About Respite Care

Carers provide support and assistance to the aged and people living with disabilities. Their work calls for these people to be well taken care of for them to live life as comfortably as possible. However, there are times when they need to take a temporary break to attend to personal emergencies, planned appointments, or have some rest and recreation. During these times, a primary caregiver can use respite care at their convenience.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is a service where someone else steps in to take care of a person who requires support in daily activities. This allows the carer to take a temporary break from work. Family, friends, or other care professionals can provide respite. It can also be planned or unplanned, as is the case for emergencies.

Types of Respite Care

Respite care comes in two forms – formal and informal. Friends and family can provide it informally, while care providers can do it professionally. Informal carers are usually unpaid, although they may receive assistance in some instances. Formal respite services have different types, listed below:

In-home respite

This type of respite care typically occurs during the day or at night, and the carer provides respite to the person in their home where the primary carer usually provides support and assistance.

Centre-based respite

This type allows respite care to be done outside the home, such as at a centre or club that offers recreational activities. This provides the opportunity for socialising with other people in a safe environment. The service may include transport to and from the centre.

Weekend or overnight respite

This type provides respite care in a facility (e.g., cottage style house) or at the home of a host family.

Community access respite

This type provides a social experience through individual or group activities and outings. Possibly provided overnight or during the day, it aims to maintain, develop, or support independent living.

Residential respite

This respite care may involve a short stay in a care facility like a supported accommodation or an aged care home. Residential respite care can be planned in advance and is also readily accessible in cases of emergency.

Where to Find Respite Carers

One way of finding a respite carer, especially in times of urgency, is through the Carer Gateway hotline at 1800-422-737. Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. The hotline will connect the caller to a local service provider who will talk through the options and book emergency respite care, where available.

Insurance for Respite Carers

Since respite caregivers have the same responsibilities as primary care professionals, they are exposed to the same risks and dangers of the job. It is just right that they also get covered with the same types of insurance that are vital for care providers.

• Public and Product Liability Insurance is a type of home care provider insurance protects providers and businesses from costly litigation following an allegation of negligence involving a company’s staff, products, or business activities, which contributed to an injury or damage to property of a third party.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance provides cover for alleged acts, errors or omissions arising from professional negligence or breach of duty which results in property damage, personal injury, and/or financial loss to the client or third party.
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance protects employees from work-related injuries and illnesses. If an employee is injured at work, this insurance covers their loss of earnings, medical expenses, and rehabilitation. It is compulsory for business owners in all states and territories in Australia to cover all their employees.
• Personal Accident Insurance provides cover for Individuals in the event they are unable to go to work due to an illness or injury. It is commonly purchased by individuals that are not eligible for Worker’s Compensation Insurance such as sole traders or working directors in states such as Queensland where they are not covered.

Just like primary care providers, respite carers also need to take care of themselves to be able to perform their duties the best way they can. Getting the right kind of insurance allows them to stay financially protected in case of unforeseen events. If you provide care services and haven’t taken out these types of insurance, now is the time to do it.

About Optimum Insurance

Optimum Insurance Services are insurance advisers dedicated to providing expert and tailored opinions, risk/need analysis, comprehensive insurance options, and top-notch service for all kinds of businesses from quote to claim. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do for you, let’s get in touch.