Flexible respite for carers is a program that offers carers of older people and people with Dementia a break from their daily care giving responsibilities.
By taking over the carer’s responsibilities for a short period of time, the carer has the opportunity to have some valuable time to themselves, improving the level of care they provide and preventing them from burning out.
Our clients are integrated into our extensive activities programs which are delivered at our centres and also in the community. We offer outings, lunches, short day trips and occasional weekends away.
We offer carer respite every day of the week. Times are negotiable depending on what suits the carer.
What can you expect from our respite service?
- Availability seven days per week between 6.00am and 8.00pm.
- Personal care assistance.
- Opportunities for carers and clients to be involved in all our centre-based and community activities.
- Specialist support to carers to assist them to continue caring.
- Education and information in areas including Dementia care, continence, ageing and wellbeing.
- Access to our library.
- Assistance with planning short term and longer term care.
- Advice on advocacy.
Transport
Clients are encouraged to make their own arrangements. However, a minibus can be made available by arrangement to assist with transport needs. Taxis may also be used and we encourage all our clients to use their half price taxi cards. Baptcare may be able to assist you with meeting travel related expenses. Please speak to the Coordinator for further information.
Fees
In some cases we may request an additional charge when a special activity or outing is arranged.
If you are having difficulty in paying fees, please contact the Coordinator who will discuss the most suitable options for your situation.
All enquiries are treated with confidentiality and respect. If you are unable to pay fees, you will not be disadvantaged in accessing our programs.
Eligibility
To access this program you must be identified and assessed as a carer. Carers must live in the cities of Stonnington, Bayside, Glen Eira, Monash and Kingston.
Locations
We offer respite care to employed carers of older people at the Baptcare Southaven Day Centre and Baptcare Brindabilla Day Centre.
Referrals
Anyone can make a referral to our respite services. We will accept referrals from the following people:
- Doctors
- Local health centres
- Family members, friends or neighbours
- Self referral
You can make a referral by visiting our centres, posting or faxing a letter or calling your closest centre.
Southaven Carer Support Program is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the national Respite for Carers Program.
Contact us
For more information on our employed respite care, please contact:
Baptcare Southaven Day Centre
117 Jasper Road
Bentleigh VIC 3204
Phone: 03 9557 8322