicant is then considered based on a suitable vacancy being available to fit the individual care needs of that person.

    When choosing Resthaven to assist you with respite care, you can be confident that the person you care for is well looked-after by our highly trained and experienced staff.

    A short period of residential respite offers carers the opportunity to have a break, a holiday, or simply some time out from their busy schedule. The person being cared for will be able to access the benefits of the site’s activities, social programs, library, and internet café.

    SiteAvailable FromAvailable To
    Resthaven Craigmore05/10/2022Ongoing
    Resthaven Mitcham18/10/2022
    30/11/2022    		Ongoing
    Ongoing
    Resthaven Mount Gambier19/09/202210/11/2022
    Resthaven Murray Bridge13/10/2022
    		26/10/2022
    Resthaven Paradise14/09/202206/10/2022
    Resthaven Westbourne Park18/10/2022Ongoing

     

    How do I apply?

    For more information, or to make a booking contact Residential Accommodation Enquiries on (08) 8373 9113 or email accommodation@resthaven.asn.au.

    For Resthaven Mount Gambier, contact the site directly on (08) 8723 0911.

    For Resthaven Port Elliot, contact the site directly on (08) 8554 2000.

    – Resthaven

    This booklet is for the friends and family of a Carer: to help you support someone you know who is caring for someone else.

    – Dementia Australia (formerly Alzheimer’s Australia)

    This brochure explores the different types of respite services that are available, why they are important to both the person living with dementia and their carers, and provides tips on how to make the most out of respite services.

    – Dementia Illawarra Shoalhaven
    (Research project sponsored by Resthaven)

    This website provides a portal of information and resources for carers and people living with dementia in Australia.

    or click here
    Looking for community respite or services for carers? Call 8198 2060