Our Vision
We envisage a society which recognises caring as a shared responsibility, which provides systems offering real choice and supports for carers, in the spirit of partnership and participation.
The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre Southern Region recognises the significant role carers perform in the community and upholds the dignity, rights, diversity and contribution of all carers. Our goal is to support carers and to improve services in partnership with carers, service providers, and the community.
Our Aims
- Promote the needs and choices of people with care responsibilities.
- Encourage carers to identify themselves as carers/parent carers and to acknowledge their needs.
- Increase the community's awareness of the role and contribution of carers.
- Achieve quality choices and outcomes for all people seeking support and respite care.
- Promote a community care ethic and care as a social responsibility.
- Bring the needs, views and concerns of carers to the attention of government and other policy makers.
Carer's Rights
Respect
It is recognised that many carers operate in a stressful environment and care will be taken always to treat carers in a friendly and courteous manner, fairly, and with respect for their dignity, whilst being sensitive to their cultural values.
Privacy
All information supplied by carers about themselves, their care situation and the care recipient will be treated as confidential and only disclosed with the carer's approval as necessary for further consultation or provision of services.
Choice
Information on services including options where available will be provided fully and openly to allow informed choice.
Consultation
The input and participation of carers is welcomed in the development of their own service plans and the planning of new or modified services.
Advocacy
Carers are entitled to be represented by an advocate of their choice.
Right of Refusal
Carers may withdraw from, or refuse, service provision or involvement in research.
Feedback
The Centre welcomes feedback on the quality or availability of services and has a formal procedure for recording and responding to any grievance or complaints which carers may have on services provided.
Carer's Responsibilities
Carers are expected to:
- Treat Centre staff with due consideration
- Provide accurate information about their needs and circumstances
- Understand that fees may apply for some services
- Recognise that the Centre has a duty of care to all parties concerned and a responsibility to mini mise risk to carers, care recipients and the broader community.
What Carers can Expect When Accessing the Carer Respite Centre
Access
Services are accessible to all carers in the Southern Region regardless of their care situation, personal circumstances and cultural and ethnic background.
Streamlining
Basic data supplied by the carer will be exchanged with other service providers, subject to the carer's approval, to avoid repetitive data gathering and assist with accessing another service system.
Recognition of Care Situation
Service plans will be based on a comprehensive understanding of the needs of both the carer and the care recipient and with particular attention to unusual or more difficult circumstances such as multiple care responsibilities.
Flexibility
Services will wherever possible be tailored to suit individual needs.
Service Response
- Support will be accessible 24 hours each day by calling 1800 052 222
- Messages left by carers when support workers are unavailable for any reason will be answered promptly
- Access to an interpreter wil1 be provided when required
Unmet Needs
The Centre will record all instances where carer needs cannot be met as a basis for future expansion and modification of services.
