In home respite care
There are a number of different programs both state and commonwealth funded that provide in home respite. The HACC program can provide respite services without an ACAS assessment. The National Respite for Carers Program can also provide services without an ACAS assessment but a formal diagnosis of dementia is required. Community packages can also provide in home respite but an ACAS assessment is required.
Encourage carers to access respite early and in short bursts to build confidence in accessing respite and for the person with dementia to get used to their carer being away for short periods of time. Access and the amount of respite will depend on need and availability which will be determined by the respite provider.
Contact Details
Refer to Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres (Southern Region - Alfred Health Carer Services)
Freecall during business hours 1800 052 222
Emergency respite support outside standard business hours: 1800 059 059
Alternatively, refer to My Aged Care 1800 200 422
This service provides free and confidential information on services available across the South Eastern Melbourne Region.