Participant Enquiries
Need a Break? How Carer Gateway Emergency Respite Works
Empowrd • February 3, 2026
If you’re providing ongoing care for a family member, friend, or loved one living with a disability, medical condition, mental illness, or age-related frailty, you’re a carer.
And while being a carer can be rewarding, it can also be exhausting. There are times when the emotional, physical, and mental load becomes too much. You might feel overwhelmed, burned out, or be dealing with your own health concerns. In moments like these, emergency respite can be a lifeline.
What Is Emergency Respite?
Emergency respite is short-term care arranged when you, the carer, are suddenly unable to continue in your caring role. This might be due to:
- Illness or injury
- Extreme stress or burnout
- A personal emergency
- Needing urgent time to rest or recover
Emergency respite means someone else temporarily steps in to support the person you care for so you can look after yourself.
Who Can Access Emergency Respite?
Any carer can access support through Carer Gateway. Whether you’re just starting your caring journey or have been caring for years, you’re eligible for free services and support.
Importantly, accessing Carer Gateway services does not affect any government payments or assistance you may already receive.
Real Experience
“When I needed a break, I contacted Carer Gateway. They helped me organise for my independent support worker — someone my child already knew — to step in and provide care. Carer Gateway covered the cost, and I was able to rest knowing my child was supported.”
How to Get Help
If you find yourself in an emergency or need respite care:
- Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 (24/7)
- You’ll be connected with a local provider who can assess your situation and coordinate respite.
- You can also
explore planned respite or
create an emergency care planin advance, so you’re not caught off guard in a crisis.
Tip:
Planning for respite before it’s urgent is one of the best ways to protect your wellbeing, but if you’re already at breaking point, help is still available.
What If the Person You Care For Is an NDIS Participant?
While Carer Gateway emergency respite supports the carer, it’s also critical to ensure the NDIS participant continues receiving support if you’re temporarily unavailable.
If the person you care for is an NDIS participant with Support Coordination in their plan, a Support Coordinator can:
- Develop or update an emergency care plan to prepare for disruptions
- Coordinate with service providers to temporarily fill support gaps
- Help maintain continuity of care and ensure essential supports continue
At Empowrd, we provide a personal, accessible, and holistic approach to disability support based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula. If you’re a carer supporting someone with an NDIS plan, we can help make sure the right supports are in place so no one is left without help when the unexpected happens.
Note: Empowrd does not manage or fund Carer Gateway services, but we can support the NDIS participant side of the planning if they have NDIS Support Coordination in their plan.
Why Emergency Respite Matters
Carers often put their own wellbeing last, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking a break isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Emergency respite helps you recover and regroup, while strong planning ensures the person you care for isn’t left unsupported when things change suddenly.
Real Stories: Tune In to the Lives of Carers
Want to hear real stories from other carers? Check out the Tune In to Care Podcast by Wellways.
This series explores the everyday experiences, challenges, and resilience of carers across Australia with honest conversations and valuable insights for anyone on the caring journey.
Final Thoughts
You are not alone. Whether you’re a full-time carer or juggling care with other responsibilities, emergency respite is available when you need it most.
Take a break. You deserve it, and the person you care for deserves a plan that works even when life doesn’t go to plan.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
If you are ready to be Empowrd to live your life to the fullest, let us steer you on the right path.
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Be EMPOWRD to Live Your Best Life
If you’re ready to be empowered to live life on your terms, we’re here to help guide the way. At Empowrd, we offer a personal, accessible, and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination. We’ll ensure your plan works for you, allowing you to focus on your goals and the things you love most.
