We've updated how we describe short term accommodation. It's now called short term respite.
This new name better reflects the purpose of the support. Which is, to give participants time apart from their usual care arrangements, while their primary informal supports take a short break. This support helps primary informal supports to continue in their caring role.
We spoke with participants, families and carers about this change. Most told us short term respite better reflects the value of informal supports and the importance of sustaining these relationships. It also shifts the focus to the support being provided, whether at home or in shared settings, rather than the accommodation.
We know that some people have concerns about the word 'respite'. Many carers and informal supports use the word and understand it well. After considering all feedback, we chose short term respite because it is widely recognised and clearly describes the support.
To make short term respite easier to understand and use, we've updated Our Guideline. These changes help participants, providers, and authorised representatives make informed decisions and use funding appropriately.
The updated short term respite guideline explains:
- who can use short term respite
- what it includes
- how it should be used
- how decisions are made
It also outlines where the support can be used and gives examples.
