Decision guide
Respite Care Guide for Family Caregivers
Respite care is planned temporary support for the person receiving care so a primary caregiver can rest, attend appointments, travel or protect their own health.
Read the guideReliable relief for primary caregivers
Respite care that protects the caregiver without disrupting the person’s routine.
Respite care gives a primary caregiver or support person time to rest, attend appointments, look after their own health or step away for a while. The person receiving care keeps a familiar routine, and the family knows who will be there and what support will be provided.
Care needed soon? Call to ask about current availability.
Respite CareFamily Respite Care
Could this help your family?
This care may be worth considering when…
- A primary caregiver whose own health or energy is changing
- A spouse, adult child or support person who cannot provide the same level of care
- A family needing scheduled breaks, appointment coverage or travel support
- A caregiver seeking backup before reaching a crisis point
What support can look like
Care shaped around the person’s day.
- Short scheduled breaks or recurring respite visits
- Temporary coverage during appointments, travel or family obligations
- Companion, personal or dementia support based on the care plan
- Overnight respite when the person’s needs, staffing and overnight arrangement can be confirmed
- Clear handoff information before and after the respite period
How the nurse-led approach supports this care
Clear roles help the person, family and care team work together.
A nurse may be helpful when the person receiving care has health needs that affect the respite arrangement. The family should know which support a caregiver will provide and whether any part of the visit requires a nurse.
Clear expectations
What your family should know before deciding.
- Respite is planned coverage, not emergency backup.
- Overnight respite depends on staffing, rest rules and the person’s needs.
- Clinical procedures require an appropriately qualified professional.
A simple way to begin
Your family should know what happens next.
Tell us what is happening
Share what the person wants, what feels harder and when help may be needed.
Talk through the options
We will explain which kinds of support may be worth considering.
Know who will do what
Your family will know what a caregiver, nurse or other professional would provide.
Stay in touch as needs change
Let us know when something changes so the support can be looked at again.
Clear answers
Questions about respite care
Do I have to wait until I am overwhelmed?
No. Planned respite can be considered earlier as part of a sustainable care arrangement.
Can respite include personal or dementia care?
It may. The person’s needs should be understood in advance and matched with a caregiver who has the right training and experience.
Can respite be overnight?
It may be possible. We first need to understand what help is needed overnight, whether the caregiver must remain awake and which staffing arrangement is currently available.
Learn before deciding
Related decision guides
These guides explain what to ask, what to plan for and how to make care decisions with clearer expectations.
Decision guide
Caregiver Strain: Signs It Is Time to Add Support
Caregiver strain can show up as persistent exhaustion, disrupted sleep, missed medical care, irritability, isolation, difficulty working or a growing sense that one person is holding the entire plan together.
Read the guide
Decision guide
Dementia Care at Home: Routines, Safety and Family Support
Dementia care at home works best when support is built around the person’s familiar routines, communication style, abilities and known risks.
Read the guideA practical first step
Talk with a nurse about respite care.
Start with what is happening at home, who is already helping and what would make the biggest difference. We can explain the options and confirm current availability for your location and timing.