Flexible Respite packages

Flexible respite packages provide carers of an adult with a disability with a break from their caring role. The Ella Centre has funding to enable 13 carers to have 156 hours of flexible respite each per year.Respite runs for a minimum of 2 hours and can last for as long as a few days.

Flexible respite packages enable a carer and their care recipient to work with The Ella Centre’s Flexible Respite Co-ordinator to plan how they wish to use their allocated respite hours for the upcoming year. Each carer can choose which form of respite will best meet their needs, be it weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual respite care that is provided. The Co-ordinator will then match a worker with the care recipient to provide this respite care.

Carers can apply for a flexible respite package if they provide ongoing support to a family member or friend with a disability who:

• is aged from 18 to 64 years,
• lives in the Inner West region, and
• has moderate to very high support needs

Respite can be provided in a range of locations and in a variety of ways. Your
co-ordinator will discuss the options available to you, which can include:

• In-home respite
• Out-of-home respite
• Overnight respite care
• Recreational respite
• Peer support

Funding
The flexible respite program is funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.