Port Stephens Respite Care Program
The Respite Program is funded through Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services (ADHC), Disability Services Program (DSP) to provide nine respite packages per year, totalling 1500 hours of service.
Respite Care provides a break for someone with a disability away from the usual things they do every day. Respite can be received in the person’s home, or they may prefer to pursue a social activity of their choice such as shopping, going out for lunch or seeing a movie.
Respite Care provides the person with a disability with the opportunity to spend time away from their primary carer to pursue their own interests. Respite Care also gives the primary carer some free time to pursue their own interests, provides the opportunity for the carer to catch up on things they are otherwise restricted from doing, or just have a break from the demands of the caring role.
Respite Care is provided by paid staff members. The staff members are not nurses, but have participated in educational programs and are provided with ongoing training. All staff members hold a current First Aid Certificate.
Who can receive care?
People aged between 16 and 64 who have a disability with moderate to high support needs and live in the Port Stephens Local Government Area can apply. Applications are assessed and reviewed annually by an assessment panel to determine the eligibility and priority of an individual to receive the service.
What are the costs involved?
A contribution is requested towards the cost of providing respite care. This cost includes the first 30 kilometres of travel during the respite outing. Additional kilometres will incur a charge. People who cannot make a financial contribution towards the cost of providing respite care will not be disadvantaged in determining either their eligibility to receive the service or the amount of respite care they can receive.
Referrals
Referrals for the Respite Program can be made by self, relatives, carers, friends, Doctors, Social Workers, Allied Health Professionals, Discharge Planners and other Service Providers.
Referrals are to be made directly to DSPSI by contacting 02 4983 1786.
