Services Respite for family carers
Respite for family carers
A trusted break for the family who do the caring.
- A care coordinator calls within 2 business days
- Matched by interests, language and personality
- Police-checked and vetted companions
- No ongoing contract for everyday support
Sound familiar?
If any of these sound like you, or someone you love, we'd love to help.
I haven't had a proper break in a long time.
I'd like to know Dad's in good hands while I'm out.
I just need a few hours to catch up.
How it goes
Every visit is different, so think of this as an example.
It starts with a conversation
A coordinator meets you, in your home where we can, before any care starts, to learn what a good day looks like for you.
Your companion arrives
Your companion arrives, and you know who is coming because you've been told about them first. You hand over the routines that matter.
Time together
You go out, or put your feet up at home. Your companion keeps your loved one company, with cards, a chat or a cup of tea, and the day carries on as they like it.
After every visit
Your companion writes a short summary before they leave: what was done, how you seemed and anything worth passing on. It appears in your account straight away.
What it can look like
Who it suits. Family members who do the caring and would value a trusted break.
- A few hours to rest, run errands or get to your own appointments
- Someone friendly keeping your loved one company
- A regular schedule you can plan around
- The peace of mind of knowing they're in good hands
Matched to you, not just your task
We choose companions for who they are as well as what they do: shared interests, language and personality. Your care coordinator talks it through with you and explains why they suggested each person.
For example
If you'd like to know exactly who's coming, your coordinator introduces your companion before the first visit, and looks for a good fit with the person you care for.
- Shared interests
- Same language
- Personality fit
- Shared hobbies
- Chatty or calm
- Right days & times
Good to have in your corner
Carefully checked companions
Every companion completes a National Police Check, identity verification and two reference checks. Where a State or Territory operates a Working With Vulnerable People scheme covering this work, our companions hold that clearance as well.
Someone to call
Your care coordinator is a phone call away for any questions. We're here Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm your local time.
Plans can change
Need to change or cancel a visit? That's okay, plans change. Give us two business days' notice and we'll reschedule, or you won't be charged.
Wondering about the cost? It's from $120 an hour, including GST, and you'll always see the full price before you book. What it costs →
What our companions don't do
- Companions only provide support they're trained, qualified and insured to provide, and will decline anything outside that.
- No clinical or nursing care, such as injections, wound care, or catheter and stoma management, unless we've told you in writing that it's available to you.
- Companions can remind you that medication is due, but they don't administer it.
- Everyday companion visits don't include heavy cleaning, work at height or home repairs. Gardening, handyman, painting, electrical and plumbing work are their own services, booked separately.
- Electrical and plumbing work is only ever done by a licensed electrician or plumber.
- If you need support we don't provide, tell us and we'll help you find a suitable provider.
Birchmere is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 000.
Can we meet the companion first?
Your care coordinator introduces your companion and tells you a little about them, so you know who is coming before they arrive.
How often can a companion come?
As often as suits you: one-off or a regular schedule, weekly, fortnightly or monthly, confirmed by your care coordinator.
Do I have to go out?
No. Some people go out; others stay home and rest. Your companion keeps your loved one company either way.
Will I meet my companion before the first visit?
Your care coordinator introduces your companion and tells you a little about them, so you know who is coming before they arrive.
Are your companions checked?
Every companion completes a National Police Check, identity verification and two reference checks. Where a State or Territory operates a Working With Vulnerable People scheme covering this work, our companions hold that clearance as well.
Trust & safety →What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Need to change or cancel a visit? That's okay, plans change. Give us two business days' notice and we'll reschedule, or you won't be charged. Inside two business days we charge 60% of the visit, capped at 4 hours. We waive it for hospital admission, illness, death or serious illness in the family, or emergencies.
Cancellation details →What does it cost?
From $120 per hour including GST. The price of each visit depends on the support you choose, the day and time, and where you live. You will always see the full price before you book.
What it costs →Other ways we can help
Would you like to deliver this kind of care? See carer roles
Guides that might help
Free to read online or download.
Guide1 min read
Living at home with dementia
Everyday ideas for families, and where to find expert help.
Read online: Living at home with dementia↓ PDF: Living at home with dementia
Guide2 min read
Respite for family carers
Why regular breaks matter, the kinds of help available, and how to make the first one easier.
Read online: Respite for family carers↓ PDF: Respite for family carers
Want to talk it through?
A care coordinator will call you within 2 business days. Real human, no scripts, no obligation.
Get started