We are the contact point for information about respite and support services available to carers in the southern region of Melbourne. Services to carers includes practical and emotional support, assistance in planning for their short and long term needs, and access to respite (including urgent respite) and other services.
We also provide information about local and regional aged, disability and mental health services to assist people to live independently in their own homes.
The southern region of Melbourne, Victoria is made up of 10 local government areas incorporating Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip and Stonnington.
In addition, except in the case of palliative care, the care will have been provided for six months or more, or the care is likely to be ongoing for at least six months.
Respite can mean different things to different people. It may mean someone coming to your home, such as a paid worker, relative or friend. They may help the person you care for to shower, keep them company while you go shopping, visit a friend or simply sleep. They may take them on an outing, arrange for them to have a few nights stay in a respite house, or to attend a day program or camp.
To find out more, click here
To find out more, click here
To find out more, click here
We also provide information about local and regional aged, disability and mental health services to assist people to live independently in their own homes.
The southern region of Melbourne, Victoria is made up of 10 local government areas incorporating Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip and Stonnington.
Are you a carer?
A carer provides substantial unpaid care and support to an older person or someone living with a disability, dementia or mental illness, and may be a young carer. The person being cared for could be your partner, parent, family, neighbour or friend. You may or may not live in the same house.In addition, except in the case of palliative care, the care will have been provided for six months or more, or the care is likely to be ongoing for at least six months.
What is respite?
Respite helps you to find the balance between caring for yourself and the person you support. It gives you a break from your caring role and time to rest and recover. It should be a positive, enjoyable experience for you and the person you care for.Respite can mean different things to different people. It may mean someone coming to your home, such as a paid worker, relative or friend. They may help the person you care for to shower, keep them company while you go shopping, visit a friend or simply sleep. They may take them on an outing, arrange for them to have a few nights stay in a respite house, or to attend a day program or camp.
What is urgent respite?
Your need for respite is urgent when something unexpected happens and you require support today or in the next 24 hours. This could be because you suddenly cannot provide care, when you are ill, have an accident, or if you feel you cannot manage at the moment.Latest News
Young Carers Have Their Say
The Bring it! Young Carers Forum 2008, will be held at Parliament House in Canberra, on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 November 2008. The forum will focus on the latest research and needs of young carers.To find out more, click here
Sunday Free Public Transport for Carers
From the 26th October 2008, there will be free Sunday public transport in Victoria, for carers and people receiving disability pensions.To find out more, click here
Government Announces Payments to help Carers
On the 14th of October 2008, the Government announced their new ‘Economic Security Strategy’ package, including bonus payments across all pension types, such as the Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension and Carer Allowance.To find out more, click here
