Are you caring for someone?

A carer is anyone who provides regular care and assistance for someone who is frail aged or lives with a disability, chronic condition or mental illness.

Caring for someone can be hard work.  Respite care enables carers to sustain their ongoing responsibilities, as well other commitments or personal needs, by providing a break.  The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre (CRCC) provides respite care for a few hours, a day, a night, or even longer.  Respite care can also be provided in times of emergency.

The CRCC aims to provide flexible services, responding to carers at the time of request.  There are no waiting lists and you do not need to register.

The CRCC acknowledges the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers, carers from different cultural backgrounds and those under 25 years of age.

Who pays for respite care?

Respite services are subsidised by Federal funding, so you do not pay the full cost.  Costs and carer contributions will be discussed with you when you contact us.

What types of respite are available to help me?

In-home respite: a worker looks after the person you care for, in the home, while you take a break

Community-based respite: care is provided in a range of out-of-home settings, such as taking the person you care for out for some window shopping, to the local café to read the paper, or to the park.

Centre-based respite: care is provided by a local centre. This could be a full- or part-day program and may include meals and transport.

Overnight respite: provided in the home or in a community cottage

Residential respite: overnight care on a short-term basis provided at an aged care residence, subject to Aged Care Assessment

Emergency respite: respite care, whether in the home or in a community setting, in urgent situations such as when a carer is hospitalised, unwell or in times of carer stress

The CRCC may also assist with specialised equipment to help the carer in the home.

I want to apply for respite, make an enquiry or provide feedback

When you contact the CRCC, a phone assessment will be conducted to establish whether carer respite services are suitable and determine your eligibility.

Information about community groups which provide carer support, including education and training, is also available.

Call the CRCC on Freecall 1800 052 222*, use our online form or email us to make an enquiry.

*calls from mobiles are charged at applicable rates.

We also welcome walk-in enquiries at our Inner West Office:

44 Liverpool Rd
Summer Hill NSW 2130

The centre is has a wheelchair-accessible ramp at entry. It is a 5 to10 minute walk from Summer Hill train station, or there is a convenient bus stop on Liverpool Rd serviced by bus routes 480 and 483.