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Carer Support

What is it

A program that provides support and assistance to family and carers who are caring for people at home who are unable to care for themselves because of disability or frailty.

How it works

The federal government provides funding for:

  • Respite services – allowing respite for carers. Examples include:
    • Part/full day respite in day care centres
    • In-home respite services, including overnight care
    • Activity programs in the community.
  • Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres – that specialise in helping people find information on services in their local area. Centres have local knowledge about:
    • Personal, nursing and respite care
    • Household help, home modification and maintenance
    • Transport and meal services
    • Disability services
    • Day care and therapy centres
    • Assessment, including Aged Care Assessment Teams
    • Special services for dementia
    • Continence assistance
    • Support for carers
    • Community Aged Care packages.

Resourcing

Respite services are staffed by nurses, allied health staff and volunteers.

Success factors

  • Infrastructure that supports respite services, for example, dedicated respite buildings
  • Transportation options to escort patients, for example, a mini-bus to pick up and drop off patients.

Models in operation

  • Sutherland, Kyogle (day respite) (overnight respite options)
  • Pole Depot Community Centre

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