Support for carers
Caring for someone you love is meaningful work, and it can also be demanding. We provide in-home respite so you can take a break, alongside practical help for carers across greater Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
You don’t need an assessment or a referral to talk to us.
Looking after yourself matters too
Caring for a partner, parent or friend comes from love, and it's some of the most important work there is. It can also ask a lot of you. Looking after your own health and wellbeing isn't taking away from your caring — it's what helps you keep going.
Many carers reach a point where they're running low. If you recognise any of these, it may be time to get a bit more support:
- you’re often tired, run down, or not sleeping well
- you’ve had little time for things you used to enjoy
- you’re feeling isolated, anxious, or flat
- you can’t remember your last proper break
If that's you, there's help — and some of it is free. You don't have to wait until things feel overwhelming.
Good places to start
Two free national services are a good first step, whatever stage you're at:
Carer Gateway
1800 422 737The Australian Government's free service for carers: counselling, coaching, peer support, practical advice, and help arranging respite, including emergency respite if you suddenly can't continue caring. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
National Dementia Helpline
1800 100 500Free advice and support for anyone caring for someone living with dementia — any time, 24 hours a day, including the middle of the night.
Both are free, and we're happy to help you make sense of them and work out what's right for you.
Taking a break: how respite works
Respite is short-term care for the person you look after — a few hours, a day, or longer — so you can rest, work, or simply have time to yourself. We provide in-home respite, where a care worker comes to the home, so the person stays in familiar surroundings while you take a break. Other kinds, like a day program or a short stay elsewhere, also exist, and Carer Gateway can talk you through them.
The cost of respite for the person you care for can be met through their Support at Home budget. It's often easier to start with short breaks early, rather than waiting until you're worn out.
In-home respite with Supported Home
A care worker who knows the person — and their routine — steps in, so you can step away with confidence. If you're caring for someone living with dementia, that continuity matters even more: the same familiar faces, not a stranger each time.
If you just need a break, that's reason enough to call.
Other support for carers
- Counselling and peer support — available free through Carer Gateway, or talk to your GP.
- Carer payments — you may be able to get a Carer Payment or Carer Allowance from Services Australia (Centrelink). These are separate from the aged care funding of the person you care for. Check at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
If you're caring for someone with dementia
Dementia care asks something different — the constant supervision, the changes, the broken nights. If that's your situation, our dementia care and respite are built around it.
Dementia care at homeFrequently asked questions
How do I get a break from caring?
What is respite care?
Is respite care funded?
What is Carer Gateway?
Are there payments for carers?
Can I get help if I’m not funded yet?
Get in touch
Speak with our care team
Talk to our team about respite and practical support for carers. You don’t need an assessment or a referral to start the conversation.
Call (07) 3517 0808 (office hours 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday), or request a call back and we will respond by the next business day.