It is 6am, and your day has already begun. Medications, breakfast, appointments, laundry, phone calls. For many family carers, there is no clock-off time, and often no one asking how they are.
If that sounds familiar, this blog is for you. National Carers Week (11 to 17 October 2026) has the theme “Care for a Carer”, and it starts with a simple idea: you deserve a break too.
Here is how respite care works, what your options are, and how to take the first step.
National Carers Week: Care for a Carer
National Carers Week runs from 11 to 17 October 2026, and this year’s theme is “Care for a Carer”. According to Carers NSW, more than 3 million Australians provide unpaid care to a family member or friend.
At Sublime Care, we see the difference carers make every day. This week, we would like to say thank you. If you are caring for someone, your effort matters, and so does your wellbeing.
What is respite care?
Respite care gives you a planned break from your caring role. While you rest, a trusted person or service looks after the person you support. A break might be a few hours to run errands, a day with friends, or a longer stay away from home.
Taking a break is not selfish. Rest helps you stay healthy, and it can help you keep caring for longer.
What types of respite are there?
- In-home respite: A support worker visits your home, so the person you care for stays in familiar surroundings.
- Community-based respite: The person you care for joins activities in the community, such as social outings or group programs.
- Short-term stays: The person you care for stays somewhere else for a short time, such as a night or a few days.
- Emergency respite: Care is arranged at short notice if you become sick or injured. Carer Gateway notes that availability depends on whether a suitable service is available in your local area.
How can you access respite care?
There are a few pathways, and the right one depends on your situation.
- Carer Gateway: Call 1800 422 737. Carer Gateway explains that planned respite is for carers who are well but need a break, and that you may be able to get free planned respite as part of a tailored support package.
- NDIS: If the person you care for is an NDIS participant, ask whether respite-style supports could be included in their plan. These are decided case by case.
- Aged care: If the person you care for is an older Australian, ask about Support at Home or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), and whether respite options are available.
Always check what is available and what it costs before you book.
How can everyday support give you time back?
A break does not always mean time away. Reliable support at home can ease your load, so you have more time for rest.
- Community Participation supports can help a person enjoy time out in the community while you have time for yourself.
- Daily Living Skills support helps a person build independence at home.
- CHSP Domestic Assistance can help with household tasks.
You can explore all of our NDIS services to see what may suit your family.
Tips for making your first break easier
- Start small. Try a few hours before a longer break.
- Share information. Write down routines, medications, likes and dislikes for the person providing support.
- Introduce people gradually. A short visit while you are home helps build trust.
- Plan something for yourself. Rest, see a friend or enjoy a hobby.
- Let go of guilt. A well-rested carer is better able to care.
Frequently asked questions
What is respite care? Respite care is short-term support for the person you care for, so you can take a break.
Is respite care free? Sometimes. Carer Gateway says you may be able to get free planned respite. Costs and funding vary by service, so ask first.
Can I get respite in an emergency? Yes, if a suitable service is available in your area. Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Who can I contact to start? You can call Carer Gateway, or speak with the team at Sublime Care.
Talk to Sublime Care
If you are a carer in Newcastle or the Hunter, and you would like to talk about support for the person you care for, our team would be happy to help. Reach out today, and we will start the conversation together.
Ready to begin? Use our contact page, or submit a referral:
Phone: 02 4915 9627