Caring for myself

If you care for someone, it’s important to make sure you’re also taking care of yourself. There’s support available to help you do this.

Caring for someone can be tough. It’s easy to become exhausted and overwhelmed. There’s support available to help you look after yourself.

Breaks from caring

Sometimes you may need to take a break from caring so you can rest and recharge.

You get up to 63 days of respite each year without affecting your payment if you get:

Respite care is when someone else takes care of the person you care for, so that you can have a break. Read more about planned and emergency respite on the Carer Gateway website.

Getting support

There are lots of things to manage when you’re a carer. The Carer Gateway website has tips and information to help you.

It’s important to look after your physical and emotional health when you are a carer. Read more about looking after yourself on the Carer Gateway website.

Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers. Their website has information about national carers group and support services.

If you’re living with violence or abuse, there are some things you need to do to keep your information safe. Find out more on where to get help.

Payments and support

We have payments for carers. Read about getting a payment when you’re caring for someone.

There are also other services to help carers. Read about getting support.

Page last updated: 18 November 2024.
QC 60100