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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
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Robyn Ayres

As my husband’s carer, I sometimes need a break – finding respite care in Australia shouldn’t be this difficult

Dementia My Aged Care
Close-up of a young person's hands gently clasping an elderly person's hands
‘If governments want people with dementia to remain at home, policy needs to recognise that supporting the person with dementia also means supporting the carer.’ Photograph: Eda Hoyman/Getty Images

I am a carer. My husband has advanced Alzheimer’s disease and lives at home with me. I love him and am committed to caring for him as long as I can. But advanced dementia care is relentless: no weekends, no clocking off and little chance to stop and breathe.

Sometimes I need a break. Recently, I needed five days.

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