Respite care — a break for carers

What is respite care?

Respite care is temporary care that gives the primary carer a break. It can be:

• In-home respite — a care worker comes to the home so you can leave
• Day programmes — your parent attends a supervised programme during the day
• Residential respite — a short-term stay in a rest home (usually 1–4 weeks)
• Emergency respite — when the carer is unwell or has an urgent need

How to access respite

1. Needs Assessment. If your parent has had a Needs Assessment, respite days may already be part of their support plan. If not, request one through the GP.
2. Carer Support subsidy. If you provide 4+ hours/day of unpaid care, you may be eligible for the Carer Support subsidy — $82 per day. This is used to pay for replacement care. Allocated for 12 months at a time through the NASC.
3. Contact your local NASC or Health NZ to ask about available respite options in your area.

Costs

Planning respite

• Book early — residential respite beds fill up, especially over holidays. Plan 4–6 weeks ahead.
• Trial run — if your parent has never stayed in a rest home, try a short stay (2–3 days) first. Helps them adjust and helps you assess the facility.
• Familiar items — bring photos, their own pillow, a familiar blanket. Small things reduce anxiety.
• Talk to your parent — frame it as giving you a break, not sending them away. "I need to recharge so I can keep looking after you properly."
• Regular respite — a recurring schedule (e.g. one week every 3 months) is easier for everyone to adjust to than crisis-driven respite.

Signs you need respite now

• You're exhausted, irritable, or resentful
• Your own health is suffering — not sleeping, not eating well, skipping your own appointments
• You're withdrawing from friends or activities you used to enjoy
• You feel guilty for wanting a break (this is the biggest sign you need one)