The Individual Respite department provides three main services. This includes 60 families accessing flexible respite packages, 15 individuals receiving a volunteer service and over 25 carers attending parent support groups.
Flexible Respite Packages
Eastern Respite’s Individual Respite program provides high quality, flexible respite packages to families/carers that care for a person aged 0 – 65 years. Respite is provided by a paid support worker who works directly with the person with a disability. Respite may take place in or out of the carers/ family home. Eastern Respite’s person-centred approach ensures the service responds to the individual needs, goals and personal preferences of the person and the family being supported by providing a strong emphasis on choice.
Stronger Together Respite Packages
Stronger Together Respite Packages are similar to flexible respite packages but are only for a 12 month period.
The intake process for Stronger Together respite packages is managed by the NSW’s government’s Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC). Referrals for Stronger Together packages need to be made by contacting ADHC on (02) 9334 3700. It is recommended to call in February and March, for the main allocation panel in April. Please note, referrals can be taken at any time during the year and presented to panels as vacancies arise.
Volunteer Program
Eastern Respite’s volunteer program links adult volunteers with adults who have a disability and low support needs. Wherever possible, volunteers are paired with a person who is about the same age, same gender and lives close by. The program encourages the pair to build mutual respect and understanding while enjoying everyday activities and companionship.
Parent Support Groups
Eastern Respite runs two parent support groups. One group is for people who care for a person with a disability over 30 years of age. The other is run in conjunction with Holdsworth Street Community Centre for people caring for a child with a disability aged 0 – 5 years. These groups provide carers the opportunity to create support networks through regular social activities and relevant information seminars facilitated by a variety of professionals.
Eligibility
To be eligible to access Eastern Respite’s Individual Respite services, the person with a disability must meet the following criteria:
- have a physical, intellectual or sensory disability
- be 0 – 65 years old
- live at home with their primary carer
- live in one of the 5 local government areas in Eastern Sydney – Botany, Randwick, Sydney City, Waverley, Woollahra
To find out about Eastern Respite’s referral process, please go to our make a referral page.
Cost
All individual respite services are free of charge, however personal costs incurred on outings e.g. tickets, meals, fares, etc. need to be covered by the person receiving the respite service. Eastern Respite will cover the costs of the support staff for planned activities.
