Respite and Accomodation

Living with MS can be difficult. Caring for someone with MS can also be difficult and it is important for carers to have regular breaks from their 'caring' role. This short break can often be enough to get one feeling rejuvenised.

There are a variety of short-term respite options available to people with MS and their carers, including in-home respite, centre-based respite, overnight or weekend respite, carer retreats, holidays, respite for older carers and emergency respite.

Overall, people with MS and their carer should decide on the best respite option together. It is also important to think about financial security and the support needs of the person with MS. Planning ahead for respite allows more flexibility and choice about when and where to access a service.

To adequately plan for respite, it’s important that everyone has the correct expectations. For example, viewing the service prior to a respite stay is advisable to decrease anxiety and ensure it is suitable to your needs.

Details on specific owned and contracted respite facilities are outlined in the links to ACT, NSW and VIC.

Useful resources:

Commonwealth Carelink and Respite Centres can assist with emergency respite arrangements and is available 24hr a day. Phone: 1800 052 222 or visit www.commcarelink.health.gov.au.

Carer Advisory Service is run by Carers Australia which provides emotional support, advice, information and referral to carers. This service is available during business hours.
Phone: 1800 242 636 or visit www.carersaustralia.com.au.