SERVICES aimed at making respite care more accessible have been welcomed by leading carers organisations.
In-home care aged care provider and disability support service KinCare has launched a flexible program aimed at making it easier for carers to find respite care.
KinCare chief executive Jason Howie said the new model - which is being rolled out in ACT, NSW and WA - was about breaking down the barriers of accessing respite by removing fixed dates and times.
"Carers play a vital role in our communities, yet the majority struggle to find time to care for themselves because respite options are too rigid," said Mr Howie.
He said a one-size solution does not fit all.
"If we're serious about increasing access to respite then it must be flexible and it needs to adapt to the individual. Carers come in many different forms and care in different ways."
No formal referral is needed to access the KinCare support and services can range from a few hours a week to take a Zumba class, go for a swim, or simply visit friends to live-in care that allows the carer to have a longer break.
There are currently 2.7 million carers in Australia and a recent survey by Carers NSW of 1800 carers found a third had never accessed respite.
Carers NSW CEO Elena Katrakis said prioritising the development of diverse, flexible respite options is a must.
"Our survey confirmed there simply aren't enough flexible respite options and people are still unsure of how to access respite," Ms Katrakis said.
She said many carers find respite gives them much needed time out from caring, allowing them to focus on their own health and wellbeing and spend time with family members and friends, or pursue education or employment.
"Respite needs to be made more accessible to carers rather than having to ring around various departments and being put on a waiting list that you never hear back from," Ms Katrakis added.
Meanwhile in Newcastle a community cafe program that started with cake and coffee has resulted in a respite program.
SummitCare Wallsend now offers a bookable service that allows carers to plan ahead and book their loved ones in for respite care.
"Until now there has been no flexible respite care service available in the Wallsend and Hunter are and yet there are a huge amount of people who are caring for their older parents and relatives," said SummitCare Wallsend manager Glenn Kirkman.
"It can be so difficult for people who have the responsibility of caring for their elderly mum or dad. They need a break but they often leave it until breaking point rather than planning ahead and saying 'let's book mum into respite and book ourselves a holiday,'" he added.
- National Carers Week is from October 15-21, www.carersweek.com.au
Carers NSW 1800 242 636
SummitCare Wallsend, (02) 4944 1500
Kincare, www.kincare.com.au
