Caring for our carers - Hindmarsh receives $11,273 in respite funding
Date: 15 January 2010
Caring for our carers - Hindmarsh receives $11,273 in respite funding
Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has announced more than $189,000 in one-off funding grants for 29 services across South Australia that provide respite for the state’s carers including $11,273 in Hindmarsh.
The funding is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to carers through the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP), which this year will provide more than $200 million to respite services and programs in Australia.
City of Charles Sturt Council will receive a total of $2,167.1 to provide a Wii console and television as part of their Supported Participation Respite Program while the Aged Care and Housing Group will receive $8655.9 towards carer networking, respite and their Men’s Shed project.
Steve Georganas said: “Carers across this nation play an important role in Australian society. They dedicate so much to improve the quality of the lives of our nation’s elderly and for people with disabilities.
“Caring for someone full time is physically and emotionally demanding and carers need to be able to take deserved breaks,” Steve Georganas said.
Almost 2.6 million Australians provide care for family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged. Of these about 500,000 are primary carers – the people who provide the majority of the care”.
“This $189,000 is about helping those at the community level.
“It will help important local services continue to meet the needs of their communities,” Steve Georganas said.
“These one-off grants will improve and support respite services for carers by covering costs such as minor building modifications or to purchase or replace equipment and furniture”.
“I hear first hand how these important services assist families and carers. Respite can allow the carer to go to work for a few hours, go to the shops or socialise with friends,” Steve Georganas said.
Community-based respite services are funded to provide respite opportunities in a variety of settings, such as:
• Day care centres which provide respite for a half or full day;
• In-home respite services, including overnight care and personal care services;
• Activity programs;
• Respite for carers of people with dementia and challenging behaviour; and
• Flexible respite in community settings.
For information about respite in your area please call Carelink on 1800 052 222 or for emergency respite outside of business hours on 1800 059 059.
