Carer Breaks

All Carers will need to go through a new registration and assessment process with the Carer Breaks Team. The reason for this is that some of the criteria for accessing the Carer Breaks program has changed since the last time we have spoken to you. The team will need to check the information with you based on the new guidelines, once your application is reviewed and endorsed you will receive further correspondence.

• Carers can access up to 3 Group Breaks or 1 Individual Break or 1 Retreat in a 12-month period.
• Selection criteria applies where there is high demand for a Carer Break, considering factors such as whether a Carer has accessed a Carer Break prior, financial disadvantage, stress levels, and availability in the region where Carers reside.
• The Carer breaks Events link will only be shared with Carers who are approved to access a Break. This is to provide clearer instructions for Carers who are eligible to access services and allows the Carer to select the break they wish to attend.
• Carers SA Staff may attend the start of some Breaks to help Carers settle in and answer questions

Group Activities/breaks Are usually 2-5 hours in length and are where a group of Carers meet and undertake an activity together e.g. art and craft session, mindfulness session, movie meal deal etc.
Carers SA Staff may attend some group activities and not others.

Retreats One or two nights away, in a group setting, including meals and some structured activities.

Individual breaks  Carers identified as most in need of an individual break and/or those who have limited or no other options to have a break away from the person they care for, one or two nights away.

Yes, Carers may still access a Break, depending on demand, the region they live in and the assessment.

We value your feedback. If you have feedback of any kind, whether that be positive feedback or a concern or complaint, please share them with us, and our team will address them promptly.  You can lodge feedback and complaints here – Feedback & Complaints – Carers SA or contact the Carer Breaks Team on 8291 5609

Carer Breaks is a popular and much-needed program, and due to limited funding, a selection criterion has been introduced to ensure fair and equitable access. This helps us prioritise Carers requests for a Break based on:

• The number of Carer Breaks they have accessed previously.
• Availability of other formal or informal respite options.
• Financial disadvantage including whether or not Carers are receiving a Government payment/s.
• Levels of stress or distress.

This approach ensures that Carer Breaks are allocated to highest need, while maintaining fairness and consistency across the State on how Carer Breaks are allocated within finite funding available.

Unfortunately, no this is not possible.  The purpose of the break is to give you time away from your caring responsibilities and to build social connections with other Carers.

If required you will need to make alternative informal or formal support for the person you care for during your time away, other Carer Gateway services may be able to support this.

To improve and tailor support for Carers, feedback is valued and can be provided through a short survey. Responses will not only guide the enhancement of services and experiences for Carers but also strengthen advocacy efforts to the funding body (Department of Human Services) for additional resources

If for any reason you are unable to attend your upcoming Break, please let us know so that we can reallocate the spot to another Carer.

We know that the Caring role may be unpredictable, and we understand that there may be factors outside of your control. With limited resources, our goal is to support as many Carers as we are able, and we appreciate your help with this. Late notice cancellations (less than 2 clear business days) will be considered a cancelled Break and may impact your eligibility to attend future Breaks.