Emergency Respite Care

Who Do You Call for Emergency Respite?

Carer Gateway, on 1800 422 737, at any time. You'll speak to your local service provider, who will talk through your options and book emergency respite where it's available.

• Someone in immediate danger: call 000
• Emergency respite for a carer: Carer Gateway, 1800 422 737, any time
• Changes to an NDIS plan: the NDIA on 1800 800 110
• An existing NDIS provider: ask if they can add urgent shifts from the participant's current Core budget

This service isn't an emergency service. We pass enquiries to providers, which takes time, so please use the numbers above in a crisis.

When Might You Need Emergency Respite?

When the person who usually gives care can't, at short notice.

• The main carer is suddenly unwell, injured or in hospital
• A death or serious illness in the family
• An urgent situation that makes it hard for the carer to keep caring

These are the situations My Aged Care and Carer Gateway describe for emergency respite. They apply whether the person you care for is a child, an adult with disability or an older person.

How Can the NDIS Help in an Emergency?

Flexible Core funding already in the plan can be used for extra support worker shifts. If the plan isn't enough because your situation has changed, ask the NDIA for a change to the plan.

The NDIA's guideline says you can ask for a change to your plan if your situation has changed, or if the plan doesn't have the support you now need. Using more Core funding now means it may run out sooner, so tell the NDIA if the change is likely to last.

Short-term accommodation is not crisis accommodation. The NDIA says it doesn't replace mainstream supports like crisis accommodation, and it won't fund it if you're in a housing crisis. If someone has nowhere safe to live, contact homelessness services in your state or territory.

How Do You Plan Ahead for an Emergency?

Write an emergency care plan, and have a provider already set up before you need one.

• Write down the person's routines, care needs, medication, equipment and who to call. Carer Gateway suggests making an emergency care plan
• Have at least one in-home respite provider who already knows the person, even if you only use them now and then
• Keep a copy of the NDIS plan and your providers' contact details somewhere family can find them
• Tell a trusted family member or friend where the plan is