Care Givers Glossary
Here are some commonly used aged care terms and acronyms for your reference.
Carer
A carer is a person who provides regular and ongoing care and assistance to a dependent person. Often, a carer is a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who freely and willingly provides this support without payment.
Day Respite
Respite care offered periodically or regularly (from two hours to all day) in a persons home.
Dementia
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
In-Home Respite
Respite care provided in the home of the person or in the home of a host family.
Respite
Respite care (also known as short-term care) is a form of support for carers. It gives you the opportunity to attend to everyday activities and have a break from your caring role. Respite care may be given informally by friends, family or neighbours, or by formal respite services.