Page Sections: Centre Based Day Respite | Home Respite | Emergency Respite | Illawarra Dementia Respite Service | Twilight Tours | Neighbour Aid Service | Retirement Options Program | Respite and Relaxation for Carers
Our Respite Services are available to help give carers of frail older people, and people with disabilities, the chance to have a break from the responsibilities of full time care. We also provide the person being cared for with the opportunity for new experiences and different social contacts.
Centre Based Day Respite
- short term care for frail older people, people with disabilities and their carers
- a mix of social, recreational and educational activities in a safe, friendly environment
- centres located throughout Wollongong
- each centre operates one day per week for approx 4 hours
A small fee applies to cover transport, food and activities.
Home Respite
- flexible respite for carers of people with early stage dementia
- respite can include outings and in-home care
- relief carers are specially trained and long-term volunteers.
This is a free service, although contributions are encouraged.
Emergency Respite
Emergency Respite is a service for carers and provides temporary in-home care for people with dementia at times of crisis when:
- the carer falls ill or has a medical emergency
- the carer has a family crisis
- the demands of caring are just too much and an immediate break is needed.
Care is provided by trained staff (with nursing qualifications if required) who are able to attend to all the care needs of the person with dementia. Care can be provided for up to 72 hours in one block if necessary or in several blocks of service depending on the carer's requirements. Emergency respite is available 24 hours a day and can usually be organised within one hour of being required. This service is provided in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas. There is no charge to families for this service although a contribution may be requested in the future.
Illawarra Dementia Respite Service
- a range of respite options for people who care for a person who has dementia with challenging behaviours
- care is provided by trained nursing staff
- availlable to those in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas.
Twilight Tours
- small group outings for people who have dementia and experience restlessness and agitation
- staffed by two nurses and a trained volunteer driver
- bus transport provided.
Neighbour Aid Service
Companionship and social support for older people, those living with disabilities and their carers. Priority will be given to those living alone with low support needs. Services offered include:
- in-home companionship - letter writing, reading and conversation
- community access – shopping, bill paying, going out for lunch or coffee - small client contribution required
- Up the Garden Path - low impact works to improve access to the home eg removal of moss on pathways, minimal pruning of plants / shrubs, repairing unstable pathways.
Client contribution of 10% of total service fee is required.
Retirement Options Program
- social and / or recreational support to people over 55, who have a long term disability and / or aged carers
- support tailored to individual needs
- trained volunteer or worker will provide assistance to access affordable community leisure activities, eg: trip to the movies, a chat over a cuppa, joining a bowling club, going fishing, learning to dance
A partnership with Life Without Barriers and Greenacres
Respite and Relaxation for Carers
- ongoing regular respite for carers of frail older people and people with disabilities
- respite provided by volunteers or a brokered nursing service, depending on the level of care required.
- volunteers and relief staff offer in home companionship for clients, to go for an outing such as coffee, lunch, the movies, or to go for a walk or for a drive.
- all volunteers are welcome and will be reimbursed for all out of pocket expenses.
A small contribution towards the cost of the service will be requested.
Referrals and enquiries can be made to the project officer on 4227 7128.