You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Why Respite Care Matters for Disability Carers

Oh, you’re a carer?

So what you really mean is…

You coordinate therapies, juggle appointments, and keep track of medications. You advocate in meetings, fill out endless forms, and learn new systems so your loved one can access services. You manage meltdowns, celebrate small wins, and find creative ways to make the world a little more accessible. You do the emotional labour, the logistics, the advocacy, and the love — often all before lunch.

Caring for someone with a disability asks so much. It’s deeply rewarding, but it can also feel exhausting. That’s why it’s so important you remember this:

"You can’t pour from an empty cup."

If you aren't looking after yourself, how do you expect to look after someone else? That's where respite care comes in.

What “respite care” really means for you

When you hear “respite care,” you might think of someone else getting looked after. But this is for you too.

Respite care means knowing your person is in safe, capable hands while you take time to rest, recharge, or simply breathe. It might look like:

• A few hours for errands or catching up on sleep

• A day to yourself to do something you enjoy

• A weekend or short stay so everyone gets a change of pace

It’s not time off from caring. It’s a support system for carers.

Why you need respite care (not as a luxury, but as a necessity)

Because when you don’t rest, things start to crack.

• Burnout creeps in

• Patience runs low

• You lose connection to yourself and others

• Your ability to give quality care suffers

And it’s not just about you. The person you care for benefits, too:

• They experience new environments or routines

• They meet new faces, try new things

• They’re still supported, safe, engaged

So respite care isn’t a bonus. It’s a tool for both your wellbeing and theirs.

How we help — what you can expect from us

At IDSS, we’ve built our respite services around what you need.

We offer:

• Flexible respite options (a few hours, overnight, short stays)

• Tailored support based on their routines, interests, and needs

• Environments where people feel safe, valued, and engaged

• Respect for your trust — we’ll keep you connected (not out of the loop)

Your peace of mind matters. You should rest knowing your person is looked after in a way that feels right.

How much does respite care cost?

The cost of respite care can vary depending on the type of support, how long it’s needed, and where it takes place.

If you or your loved one are funded through the NDIS, respite care (often called short-term accommodation or assistance) is usually covered under your plan. This can include the cost of support, accommodation, and activities.

If you’re not on the NDIS, there are still options. Some carers access respite through community programs, local councils, or other funded supports. We can help you explore what’s available and what might fit your situation.

At IDSS, we believe every carer deserves access to quality respite. We’ll always be upfront about costs and work with you to find the best possible option.

Does the government pay or contribute towards my respite?

In many cases, yes — the government can contribute to the cost of respite care.

If your loved one has an NDIS plan, respite is typically funded through Core Supports or Short-Term Accommodation (STA) funding. This covers both your loved one’s care and the support staff who make it possible.

Outside the NDIS, there are government-funded programs and carer support services that may offer free or subsidised respite. Our team can guide you through what you might be eligible for and help with the paperwork if needed.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’re here to help make it simple.

This Carers Week, hear this from us

You do so much. You hold so much. You give so much of yourself every single day.

We see you.

We appreciate you.

And we’re here for you.

You deserve to rest. You deserve to recharge. You deserve to fill your cup again.

Learn more about how IDSS supports carers through respite care, give us a call on

1300 4377 669