Respite Services

What do Respite services provide?

Respite services provide support for older people, people with dementia, dementia and challenging behaviors, young people with a disability, people with a terminal condition or a mental illness and for carers and their families. Respite services offer individual social and recreational activities, as well as 'time out' for carers. Care can be either in-home, in the community or centre based. Cottage overnight accommodation is available in some areas.

 

Trained respite workers undertake client assessments. Needs based programs and activities are developed with clients and carers to enhance quality of life and provide opportunities for social and community contact.

Respite services are generally planned, however emergency services are available in some areas. Call 1800 059 059 for further information.

Anyone who is a carer can ask for respite as respite care provides breaks for carers and the people they care for. Respite allows you to have a rest, to have time for yourself and to help restore the balance in your life.

 

For the person being cared for it may provide a new face, a different place and contact with others. Respite can be in home, at a day centre, in a residential facility or elsewhere. It can be for a few hours, a day or a couple of weeks and during an emergency.

 

You're a carer for a frail older person, a person with a chronic illness or an adult or child with a disability, it's an ongoing, full time responsibility but you just need a rest – contact your nearest Respite Service and discuss your needs on 1800 059 059.

 

Who assists you?

SUPPORT FACILITATORS (CARER SUPPORT OFFICERS)

A Support Facilitator is someone who people (carers) will talk to when they ring our service and who can assist the carer, especially in times of crisis, or when difficulties are being experienced in finding the most appropriate services. Support Facilitators can help by:

• Linking carers to appropriate services
• Providing short term funding, if necessary, to purchase services to assist carers - eg. in-home support, residential respite, Cottage Respite
• Assisting with immediate and long term care planning to meet the carer’s needs, eg. arranging regular respite
• Offering referrals for counselling and emotional support
• In home assessments through visiting carers in their home or at a place convenient to the carer
• Providing relevant information to assist the carer
• Introducing carers to carer support groups and networks
• Offering a volunteer for social support, shopping or for a visit and chat

 

Intake Officers

An Intake Officer is someone you will talk to when you ring our Direct Respite Service and who can assist carers, especially in times of crisis, or when difficulties are being experienced in finding the most appropriate services. Intake Officers can assist clients, service providers and/or the carer, especially in times of crisis, or when difficulties are being experienced in finding the most appropriate services. Intake Officers support the Direct Respite Services arm In home Support Workers, Domestic Assistants, Veterans Home Care eligible clients and Emergency After Hours Staff in their clients services support role.

 

Direct Respite Services In Home Respite Support Staff

All Direct Respite Services are trained and qualified to provide quality support that is planned and provided for the carer and the person you care for. The staff can assist in many ways and where we are not able to provide the direct service we purchase a service from another organisation so the most appropriate service provided meets your needs and the needs of the person you care for in the best possible way. Contact our Intake staff on 1800 059 059 if you would like to discuss anything about your support and respite issues.

 

Important Note: What You Need to Tell Respite Workers.

When you have an In Home service organised and a respite worker comes into your home it is essential before you go out to ensure the worker is aware of:

• all the health needs and medication regime of the person being cared for, any allergies and reactions

• the usual routines of the person being cared for and what they can and cannot do for themselves, and very importantly, their likes and dislikes,

• anything that can be done that may further assist you such as light household duties,

• a mobile or other emergency contact number in case you have an accident and for any callers or visitors you are expecting
  

Where do I go for more information?

Important numbers and websites for carers

•Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres – 1800 059 059*
•Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres – 1800 242 636*
•Commonwealth Carelink Centres – 1800 052 222*
•Aged Care Information Line – 1800 500 853*
•Dementia Helpline – 1800 100 500*
•National Continence Helpline – 1800 330 066*
•Aged and Community Care website at www.health.gov.au

 

This figure was correct at the time of publication. However, this amount is reviewed on a regular basis.

 

Please contact the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853 for the current amount.

 

*Freecall™—calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates.

*Local call from local phones, mobile calls at mobile rates