Totally get how overwhelming it feels trying to figure out respite care disability for the first time. I went through something similar with my 12-year-old in North Melbourne, and honestly, starting small helped me a lot. I began by calling a few local providers just to ask about what they offered and how they handle routines—it eased my nerves. I also found this site, Our Family Respite, really handy for seeing options and getting a feel for services in the area without committing straight away. It’s worth checking out, even just to compare what’s available nearby. Don’t stress about getting it perfect on the first go; a short session or trial can make it a lot easier to see what works for both you and your child.
This post was edited by joshua walsh at September 9, 2025 11:14 PM EDT
Last week, my dad slipped and broke his ankle, and suddenly I was the only one left to manage everything at home. I work full-time, and between running errands, handling his appointments, and just trying to keep my own life on track, it all became overwhelming in a matter of days. I started searching for help, but everywhere I turned, there were long waitlists or complicated forms to fill out. What I needed was emergency respite care, something flexible and immediate. But is emergency respite care available when I need it, or will I be left to manage everything on my own?