Respite

SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (VIC) CARING FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

We recognise that caring for someone who is aged and frail can sometimes be exhausting. That is why we offer the following options to support people who care for a loved one.

In-home respite care is provided by highly skilled personnel, through our Community Support Services. To access this service, phone SCC (Vic) on (03) 8564 1800.

All our residential aged care homes, as well as Macleod Cottage, are funded for Day Respite and offer day, overnight and emergency respite options. Day respite allows clients to participate in activity programs outside their own home to stimulate social interaction, maintain daily living skills and promote general wellbeing. Clients are gently encouraged and supported to participate in activities that meet their own interests and abilities. Overnight respite places are available for planned short and long stays or emergency respite.

To be eligible for respite care in a residential home, you need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS). Your doctor can organise this assessment, or you can contact an ACAS team yourself.

For a list of ACAS services click here

If approved, this assessment is valid for 12 months.

For further information or to access this service contact, SCC (Vic) on (03) 8564 1800, or the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre on (1800) 059 059.

Macleod Cottage, located at 5-7/9 Broadford Crescent, Macleod offers day, short term overnight and emergency respite for older people living with dementia. Located in Melbourne's outer north-east, Macleod Cottage offers vital support to the carers of people living with dementia by providing short term day respite, overnight and emergency accommodation. Macleod Cottage is a small home-like environment that caters for small numbers of people – with up to six overnight clients at any one time. Respite can be arranged on an occasional, regularly planned or on a short-stay emergency basis.

No ACAS assessment is required if you are paying privately for respite at home, or if you are accessing our Macleod Cottage Respite Service.

To find out more about Macleod Cottage Respite, contact the Manager on (03) 9432 4350.

Fees for Respite Care and Support

In-home and day respite programs operate on a "fee-for-service basis". Costs vary according to the level of care required.

Respite in an aged care residential home is funded jointly by the Federal Government, through its National Respite for Carers Program, and the client. Fees are flexible and affordable and take into account individual circumstances.