Our home-like approach to respite care is making a meaningful difference for carers and people living with life-limiting illness

New research published in Palliative Care and Social Practice has highlighted the significant impact of Leo’s Place, Palliative Care ACT’s non-clinical respite home in Canberra.

The study, conducted by researchers from University of New South Wales and Palliative Care ACT, explored the lived experiences of carers, clients, staff, and volunteers involved with Leo’s Place. Researchers found that the home-like environment played a critical role in helping carers feel comfortable accessing respite support, something many participants described as a “lifeline.”

Located in an ordinary suburban home, Leo’s Place was intentionally designed to feel warm, welcoming, and non-medical. The research noted that traditional clinical environments can discourage carers from using respite services, even when they desperately need support. Participants repeatedly described Leo’s Place as feeling safe, restful, and supportive, “like home, but with staff.”

The study identified three key themes from participant interviews:

• Leo’s Place as a “lifeline”
• The value of a genuine break for carers
• The role of Leo’s Place as an advice and support hub for navigating palliative care systems and services

Importantly, carers shared that the respite provided at Leo’s Place allowed them to rest, attend appointments, reconnect with friends and family, and manage everyday life tasks that had become overwhelming under the pressures of caregiving.

The research also reinforced something our community already knows deeply: caring for someone with a life-limiting illness can place enormous emotional, physical, and practical strain on carers. Accessible, compassionate respite care is not a luxury, it is an essential part of supporting both carers and those they care for.

The paper concludes that non-clinical, home-like respite environments can reduce carer burnout, improve wellbeing, and potentially reduce pressure on broader health systems by providing support earlier and in more accessible ways.

As a result of Leo’s Place’s success, ongoing ACT Government funding has been secured, and work is now underway toward a purpose-built facility to continue and expand this important model of care.

We are grateful to the carers, clients, volunteers, staff, and researchers who contributed their experiences and insights to this work.