Carer Respite Services

At Lifely, we support families who care for children with disabilities in regional Victoria and border communities in New South Wales and South Australia. Our carer respite services are here to give you a break and help you recharge.

Who is a carer?

A carer is someone who helps a family member or friend with a disability who needs extra support.

People from all backgrounds and ages become carers. Over 10 per cent of Australians, including 235,300 young people under 25, help out as carers.

The vast majority of carers are unpaid. Many carers take on this role because they feel responsible for their family’s health and wellbeing.

What is carer respite?

Carer respite gives carers a much-needed break from looking after family members or friends who need extra help due to disabilities. It means they can take some time off to rest and take care of themselves while someone else steps in to help out for a while.

This break is essential because it stops carers from getting too tired or stressed out. It also lets them keep up with their hobbies and spend time with other people, which helps them stay happy and healthy.

When carers have access to respite, it means they can carry on giving the best care possible without burning out.

It’s also a way for communities to show their support for carers and recognise the vital work they do.

What carer respite do we offer?

In-home support

If you’re looking after a child or sibling with a disability, we’re here to help. Our in-home carer respite service provides care and covers some activity costs over 12 occasions so you can keep your family bonds strong.

Supported family holidays

Being a carer can be challenging, but it’s also gratifying. That’s why we organise family holidays led by carers like you. It’s a chance to make memories, meet new people, and get support from our community facilitators. We bring multiple families together for a weekend of care and fun experiences, all aimed at boosting family happiness.

Carer respite events

We understand the importance of family time and community connection. That’s why we host carer respite events at local gatherings. These events give you the chance to enjoy community activities with other carers, all with support from us. We chip in for activity and meal costs so you can focus on making the most of your time out.

Day trips

Need a change of scenery? Our day trips and excursions are just the ticket. These outings, both local and farther afield, are designed to strengthen family bonds and give you a break from the daily routine. We cover travel and activity costs so you can relax and enjoy the day with your loved ones.

Who can access carer respite?

Currently, our carer respite services are able to support parents, guardians, and siblings living in central Victoria and the Mallee who provide unpaid care for a child or sibling with a disability from our bases in Bendigo and Mildura.

At Lifely, we’re here to support you every step of the way. So why not take a break and let us lend a hand? Contact us today to register your family.

Lifely’s carer respite services are funded by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Support for Carers Program.