Northern Beaches Respite for Employed Carers

The Respite for Employed Carers project is funded by the Australian Department of Health & Ageing under the National Respite for Carers Program. The project is aimed at enabling carers of frail older people to combine their caring, study and employment tasks. The flexible respite can include social support, transport to other social support services, escort to medical appointments, personal care, monitoring and meal preparation.

WHAT IS RESPITE FOR EMPLOYED CARERS?

This service provides respite for employed carers to help them to combine their caring and employment responsibilities. The respite is provided in a flexible and responsive way in order tomeet the needs of the carer and the person for whom they care.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Employed carers of frail older people, including people with dementia.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

♦ The coordinator will take a referral and ascertain eligibility for the service.
♦ The coordinator will undertake a respite assessment with the carer and discuss what type of assistance would best meet the needs of the carer and the person for whom they care.
♦ The coordinator will provide a Service Agreement, including the right and resposibilities for the client, complaints procedures and information regarding privacy and confidentiality policies.
♦ The coordinator will arrange the respite required by the carer and will then monitor and adjust the respite according to the changing needs of the carer and the person for whom they care.
♦ Experienced direct care workers will be used to provide the service.
♦ The coordinator will act as a link to other respite as needed, including emergency, residential and short term respite.

WHAT IS THE COST?

A contribution towards the cost of the direct service will be negotiated on an individual basis.

WHO CAN MAKE A REFERRAL?

Anyone can make a referral to the service.