Carer programs

Carer programs

Caring for a loved one is a rewarding but demanding role. We know that to provide the best support, you also need to look after your own wellbeing. At OdysseyCare, we understand that finding genuine, consistent support can be a struggle.

Our Geelong and Melbourne teams offer dedicated carer programs and respite services. We provide temporary support, allowing carers to take a well-deserved break while ensuring participants continue receiving safe, high-quality assistance with daily living and community engagement.

Dedicated, compassionate & restorative support for carers

We don't believe in generic care. We focus on providing a structured, supportive environment that gives primary carers a break and helps prevent carer burnout.

Whether you need short-term in-home respite or emergency support, we tailor our approach to maintain family stability and support participant growth.

Our carer programs are built to adapt, and they strongly encourage:

  • Giving informal carers a planned break without compromising the participant's support.
  • Reducing the risk of burnout and carer stress.
  • Ensuring continuity of care and participant safety during unforeseen circumstances.
  • Supporting participant growth through independence-building and social connection.
  • Maintaining routine and consistency within the participant's own home.
  • Providing peace of mind so you can step away and recharge.

Supports we offer

We shape our carer support around the unique dynamics of your family.

In-home & emergency respite

Flexible support when you need it most.

  • In-home respite where a support worker provides care within the participant's own home.
  • Short-term breaks that ensure daily support needs are met safely.
  • Emergency respite offering short-notice support when informal carers become unexpectedly unavailable.
  • Assistance with daily living, personal care, and meal preparation while you rest.

Community & group respite

Opportunities for participants to engage while you recharge.

  • Group respite providing shared stays with peers.
  • Encouraging social interaction in a supported environment.
  • Short Term Accommodation (STA) for planned short stays.
  • Structured activities tailored to participant needs during the respite period.

Why choose OdysseyCare

OdysseyCare wasn't born in a boardroom. Leah, our founder, is a mum to four kids—one of whom is an NDIS participant. She got tired of generic, unfeeling services and built the company she spent years wishing she could find to give families real, reliable support.

Families stick with us because:

  • We understand the lived experience of being a carer and navigating the NDIS.
  • We don't just talk about trauma-informed practice. It's baked in.
  • We provide reliable, consistent care so you can truly switch off and relax.
  • We carefully match support workers to ensure the participant feels entirely comfortable.
  • Consistent, high-standard coverage across Geelong and Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

STA is a type of respite care funded under the NDIS that allows carers to take a short break while participants receive quality care and structured activities. It is usually funded under Core Supports.

Yes. In-home respite allows our support workers to provide care within the participant's own home, ensuring comfort and familiarity while you take a break.

We offer emergency respite to provide short-notice support if you become unexpectedly unavailable. This ensures continuity of care and participant safety during unforeseen circumstances.

NDIS funded support

Wondering about funding? Respite care helps maintain daily care and gives informal carers a planned break.

Typically, these programs fall under:

  • Core Supports: Assistance with Daily Life.
  • Short Term Accommodation (STA): For planned short stays.

If looking at your plan gives you a headache, don't stress. The NDIS commonly funds up to 28 days of STA per year, and our team can help show you how to make your funding work.

Important information

Getting things right from day one is crucial.

  • Talk to us. To support your STA request, we can help you understand the evidence needed, such as functional assessments and carer statements.
  • We need the standard onboarding paperwork signed off.
  • Nobody gets a generic plan. We map out a structured respite schedule that supports both the participant and the carer.

Getting started today

We are always keen to hear from participants, families, carers, or Support Coordinators. Need a well-deserved break? Give the friendly team a call today to ask a few questions or register your interest.