Run by Catholic Community Services, the in-home service offers flexible and adaptable respite options for carers and care recipients.

"The program is an enormous benefit to me, especially when I have to go to hospital for mental health reasons," said Ann, a mother of six.

"I know I can rely on the people who run the service and they are always happy to help.

"Anytime I need respite - some time out - they can arrange for the kids to be looked after.

"And once a month they organise the children to have a get-together for arts and crafts and to play games."

The program is designed to allow the carer, and the person being cared for, to take a break.

Whether it's for a few hours of the full weekend, respite relieves the stress of being a carer or simply allows carers time to look after "those other things" which need to be done.

Features of the in-home respite service include:

- Tailored program to suit the individual needs of the carer.

- Tailored program meeting the health, social and wellbeing needs of each care recipient.

- Enhanced opportunities for the care recipient for socialisation, skills development, in-home monitoring and recreational activities.

- Advice, information and support available for carers.

Catholic Community Services is a not-for-profit provider of aged, healthcare and community services across NSW and south-east Queensland.

For further information, contact program co-ordinator Jenny McCurdy on 6921 1286.