Caring for someone
Carers
Caring is a rewarding experience, but it can also be very demanding. Sometimes carers also need help and support. Links to a range of information and help available for carers
National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP)
The National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) is one of several initiatives designed to support and assist relatives and friends caring at home for people who are unable to care for themselves because of disability or frailty.The Program provides:
- information and support for carers; and
- assistance to help carers take a break from caring (this is called respite).
The Program funds:
- More than 600 community based Respite Services;
- Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres;
- National Carer Counselling Program, and
- The Carer Advisory Service.
Further Carer Information
To find out about NRCP services in your area, contact your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre.Caring can be very demanding and carers sometimes need help and support. There is a range of information and support available for carers.
- Carer Publications including the Carer Information Pack are available to download or you can order them from the Aged Care Free Publications Order Form.
- Further Departmental carer information is available on Continence, Dementia, Mental Health and Palliative Care. Other Australian Government Departments and agencies that can assist carers are Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Disability Programs and Department of Veterans' Affairs.
- If you are caring for an older person or a person with a disability, you may be eligible for financial assistance such as the Carer Allowance and Carer Payment that are available through Centrelink.
- Further information and support is available to carers from Carers Australia, a national organisation for carers of people with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged.
- Relevant legislation relating to residential respite care and Carer Allowance.