Support for Carers
OzPol knows the importance of providing support to working carers when they require a break. The Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre works in partnership with working carers to provide:
- Information and advice about respite care and other support services for carers
- Referral to appropriate service providers including OzPol Villa
- Funding emergency respite or one-off planned care situations
- A residential respite booking service
A working carer may need a break for a few hours or a few days, or may need help for a short period if, for example, the carer is ill or recovering from an illness. In addition, the person being cared for might need a change of scenery, or want more companionship than the carer can provide.
OzPol can do a number of things to support the carer in their caring role. Monitoring the health and well being of carers is part of supporting the caring role. OzPol provides information to carers on the different health and community service options as well as overnight respite for the respite recipient - this enhances the carer’s health and well being. When having a break from caring responsibilities the majority of carers will choose to do the things they have always enjoyed doing before they found themselves in a caring role.
Overnight respite is provided at OzPol Villa, where the respite recipient may receive regular assistance at night. Respite ensure the respite recipient’s usual routines and activities are not disrupted due to the absence of their carer and provides personal care, assistance with therapy or exercise programs or other support usually provided by their carer. Please refer to Overnight Respite for further information.