Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
The Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre is funded by the Commonwealth Government under the National Respite for Carers Program. The role of the centre is twofold, firstly the Carelink branch provides information to anyone in the community about how and where to access community care or services. Secondly Carer Respite provides services to primary carers of people who are frail aged, have a disability, have dementia or a chronic illness and require short term respite options. The respite can either be provided in the home or by accessing other community programs.
Who is a primary carer?
“The primary carer is the person who provides the most informal assistance to the care recipient. This could be a family member, friend or neighbour. The assistance has to be ongoing for at least 6 months and provided for ‘everyday types of activities’ to a person”. The six months does not apply for people in need of palliative care.
How can the Respite Centre help Primary Carers?
• Information
• Short term respite options
• Residential Respite bookings service
• Referral to ongoing services
Programs
1. Carelink
Carelink provides a free and confidential information service about community aged care, disability and other support services in the North. Anyone in the community can contact the Centre by phone, in person or by email. Centres can help with information on the range of services available, who is eligible and any costs involved. Freecall 1800 052 052 www.commcarelink.health.gov.au
2. Carer Respite Support
Support for Carers includes assisting them to access, plan and use respite appropriately and where required to provide short term or emergency support to prevent breakdown of the caring role. Freecall 1800 052 052
3. Mental Health Respite Program
This is a new program designed to develop opportunities for Carers of people with a mental illness to have a short term break from their caring role. This program focuses on the Carer, giving them the support they need. New and exciting respite options are being developed. Freecall 1800 052 052
4. Young Carers
It is recognised there are Young Carers who are under 26 years of age providing significant levels of care to family members or friends. These people are encouraged to seek assistance from the Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre. Support is available for all Young Carers, and in particular those who are completing their secondary education or a vocational equivalent and are having difficulty managing this in addition to their caring role. Freecall 1800 052 052
5. Overnight Cottage Respite
This type of respite gives carers an alternative to Residential Respite or in home respite. The priority target group is those with dementia but others will be considered on a needs basis. Respite is usually from 1 -12 nights duration and provides one to one care. Freecall 1800 052 052
6. Residential Respite
After an ACAT assessment clients are able to book residential respite through the Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre booking officer. Freecall 1800 052 052
