Funding for respite care
Eight grants have been allocated to increase access to dementia-specific services.
New government grants have been awarded to providers to improve respite care for people with dementia living at home.
The federal government’s $8-million respite support program – established in response to recommendations of the royal commission – aims to increase access to dementia-specific respite services, increase the capability of providers to improve the quality and experience of respite care, and offer respite care planning. It also aims to educate carers and improve their wellbeing.
Grant recipients include:
- BaptistCare NSW & ACT
- Brightwater Care Group
- Southern Cross Care WA
- Anglicare Southern Queensland
- Catholic Care Central Queensland
- Roman Catholic Trust for the Diocese of Cairns
- Carers NT.
Eight new grants have been allocated in all, with BaptistCare receiving two.
“This investment from the federal government will enable BaptistCare to expand our Refresh Retreats into Western Australia and offer a carer coaching program in the Australian Capital Territory,” said Sarah Newman – general manager of home care at BaptistCare NSW, ACT and WA.
Ms Newman told Community Care Review: “Expanding these retreats into WA and supporting more Australians early in their dementia diagnosis is exciting, essential and life-changing for future retreat participants.”
The other part of the funding will allow BaptistCare to also reprise a program the not-for-profit provider ran some years ago – the Strong Carers program.
“The program sees BaptistCare specialist consultants offer six intensive coaching sessions for people with a loved one with dementia living at home in the ACT,” Ms Newman said.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there are at least 140,000 unpaid carers supporting people living with dementia. These can be family members, community members, or friends.
Supporting an individual living with dementia can be emotionally and physically challenging for the carer. The department said by building knowledge, skills and capability, it is hoped the respite care support program will enable people with dementia to remain living at home and in the community for longer.
The eight grants are the latest to have been awarded through the government’s Improving respite care for people living with dementia and their carers initiative. More than 30 providers have received funding via the scheme to date.
In a statement announcing the funding, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said: “With more than 400,000 people living with dementia in Australia – a number expected to double by 2058 – programs like this are vital to looking after the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Ms Newman told CCR early support through respite programs has positive impacts on the long-term care of someone living with dementia and the quality of life and wellbeing of their caregivers. “It enables them to be cared for at home, where they are comfortable, while also ensuring carers are not left unsupported.”
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