CARERS in the Queensland regions of Wide Bay, Darling Downs and the Gold Coast can now have a chance to recharge their batteries, thanks to the expansion of a respite care service.
Churches of Christ Queensland has rolled out its respite service to the three areas, giving carers an opportunity to take a break from caring for loved one.
Respite care is a temporary, short-term care arrangement where an older person is cared for by someone other than their main carer. While their loved one is being looked in a supportive community, carers can have a rest and take time to look after themselves.
Charlene's mum Deloraine enjoys weekend stays at her local respite cottage every month. Now aged 88, the former hairdresser loves socialising with others in a safe and welcoming environment and being involved in activities away from home.
Always close to her mum, Charlene found it hard at first to admit that she needed a break from caring.
"I thought I was fine, I didn't need help. But as her dementia worsened it was getting harder to care for Mum, and there's no other family support. I'm it," Charlene said.
"I realised I needed a break from caring, and Mum needed a break from me too. At the respite cottage she benefits from having different people to talk to and getting out of the house."
Knowing that her mum is happy, safe and being cared for by professionals provides peace of mind for Charlene.
"The Churches of Christ Community Care services are a life saver. She has regular monthly respite care, plus it's there for emergencies. The staff are lovely and they really care for Mum. When I pick her up, she tells me all about her stay and doesn't want to leave."
When her mum's at the respite cottage, Charlene enjoys spending time with her daughter, going for lunch or shopping, and she recently studied genealogy.
"You're a better help when you've recharged your batteries," she added.
Jenny has been caring full-time for her 95-year-old mother Dorothy, who is living with dementia, for more than four years.
"It's mentally draining caring for Mum and I get really tired. For me, respite care has been so good. It gives me a breather and means my husband and I can go out and not worry about mum's safety. We can go to the movies, go away for the night, or just stay home and relax," Jenny said.
Dorothy stays once a month at the homely respite cottage, and said it feels like she's visiting friends for a 'sleepover party'.
"The respite cottage is marvellous for mum's wellbeing. The social activities stimulate her, and she sees new people and does different things," Jenny said. "Knowing she's well looked after, we can drive off with no qualms."
Funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program, respite care is now available in Bundaberg (07-4150-1450), Hervey Bay (07-4124-8985), Gold Coast (07-5539-7601) and Warwick/Darling Downs (07-4660-1151).
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